1. The N-(2-hydroxyethyl)alanine esterified to phosphatidic acid in anaerobic ciliate rumen protozoa has the l configuration. 2. Labelling experiments with Entodinium caudatum cultures using [(32)P]P(i) [2-(14)C]ethanolamine and (32)P- and (14)C-labelled phosphatidylethanolamine show that phosphatidylethanolamine is the direct lipid precursor of the N-(2-hydroxyethyl)alanine-containing phosphol...

UNLABELLED Hypovolemic patients with impairment of the blood-brain barrier may receive IV hydroxyethyl starch (HES) to stabilize cardiovascular function and to increase cerebral perfusion pressure. It is not known whether HES can penetrate into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) under those conditions. We investigated plasma and CSF levels of HES after IV infusion in patients with suspected disturba...

BACKGROUND Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is used for fluid replacement in millions of patients around the world every year, yet it has been found to have adverse effects that have a negative impact on patient survival. Recent clinical trials with a modern HES solution (HES 130) and meta-analyses now enable a reassessment of its risks and benefits. METHODS On the basis of a selective literature se...

We read with interest the article by Meybohm and colleagues regarding the use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) in critically ill patients [1]. Although we may agree with their conclusion that the most important question is whether or not HES may be harmful, we cannot agree with their suggestion on further clinical use based only on strict indication for HES or a safety checklist. In recent major ra...