AMELIORATION OF RESPIRATORY AND CIRCULATORY CHANGES IN ESTABLISHED ENDOTOXIC-SHOCK BY KETOPROFEN

In an intensive-care setting we studied the effects of ketoprofen, a d ual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, on circulatory and r espiratory changes during established endotoxic shock in sheep. Two gr oups (n = 7 in each) were exposed to E. coli endotoxin, which caused a sharp increase in pulmonary artery pressure (200%; PAP), intrapulmona ry shunt fraction (300%; Qs/Q(T)%), and oxygen extraction ratio (50%; Vo(2)/ Do(2)%). There was also a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure (25%; MAP), respiratory compliance (60%; C-T), arterial oxyg en tension (65%; Pao(2)), and oxygen delivery index (15%; Do(2)) in bo th groups. After 30 min of endotoxin infusion, group K received ketopr ofen, 2.5 mg/kg b.w.i.v., while group E served as shock controls. Afte r 4 h there had been a significant improvement in MAP, Pao(2), Do(2), Qs/Q(T)%, and C-T in the ketoprofen-treated group compared with the co ntrols (P < 0.01). In addition, the oxygen extraction ratio normalised in group K, but remained 70-100% increased in group E (P < 0.01). The wet-to-dry weight ratios of the lungs and the liver were significantl y lower in the ketoprofen-treated group compared with the controls (P < 0.05). It was concluded that ketoprofen significantly ameliorated th e respiratory and circulatory effects of established endotoxic shock i n sheep.