Archives of dermatological research
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Severe itching for unknown reasons has been reported after administration of hydroxyethylstarch (HES) in haemodilution therapy of humans. After HES treatment, vacuoles in cells of various organs in humans have been shown, predominantly affecting the mononuclear phagocyte system. These vacuoles present indirect evidence for phagocytosis of HES particles. ⋯ Treatment with antihistaminic agents proved ineffective in these patients; this fits with the observation that morphological signs of histamine release from mast cells were absent. These findings indicate that other mediators from HES-affected cells must be responsible for the development of the itching. Thus, investigation of HES storage may be a useful contribution to the elucidation of release of itch mediators and induction of pruritus.