Hydroxyethyl starch has direct harmful effects on kidney cells, lab study finds

The increased risk of kidney injury related to the use of hydroxyethyl starch in resuscitation fluids reflects the mass of HES molecules, according to a report. Hydroxyethyl starch is a starch derivative that has been widely used for fluid resuscitation with volume expansion for critically ill or injured patients in shock. A growing body of evidence suggests that HES solutions may have harmful effects, including an increased risk of kidney injury and death.