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Xianren Wu

Publications and source records attributed to Xianren Wu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Emergency preservation and delayed resuscitation allows normal recovery after exsanguination cardiac arrest in rats: a feasibility trial.

OBJECTIVE: Emergency preservation and resuscitation (EPR) comprise a novel approach for resuscitation of exsanguination cardiac arrest victims. EPR uses a cold aortic flush to induce deep hypothermic preservation, followed by resuscitation with cardiopulmonary bypass. Development of a rat EPR model would enable study of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal injury and the screening of novel agents for emergency preservation. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized study. SETTING: University research facility. SUBJECTS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: Isoflurane-anesthetized rats were subjected to lethal hemorrhage (12.5 mL for 5 mins), followed by KCl-induced cardiac arrest and 1 min of no flow. Three groups (n=6) were studied: hypothermic EPR (H-EPR; 0 degrees C flush; target temperature, 15 degrees C); normothermic EPR (N-EPR; 38 degrees C flush); and controls. After 20 mins of H-EPR or N-EPR, resuscitation was initiated with cardiopulmonary bypass for 60 mins and mechanical ventilation. Controls were subjected to complete experimental preparation and anesthesia without cardiac arrest, followed by 60 mins of cardiopulmonary bypass and mechanical ventilation. Surviving rats were extubated 2 hrs later. Survival, Overall Performance Category (1, normal; 5, death), Neurologic Deficit Score, Histologic Damage Score, and biochemistry were assessed in survivors on day 7. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All rats in H-EPR and control groups survived, whereas none of the rats in the N-EPR group had restoration of spontaneous circulation. All rats in the H-EPR and control groups achieved Overall Performance Category 1, normal Neurologic Damage Score, and normal or near normal Histologic Damage Score and biochemical markers of organ injury. CONCLUSIONS: We have established an EPR model in rats showing no neurologic injury, despite an exsanguination cardiac arrest, followed by 20 mins of EPR using miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass. Establishment of this model should facilitate application of molecular tools to study the effects of hypothermic preservation and reperfusion and to screen novel pharmacologic adjuncts.

Animals↗

Small volume resuscitation with tempol is detrimental during uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock in rats.

BACKGROUND: In a previous study, titration of a hypertonic saline (HTS) solution during severe uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock (UHS) failed to reduce mortality. In a separate study, a novel antioxidant, polynitroxylated albumin (PNA) plus tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl), infused during shock increased long-term survival. We hypothesized that combining potent antioxidants with a hypertonic solution during UHS would preserve the logistical advantage of small volume resuscitation and improve survival. METHODS: An UHS outcome model in rats was used. UHS phase I (90 min) included blood withdrawal of 30 ml/kg over 15 min, followed by tail amputation for uncontrolled bleeding. At 20 min, rats were randomized to four groups (n=10 each) for hypotensive resuscitation from 20 to 90 min (mean arterial pressure [MAP] > or = 40 mmHg): HTS/starch group received 7.2% NaCl/10% hydroxyethyl starch; HTS/albumin group received 7.5% NaCl/20% albumin; HTS/PNA group received 7.5% NaCl/20% PNA; HTS/albumin+tempol group received 7.5% NaCl/20% albumin plus tempol. Resuscitation phase II (180 min) included hemostasis, return of shed blood and administration of fluids to restore MAP > or = 80 mmHg. Observation phase III was to 72 h. RESULTS: The total amount of fluid required to maintain hypotensive MAP during HS was low and did not differ between groups (range: 3.4+/-1.9 to 5.3+/-2.5 ml/kg). The rate of fluid administration required was higher in the HTS/albumin+tempol group compared to all other groups (p=0.006). Additional uncontrolled blood loss was highest in the HTS/PNA group (16.2+/-5.7 ml/kg [p=0.01] versus 10.4+/-7.9 ml/kg in the HTS/starch group, 7.7+/-5.2 ml/kg in the HTS/albumin group and 8.2+/-7.1 ml/kg in the HTS/albumin+tempol group). MAP after start of resuscitation in phase I was lower in the HTS/albumin+tempol group than the HTS/albumin or HTS/PNA groups (p<0.01). This group was also less tachycardic. Long-term survival was low in all groups (2 of 10 after HTS/starch and 1 of 10 after HTS/albumin, 3 of 10 after HTS/PNA, 1 of 10 after HTS/albumin+tempol). Median survival time was shortest in the HTS/albumin+tempol group (72 min [CI 34-190]) compared to all other groups (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite its benefits in other model systems, free tempol is potentially hazardous when combined with hypertonic fluids. PNA abrogates these deleterious effects on acute mortality but may lead to increased blood loss in the setting of UHS.

