A NOVEL FLUID RESUSCITATION THERAPY FOR HEMORRHAGIC-SHOCK

Fluid resuscitation is the usual therapy for hemorrhagic shock, and fr equently consists of the infusion of large volumes of electrolyte solu tions. However, to be successful, this therapy should be implemented s oon after injury. A new treatment method in which the infusion could b e delayed might result in a greater survival rate. Reducing the volume of fluid needed is also important. Both of these aspects of fluid res uscitation therapy were addressed in this study by supplementing the e lectrolyte solution with trans-sodium crocetinate (TSC). Rats were sub jected to a severe hemorrhage, with 55% (or greater) of the estimated blood volume being removed over a period of approximately 10 min. Ther e were five animals in each treatment group, and two types of experime nts were done. In one, a bolus injection of TSC (or saline control) wa s given immediately after hemorrhage, followed 30 min later with an in fusion of isotonic saline. In the other experiments, reduced infusion volumes of a TSC-saline infusion fluid were used. In both cases, TSC r esulted in the survival of the animals while the controls all died. Wh ole-body oxygen consumption also increased with TSC, reaching 75% of t he normal resting value after about 15 min. This correlates well with the increased survival rates seen, since mortality after hemorrhagic s hock is associated with decreased oxygen consumption. These results su ggest that the use of TSC could allow for later implementation of flui d resuscitation therapy as well as reducing the volume needed.