The most frequent side effects are directly related to the therapeutic effects of HES solutions and dosage, i.e. hemodilution, which is the result of an increase in intravascular space without concomitant administration of blood constituents.Dilution of coagulation factors can also occur. Hypersensitivity reactions are very rare and do not depend on the dose.
Gradation of the frequency of undesirable drug reactions: very often (> 1/10), often (> 1/100, but <1/10), infrequently (> 1/1000, but <1/100), rarely (> 1/10000, but <1/1000), very rarely (<1/10000), the frequency is unknown.
On the part of the blood and lymphatic system
Very often: a decrease in hematocrit, hypoproteinemia.
Often: violations of the blood coagulation system, increased bleeding time.
From the immune system
Very rarely: anaphylactic reactions of varying severity (see subsection "Anaphylactoid reactions").
General violations and violations at the site of introduction
Often: itching, difficult to treat (with long-term administration in medium and high doses). Itching can continue for up to a week after stopping therapy and even for several months and be high-intensity.
From the laboratory indicators
Often: increased activity of amylase in the plasma, not associated with impaired pancreatic function. Hyperamilazemia develops as a result of the formation of a complex of hydroxyethyl starch-amylase, which is not excreted by the kidneys.
Anaphylactoid reactions
After the introduction of hydroxyethyl starch, anaphylactoid reactions of varying severity, characteristic of all colloidal solutions, may occur. These reactions are manifested in the form of sudden reddening of the face and neck, lowering blood pressure, shock, stopping breathing and circulatory system.
General recommendations for the prevention and treatment of anaphylactic reactions:
- Inform medical staff of the nature and severity of possible anaphylactoid reactions due to the introduction of colloidal solutions.
- Careful observation of the patient during the administration of the drug, especially when infusing the first 20-30 ml.
- Availability of necessary resuscitative equipment and medicines.
- Immediate cessation of administration at the first sign of anaphylactoid reactions.
Negative reaction to trial administration of the drug is not a guarantee that the patient does not develop anaphylactoid reactions. Allergic anamnesis is also not a prognostic sign. The effectiveness of preventive administration of glucocorticosteroids has not been proven.
Anaphylactoid reactions can develop both in patients who are conscious, and in patients with anesthesia.In the acute phase of shock caused by the primary disease, the diagnosis of anaphylactoid reactions is difficult.
In the case of anaphylactoid / anaphylactic reactions, urgent emergency care should be provided in accordance with current guidelines. The mechanism of the development of anaphylactoid reactions after the administration of hydroxyethyl starch preparations has not been fully established.
Patients with anaphylactoid reactions in the first place are advised to enter epinephrine.