Albumins↗

Critical time window for intra-arrest cooling with cold saline flush in a dog model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: Mild hypothermia improves outcome when induced after cardiac arrest in humans. Recent studies in both dogs and mice suggest that induction of mild hypothermia during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) greatly enhances its efficacy. In this study, we evaluate the time window for the beneficial effect of intra-arrest cooling in the setting of prolonged CPR in a clinically relevant large-animal model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventeen dogs had ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest no flow of 3 minutes, followed by 7 minutes of CPR basic life support and 50 minutes of advanced life support. In the early hypothermia group (n=9), mild hypothermia (34 degrees C) was induced with an intravenous fluid bolus flush and venovenous blood shunt cooling after 10 minutes of ventricular fibrillation. In the delayed hypothermia group (n=8), hypothermia was induced at ventricular fibrillation 20 minutes. After 60 minutes of ventricular fibrillation, restoration of spontaneous circulation was achieved with cardiopulmonary bypass for 4 hours, and intensive care was given for 96 hours. In the early hypothermia group, 7 of 9 dogs survived to 96 hours, 5 with good neurological outcome. In contrast, 7 of 8 dogs in the delayed hypothermia group died within 37 hours with multiple organ failure (P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Early application of mild hypothermia with cold saline during prolonged CPR enables intact survival. Delay in the induction of mild hypothermia in this setting markedly reduces its efficacy. Our data suggest that if mild hypothermia is used during CPR, it should be applied as early as possible.

Animals↗

Induction of profound hypothermia for emergency preservation and resuscitation allows intact survival after cardiac arrest resulting from prolonged lethal hemorrhage and trauma in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Induction of profound hypothermia for emergency preservation and resuscitation (EPR) of trauma victims who experience exsanguination cardiac arrest may allow survival from otherwise-lethal injuries. Previously, we achieved intact survival of dogs from 2 hours of EPR after rapid hemorrhage. We tested the hypothesis that EPR would achieve good outcome if prolonged hemorrhage preceded cardiac arrest. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two minutes after cardiac arrest from prolonged hemorrhage and splenic transection, dogs were randomized into 3 groups (n=7 each): (1) the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) group, resuscitated with conventional CPR, and the (2) EPR-I and (3) EPR-II groups, both of which received 20 L of a 2 degrees C saline aortic flush to achieve a brain temperature of 10 degrees C to 15 degrees C. CPR or EPR lasted 60 minutes and was followed in all groups by a 2-hour resuscitation by cardiopulmonary bypass. Splenectomy was then performed. The CPR dogs were maintained at 38.0 degrees C. In the EPR groups, mild hypothermia (34 degrees C) was maintained for either 12 (EPR-I) or 36 (EPR-II) hours. Function and brain histology were evaluated 60 hours after rewarming in all dogs. Cardiac arrest occurred after 124+/-16 minutes of hemorrhage. In the CPR group, spontaneous circulation could not be restored without cardiopulmonary bypass; none survived. Twelve of 14 EPR dogs survived. Compared with the EPR-I group, the EPR-II group had better overall performance, final neurological deficit scores, and histological damage scores. CONCLUSIONS: EPR is superior to conventional CPR in facilitating normal recovery after cardiac arrest from trauma and prolonged hemorrhage. Prolonged mild hypothermia after EPR was critical for achieving intact neurological outcomes.

