Tag: Hydroxyethyl starch

Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a semisynthetic colloid, and surprisingly, its origins can be traced back to common plant-based starches like those found in waxy maize or potatoes. This initial, natural source is then chemically altered to produce a substance with the specific properties required for medical applications.

Initially developed between 1944 and 1962, Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) was once used for treating low blood volume, but its clinical applications are now heavily restricted in many regions due to serious adverse effects. This article clarifies the distinction between Hydroxyethyl starch and another medical condition, Hypereosinophilic Syndrome, also abbreviated as HES.