The kind of fluid for correcting hypovolaemia is still a focus of debate. In a prospective, randomized, controlled and double-blind study in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, a total balanced volume replacement strategy including a new balanced hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution was compared with a conventional, non-balanced fluid regimen.

In Group A (n = 15), a new balanced 6% HES 130/0.42 was given along with a balanced crystalloid solution; in Group B (n = 15), an unbalanced conventional HES 130/0.42 plus an unbalanced crystalloid (saline solution) were administered. Volume was given when mean arterial pressure (MAP) was <65 mmHg and central venous pressure (CVP) minus positive end-expiratoric pressure (PEEP) level was <10 mmHg. Haemodynamics, acid–base status, coagulation (thrombelastography (TEG)) and kidney function (including kidney-specific proteins, N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (beta-NAG) and alpha-1-microglobulin) were measured after induction of anaesthesia, at the end of surgery, 5 and 24 h after surgery.

Group A received 3533 ± 1302 mL of HES and 5333 ± 1063 mL of crystalloids, in Group B, 3866 ± 1674 mL of HES and 5966 ± 1202 mL of crystalloids were given. Haemodynamics, laboratory data, TEG data and kidney function were without significant differences between the groups. Cl− concentration and base excess (−5 ± 2.4 mmol L−1 vs. 0.4 ± 2.4 mmol L−1) were significantly higher in patients of Group B than of Group A.

A complete balanced volume replacement strategy including a new balanced HES preparation resulted in significantly less derangement in acid–base status compared with a non-balanced volume replacement regimen. The new HES preparation showed no negative effects on coagulation and kidney function.