ANTIOXIDANT TREATMENT FOR SHOCK - VITAMIN-E BUT NOT VITAMIN-C IMPROVES SURVIVAL

Anti-oxidant therapy has been effective for treatment of experimental shock. In this study, the efficacy of Trolox (Aldrich Chemical Co., Mi lwaukee, WI), a water-soluble vitamin E analogue, and ascorbic acid (v itamin C) was evaluated in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock and resusc itation. In two prospective trials, rats were phlebotomized (27 mL/kg) and left in shock for 45 minutes. Resuscitation was then instituted b y continuous IV infusion with lactated Ringer's (LR) (54 mL/kg) over 6 0 min. In Trial 1, rats were randomized to receive either placebo (LR) or Trolox (50 mg/kg) in LR. In Trial 2, rats were randomized to LR al one or ascorbic acid (50 mg/kg) in LR. Survival for ascorbic acid-trea ted rats (35 per cent) was not different than for control rats (35 per cent). However, the addition of Trolox to infusion significantly impr oved 72 hour survival, 75 per cent versus 40 per cent respectively, fo r Trolox-treated and control animals. These data demonstrate that Trol ox is of survival benefit when added to resuscitation in this model. T his benefit does not appear to be related to blood pressure or white c ell adhesion. Trolox is more effective than ascorbic acid in this mode l.