Animals↗

Influence of dobutamine on the variables of systemic haemodynamics, metabolism, and intestinal perfusion after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Global left ventricular dysfunction after successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest may be treated successfully with dobutamine but the effects on intestinal perfusion are unknown. METHODS: In 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats ventricular fibrillation was induced. After 4 min of untreated cardiac arrest, precordial chest compression was performed for 4 min; adrenaline (epinephrine) (90 microg kg(-1)) was injected, followed by defibrillation. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 18 animals, which were allocated to receive saline 0.9% (control group, n = 6), dobutamine at 5 microg kg(-1) min(-1) (n = 6) or dobutamine at 10 microg kg(-1) min(-1) (n = 6). Measurements of haemodynamic variables and intestinal tonometer P(CO2) were made before induction of ventricular fibrillation and 15, 30, 60, and 120 min postresuscitation. RESULTS: At 120 min postresuscitation, mean aortic pressure was 82 +/- 20, 104 +/- 19, and 113 +/- 15 mmHg for the control group, the dobutamine (5 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) group and the dobutamine (10 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) group (P < 0.05 for comparison of the dobutamine (10 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) group versus the control group). Respective abdominal aortic blood flow was 107 +/- 16, 133 +/- 49, and 145 +/- 18 ml min(-1) kg(-1) (P < 0.05 for comparison of the dobutamine (10 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) group versus the control group), and superior mesenteric artery blood flow was 25 +/- 9, 28 +/- 8, and 33 +/- 8 ml min(-1) kg(-1). Arterial lactate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the control group (2.3 +/- 0.6 mmol l(-1)) than in the dobutamine (5 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) group (1.6 +/- 0.3 mmol l(-1)) and dobutamine (10 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) group (1.5 +/- 0.3 mmol l(-1)). Tonometrically derived P(CO2) gap was highly elevated at 15 min of postresuscitation and returned to prearrest level at 120 min postresuscitation in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dobutamine enhances the recovery of global haemodynamic and metabolic variables early after cardiac arrest.

Animals↗

Titrated hypertonic/hyperoncotic solution for hypotensive fluid resuscitation during uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock in rats.

BACKGROUND: In volume- or pressure-controlled hemorrhagic shock (HS) a bolus intravenous infusion of hypertonic/hyperoncotic solution (HHS) proved beneficial compared to isotonic crystalloid solutions. During uncontrolled HS in animals, however, HHS by bolus increased blood pressure unpredictably, and increased blood loss and mortality. We hypothesized that a titrated i.v. infusion of HHS, compared to titrated lactated Ringer's solution (LR), for hypotensive fluid resuscitation during uncontrolled HS reduces fluid requirement, does not increase blood loss, and improves survival. METHODS: We used our three-phased uncontrolled HS outcome model in rats. HS phase I began with blood withdrawal of 3 ml/100g over 15 min, followed by tail amputation. Then, hydroxyethyl starch 10% in NaCl 7.2% was given i.v. to the HHS group (n=10) and LR to the control group (n=10), both titrated to prevent mean arterial pressure (MAP) from falling below 40 mmHg during HS time 20-90 min. At HS 90 min, resuscitation phase II of 180 min began with hemostasis, return of all the blood initially shed, plus fluids i.v. as needed to maintain normotension (MAP>or=70 mmHg). Liver dysoxia was monitored as increase in liver surface pCO2 during phases I and II. Observation phase III was to 72 h. RESULTS: During HS, preventing a decrease in MAP below 40 mmHg required HHS 4.9+/-0.6 ml/kg (all data mean+/-S.E.M.), compared to LR 62.2+/-16.6 ml/kg (P<0.001), with no group difference in MAP. Uncontrolled blood loss during HS from the tail stump was 13.3+/-1.9 ml/kg with HHS infusion, versus 12.6+/-2.5 ml/kg with LR infusion (P=0.73). Serum sodium concentrations were moderately elevated at the end of HS in the HHS group (149+/-3 mmol/l) versus the LR group (139+/-1 mmol/l) (P=0.001), and remained elevated throughout. Liver pCO2 increased during HS in both groups equally (P<0.001 versus baseline), and tended to return to baseline levels at the end of HS. Blood gas and lactate values throughout did not differ between groups. During HS, 2 of 10 rats in the HHS group versus 0 of 10 in the LR group died (P=0.47). There was no difference between HHS and LR groups in survival rates to 72 h (3 of 10 in the HHS group versus 2 of 10 in the LR group) (P=1.0). Survival times, by life table analysis, were not different (P=0.75). CONCLUSION: In prolonged uncontrolled HS, a titrated i.v. infusion of HHS can maintain controlled hypotension with only one-tenth of the volume of LR required, without increasing blood loss. This titrated HHS strategy may not increase the chance of long-term survival.

