A comparative study of Euro-Collins, low potassium University of Wisconsinand cold modified blood solutions in lung preservation in acute autotransplantations in the pig

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the quality of lung preservat ion offered by Euro-Collins solution (EC), Cold Modified Blood solution (CM B) and low potassium University of Wisconsin solution (UWLP). Method: Fifte en right lung auto-transplantations (five for each solution) in the pig (La rge White) were performed after 2 h of cold ischaemic storage in physiologi cal solution at 4 degreesC. Right lung biopsies were performed before ischa emia and 30 min after reperfusion, for histoenzymatic, histopathological an d electron microscope studies. Results: After reperfusion, significant alte rations were observed in the haemodynamics with only the right lung perfuse d; pulmonary arteriolar resistance increased by a factor of 5 in the EC gro up, by a factor of 4 in the CMB group and by a factor of 1.2 in the UWLP gr oup; the right ventricular ejection fraction fell by 60% in the EC group, b y 50% in the CMB group and by 31% in the UWLP group. Haemodynamic impairmen t was lower in the UWLP group (P < 0.05; P < 0.001) as was ischaemic-reperf usion injury (P < 0.05). Oedema was observed in the EC group and extensive alveolar wall damage in the CMB group. Hypoxaemia was observed in all group s but the differences in the degree of hypoxaemia were not significant. Con clusions: The authors concluded that UWLP solution was the most effective o f the three in this transplant model. <(c)> 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.