pubmed-article:11903147 | pubmed:abstractText | We tested the hypothesis that the combination of polymerized bovine hemoglobin (PBHg) with hypertonic saline may be beneficial for the initial management of hemorrhagic shock in 22 mongrel dogs (15 +/- 1 kg) bled to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mm Hg in 5 min and maintained at this level for 45 min (shed blood volume approximately 50 ml/kg). Animals were treated with a 4 ml/kg bolus over 4 min of one of the following fluids: whole blood, 7.5% NaCl (HS), 13 g/dl of PBHg, or 7.5% NaCl combined with polymerized bovine hemoglobin (HS-PBHg). No additional intervention was performed, and the animals were followed for 60 min after treatment. PBHg and HS-PBHg produced a sustained, significant increase in MAP. Cardiac output was transiently increased only after HS and HS-PBHg. A partial increase in superior mesenteric artery blood flow was observed, particularly after HS-PBHg. We concluded that small volumes of PBHg alone restore MAP, but not blood flow. The combination of PBHg with hypertonic saline provides improvements in cardiac output and mesenteric blood flow, suggesting a potential benefit for the initial management of major blood loss. | lld:pubmed |