Animals↗

Mild hypothermia improves survival after prolonged, traumatic hemorrhagic shock in pigs.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical studies have demonstrated improved survival after cardiac arrest with induction of mild hypothermia (34 degrees C). Infusion of ice-cold saline seems beneficial. The American Heart Association recommends therapeutic hypothermia for comatose survivors of cardiac arrest. For hemorrhagic shock (HS), laboratory studies suggest that mild hypothermia prolongs the golden hour for resuscitation. Yet, the effects of hypothermia during HS are unclear since retrospective clinical studies suggest that hypothermia is associated with increased mortality. Using a clinically relevant, large animal model with trauma and intensive care, we tested the hypothesis that mild hypothermia, induced with intravenous cold saline (ice cold or room temperature) and surface cooling, would improve survival after HS in pigs. METHODS: Pigs were prepared under isoflurane anesthesia. After laparotomy, venous blood (75 mL/kg) was continuously withdrawn over 3 hours (no systemic heparin). At HS 35 minutes, the spleen was transected. At HS 40 minutes, pigs were divided into three groups (n = 8, each): 1) Normothermia (Norm)(38 degrees C), induced with warmed saline; 2) Mild hypothermia (34 degrees C) induced with i.v. infusion of 2 degrees C saline (Hypo-Ice) and surface cooling; and 3) Mild hypothermia (34 degrees C), induced with room temperature (24 degrees C) i.v. saline (Hypo-Rm) and surface cooling. Fluids were given when mean arterial pressure (MAP) was <30 mmHg. At HS 3 hours, shed blood was returned and splenectomy was performed. Intensive care was continued to 24 hours. RESULTS: At 24 hours, there were two survivors in the Norm group, four in the Hypo-Ice group and seven in the Hypo-Rm group (p < 0.05 versus the Norm group, Log Rank). Time required to achieve 34 degrees C was 17 +/- 9 minutes in the Hypo-Ice group and 15 +/- 4 minutes in the Hypo-Rm group (NS). Compared with the Hypo-Rm group, the Hypo-Ice group required less saline during early HS (321 +/- 122 versus 571 +/- 184 mL, p < 0.05). The Hypo-Ice group also had higher lactate levels than the Hypo-Rm group (p < 0.05). Hypothermia did not cause any increase in bleeding compared with normothermia. CONCLUSION: Mild hypothermia during HS, induced by infusion of room temperature saline and surface cooling, improves survival in a clinically relevant model of HS and trauma. However, the use of iced saline in this model had detrimental effects and did not cool the animal more quickly than room temperature fluids. These findings suggest that optimal methods for induction of hypothermia need to be addressed for each potential indication, e.g. cardiac arrest versus HS.

Animals↗

Mild hypothermia during prolonged cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation increases conscious survival in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic hypothermia during cardiac arrest and after restoration of spontaneous circulation enables intact survival after prolonged cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR). The effect of cooling during CPCR is not known. We hypothesized that mild to moderate hypothermia during CPCR would increase the rate of neurologically intact survival after prolonged cardiac arrest in dogs. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled study using a clinically relevant cardiac arrest outcome model in dogs. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Twenty-seven custom-bred hunting dogs (19-29 kg; three were excluded from outcome evaluation). INTERVENTIONS: Dogs were subjected to cardiac arrest no-flow of 3 mins, followed by 7 mins of basic life support and 10 mins of simulated unsuccessful advanced life support attempts. Another 20 mins of advanced life support continued with four treatments: In control group 1 (n = 7), CPCR was with normothermia; in group 2 (n = 6, 1 of 7 excluded), with moderate hypothermia via venovenous extracorporeal shunt cooling to tympanic temperature 27 degrees C; in group 3 (n = 6, 2 of 8 excluded), the same as group 2 but with mild hypothermia, that is, tympanic temperature 34 degrees C; and in group 4 (n = 5), with normothermic venovenous shunt. After 40 mins of ventricular fibrillation, reperfusion was with cardiopulmonary bypass for 4 hrs, including defibrillation to achieve spontaneous circulation. All dogs were maintained at mild hypothermia (tympanic temperature 34 degrees C) to 12 hrs. Intensive care was to 96 hrs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Overall performance categories and neurologic deficit scores were assessed from 24 to 96 hrs. Regional and total brain histologic damage scores and extracerebral organ damage were assessed at 96 hrs. In normothermic groups 1 and 4, all 12 dogs achieved spontaneous circulation but remained comatose and (except one) died within 58 hrs with multiple organ failure. In hypothermia groups 2 and 3, all 12 dogs survived to 96 hrs without gross extracerebral organ damage (p < .0001). In group 2, all but one dog achieved overall performance category 1 (normal); four of six dogs had no neurologic deficit and normal brain histology. In group 3, all dogs achieved good functional outcome with normal or near-normal brain histology. Myocardial damage scores were worse in the normothermic groups compared with both hypothermic groups (p < .01). CONCLUSION: Mild or moderate hypothermia during prolonged CPCR in dogs preserves viability of extracerebral organs and improves outcome.

