Fresenius is a company that makes a hydroxyethyl starch solution (HES) which treats hypovolemia. Intensive care units worldwide use the solution as a treatment. HES prevents shock, or hypovolemia, following severe blood loss after a surgery or trauma. The treatment boosts blood volume and improves the viscosity of blood.
Hypovolemia is a decrease of blood, specifically plasma, circulating through the body. The condition occurs after the body loses more than 20% of its blood.
After trauma, the body is sometimes unable to compensate for changes in blood volume. The heart cannot pump enough blood to its organs.
Hypovolemic shock is very serious. It can lead to organ failure and death. Symptoms range from headache and fatigue, to pain and loss of consciousness. Long-term complications can include kidney damage.
Volume replacement therapy temporarily increases plasma volumes until the body can compensate on its own. But, the use of HES has recently been shown to increase kidney damage.
A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association says Fresenius’ HES increases the risk of renal failure and death. On June 24, 2013, (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that critically ill patients should not be treated with HES products.
Additional Sources:
Fresenius Blood Volumizer Linked to Deaths in Study
Fresenius, B. Braun IV Fluids Tied to More Deaths, Study Finds
If you or someone you love has injuries due to Fresenius’ HES, contact our offices today for a free personal injury consultation.
