BACKGROUND The aim of this position statement was to inform the choice of physical activity tools for use within CF research and clinical settings. METHODS A systematic review of physical activity tools to explore evidence for reliability, validity, and responsiveness. Narrative answers to "four key questions" on motion sensors, questionnaires and diaries were drafted by the core writing team...

CONTEXT Measurement of blood haemoglobin concentration by pulse oximetry could be of value in determining when erythrocytes should be transfused during surgery, but the effect of infusion fluids on the results is unclear. OBJECTIVE To study the effect of crystalloid and colloid fluid on the accuracy (bias) and precision of pulse oximetry haemoglobin estimation to indicate the venous haemoglob...

Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 (Voluven, Fresenius/Hospira, Germany) is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypovolemia. As the Voluven molecule is smaller than those of other available hydroxyethyl starch products, it is associated with less plasma accumulation and can be safely used in patients with renal impairment. Previous studies have demonstrated that Voluven has comparable...

PURPOSE To compare fluid replacement therapy with Hydroxyethyl starch 6% (HES) versus Ringer's lactate (RL) in a rodent model of non-septic renal ischemia. METHODS Forty male Wistar rats were randomized to receive HES 2 ml.kg(-1).hr(-1) or RL 5 ml.kg(-1).hr(-1) that underwent 30 minutes of renal ischemia followed by reperfusion. Twelve hours after kidney ischemia, the kidneys were evaluated f...

Hydroxyethyl starch is commonly used as a plasma volume expander in the surgical patient. Although it is generally considered a safe plasma substitution, some reports of an acquired von Willebrand's disease-like syndrome have been documented. To examine this further, von Willebrand factor: ristocetin cofactor activity (RCoF) was measured in two groups of patients perioperatively, following hydr...

The need for sophisticated component therapy has resulted in improved techniques for obtaining concentrates of platelets and granulocytes. The use of single donors as a source for these products is advisable to avoid multiple sensitizations. A method for obtaining large quantities of platelets has been established rather easily. Obtaining concentrated granulocytes represents a greater problem o...

We studied the long-term efficacy and safety of medium-molecular-weight hydroxyethyl starch (HES) administered in doses above 20 ml.kg-1 during major blood replacement therapy. Blood replacement for 50 patients used 6% HES 200/0.5 (HES group) or 5% albumin (ALB group) and additional blood components according to a defined protocol. We compared safety, efficacy and costs in 4 peri-operative days...

In acute clinical settings where there may be a role for antioxidant therapy, patients receive large amounts of i.v. fluids which may have antioxidant activity. To investigate such effects the antioxidant capacity of nine i.v. fluids was measured (Gelofusine, Haemaccel, 20% mannitol, 4.5% human albumin solution, fresh frozen plasma, aprotinin, N-acetylcysteine and two hydroxyethyl starch soluti...

BACKGROUND Haemorrhage follows surgical intervention, but also fluid substitution may affect the blood loss. Here influence of colloids and lactated Ringer's solution (LR) on coagulation competence and haemorrhage is evaluated during cystectomy. METHODS A meta-analysis, a prospective observational study and three randomized controlled trials were conducted - 17 patients received HES 130/0.4, ...

BACKGROUND Hydroxyethyl-starch (HES) solutions might have renal adverse effects in humans and dogs. OBJECTIVE To determine if administration of 6% HES-130/0.4 is associated with an increase in serum creatinine concentration and development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in nonazotemic cats. ANIMALS A total of 62 critically ill cats; 26 HES exposed and 36 unexposed. METHODS Retrospective coh...