Total Mass of Hydroxyethyl Starch Molecules Appears to Harm Kidney Cells

The increased risk of kidney injury related to the use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) in resuscitation fluids reflects the total mass of HES molecules, according to researchers. Other factors, such as differences in the origin or molecular weight of HES solutions, appear to play little or no role in cellular-level toxicity of HES. The effect of HES mass on cultured human renal proximal tubule cells was dose-dependent; the greater the molecular mass, the greater the evidence of cell toxicity. The toxic effects started very soon after cells were exposed to HEC, according to the Anesthesia & Analgesia study.