Abstract
This study compared the acute effects of a daily infusion (for 6 days) of 10% hydroxyethyl
starch (Hes) (n =6) vs 10% dextran 40 (n=8) in claudicants. During exercise on a pedal
ergometer at the maximal force, O2 extraction and lactate production of the diseased leg as well as blood pressure,
heart rate, hematocrit and blood viscosity were measured. After a single infusion
of 500 ml Hes lactate, production decreased by 52 ± 22% (p < 0.05), with a concomitant increase of O2 extraction and maximal exercise capacity. In contrast to dextran where no changes
were observed after a single dose, Hes also increased the systolic blood pressure.
After 6 days of hypervolemic hemodilution therapy, hematocrit was lowered and blood
pressure increased with a comparable increase of O2 extraction and maximal exercise capacity in both groups. We conclude that the decreased
lactate production with the concomitant increase of O2 extraction and maximal exercise capacity is due to the increased blood pressure.
