Fresenius Blood Volumizer

According to a new study, a blood volumizer made by Fresenius may increase the risk for death and kidney damage in critically ill patients. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, addresses a debate about which solution is best used to resuscitate patients whose blood pressure has dropped dramatically.

Study authors evaluated results from several different studies along with existing research. They concluded that hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution may not be better than other solutions.

A Canadian study, which analyzed results from 38 trials, showed that patients who received an infusion of hydroxyethyl starch weren't any less likely to die than those treated with other types of blood volume boosters. However, the study excluded data from several studies conducted by a German doctor who found that the infusion was in fact associated with a higher risk for death and kidney injury.

According to study authors, hydroxyethyl starch solution should not be used for the resuscitation of critically ill patients until more trials are conducted.

What is Hydroxyethyl Starch Solution?

Hydroxyethyl starch is a natural product taken from waxy maize. It is given intravenously to patients in critical condition to replace blood volume and improve the viscosity of the blood. For instance, infusions are given to patients to prevent and manage postoperative complications. The solutions are used to treat low blood pressure (hypovolemia) that results from trauma, sepsis, burns or anaphylaxis.

Blood volume is critical for maintaining the cardiovascular system and tissue oxygenation. In critical situations, the body may not be able to compensate for the changes in blood volume; this is where hydroxyethyl starch comes in. The goal of the volume therapy is to temporarily increase plasma volumes until the body can correct the sudden decrease in blood pressure on its own.

Hypovolemia is very serious and can lead to diminished organ blood flow, decreased oxygen to various organs and organ failure. Blood volume substitutes such as the one produced by Fresenius, combined with basin solutions, are designed to compensate for blood volume changes and to improve the chance of survival and recovery.

Fresenius Blood Volumizer Lawsuits

The new study suggests that hydroxyethyl starch is not a safer alternative to other solutions and that it can actually increase a patient's risk for death and kidney failure. The defective drug lawyers at Flood Law Group are investigating this matter and are available to review potential cases on behalf of families whose loved ones died following an infusion.

To learn more about hydroxyethyl starch lawsuits or to speak with an attorney from our firm about a possible case against Fresenius, contact our law office today. We represent injured persons and families across the country.