Neurotoxicity of intrathecal 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 injection in a rat model

Summary Epidural blood patch is the gold standard treatment for post‐dural puncture headache, although hydroxyethyl starch may be a useful alternative to blood if the latter is contraindicated. The aim of this experimental study was to assess whether hydroxyethyl starch given via an indwelling intrathecal catheter resulted in clinical or histopathological changes suggestive of neurotoxicity. The study was conducted in rats that were randomly...