Hypertonic saline in hydatid disease

The objective of this study was to determine the scolicidal effects of sali ne in different concentrations using different exposure times and to examin e whether hypertonic saline can be used to irrigate the abdomen when there is a free intraperitoneal perforation of hydatid disease. Various concentra tions of saline solutions (0.09%, 3.0%, 6.5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%) were added to concentrated echinococcus granulosus sediments for the following times: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Normal (0.09%), 3.0%, and 6.5% saline resulted in high viability ratios after 60 minutes' exposu re. Complete lethality for 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% saline occurred at t he end of 75, 10, 6, 3, and 3 minutes, respectively. During the second part of the study, 20 Sprague-Dawley rats were used for abdominal saline irriga tion in four groups: 30% NaCl for 3 minutes; 20% NaCl for 6 minutes; intrav enous isotonic dextrose water and furosemide plus 30% NaCl irrigation for 3 minutes; the same prophylactic therapy plus 20% NaCl irrigation for 6 minu tes. Sodium and chloride values rose significantly (20-30%) shortly after h ypertonic saline irrigation in each group (p < 0.01). Support with isotonic dextrose and furosemide before irrigation did not have any beneficial effe ct on biochemical values or mortality. The 24- and 48-hour mortality rates were 70% and 90%, respectively. These studies illustrate that the scolicida l effect of hypertonic saline is limited in low concentrations, but an incr ease in the concentration can augment its adverse effects. Peritoneal irrig ation with hypertonic saline should be avoided for intraabdominal perforate d hydatid disease. Therefore, we concluded that hypertonic saline is not a good scolicidal agent to prevent recurrence of hydatid disease.