ICU: Hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution, Postop cardiac patients

Hypertonic-hyperoncotic solutions improve cardiac function in children after open-heart surgery
Schroth, M. et al. Pediatr 2006;118:e76-e84

Two groups of 25 children, after ASD/VSD closure. One group received HES (Poly hydroxy ethyl starch - Osmolarity: 2464 mOsmol/L). Second group received Isotonic normal saline (309 mOsmol/L).
Staff are blinded to the solution. All patients received either HES or NS 4 ml/kg over 15 min. Hemodynamic parameters were measured using Thermodilution and PiCCO (Pulse contour Cardiac Output) technique...PULSION Medical Systems.
Measurements were taken before, immediately after, 15 min, 1 hr, 4 hr, 12 hr and 24 hrs after volume loading.
HES group (called HHS group in paper): CI ws 3.6 L/min/m2(before) - Increased to 5.96 L/min/m2 immediately after.
Remained elevated at 15 min and 60 min. Lasted upto 4 hrs.
Normal saline group (called ISS group in paper): No change was noticed. 3.39 L/min/m2 before & 3.65 after.