Animals↗

Suspended animation can allow survival without brain damage after traumatic exsanguination cardiac arrest of 60 minutes in dogs.

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown in dogs that exsanguination cardiac arrest of up to 120 minutes without trauma under profound hypothermia induced by aortic flush (suspended animation) can be survived without neurologic deficit. In the present study, the effects of major trauma (laparotomy, thoracotomy) are explored. This study is designed to better mimic the clinical scenario of an exsanguinating trauma victim, for whom suspended animation may buy time for resuscitative surgery and delayed resuscitation. METHODS: Fourteen dogs were exsanguinated over 5 minutes to cardiac arrest. Flush of saline at 2 degrees C into the femoral artery was initiated at 2 minutes of cardiac arrest and continued until a tympanic temperature of 10 degrees C was achieved. The dogs were then randomized into a control group without trauma (n = 6) or a trauma group (n = 8) that underwent a laparotomy and isolation of the spleen before hemorrhage and then, at the start of cardiac arrest, spleen transection and left thoracotomy. During cardiac arrest, splenectomy was performed. After 60 minutes of no-flow cardiac arrest, reperfusion with cardiopulmonary bypass was followed by intensive care to 72 hours. RESULTS: All 14 dogs survived to 72 hours with histologically normal brains. All control dogs were functionally neurologically intact. Four of eight trauma dogs were also functionally normal. Four had neurologic deficits, although three required prolonged mechanical ventilation because of airway edema and evidence of multiple organ failure. Blood loss from the chest and abdomen was variable and was associated with poor functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Rapid induction of profound hypothermic suspended animation (tympanic temperature, 10 degrees C) can enable survival without brain damage after exsanguination cardiac arrest of 60 minutes even in the presence of trauma, although prolonged intensive care may be required. This technique may allow survival of exsanguinated trauma victims, who now have almost no chance of survival.

Abdominal Injuries↗

Mild hypothermia during hemorrhagic shock in rats improves survival without significant effects on inflammatory responses.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the hypothesis that the survival benefit of mild, therapeutic hypothermia during hemorrhagic shock is associated with inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the acute inflammatory response. DESIGN: Prospective and randomized. SETTING: Animal research facility. SUBJECTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: Rats underwent pressure-controlled (mean arterial pressure 40 mm Hg) hemorrhagic shock for 90 mins. They were randomized to normothermia (38.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C) or mild hypothermia (33-34 degrees C from hemorrhagic shock 20 mins to resuscitation time 12 hrs). Rats were killed at resuscitation time 3 or 24 hrs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All seven rats in the hypothermia group and seven of 15 rats in the normothermia group survived to 24 hrs (p <.05). Hypothermic rats had lower serum potassium and higher blood glucose concentrations at 90 mins of hemorrhagic shock (p <.05). At resuscitation time 24 hrs, the hypothermia group had less liver injury (based on serum concentrations of ornithine carbamolytransferase and liver histology) and higher blood glucose than the normothermia group (p <.05). There were no differences in serum free 8-isoprostane (a marker of lipid peroxidation by free radicals) between the two groups at either baseline or resuscitation time 1 hr. Serum concentrations of interleukin- 1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha peaked at resuscitation time 1 hr. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations were higher (p <.05) at resuscitation time 1 hr in the hypothermia group compared with the normothermic group. Serum cytokine concentrations were not different between survivors and nonsurvivors in the normothermia group. Serum cytokine concentrations returned to baseline values in both groups by 24 hrs. There were no differences in the number of neutrophils in the lungs or the small intestine between the groups. More neutrophils were found in the lungs at resuscitation time 3 hrs than at resuscitation time 24 hrs in both groups (p <.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammatory responses to hemorrhagic shock are minimally influenced by mild hypothermia, although liver injury is mitigated and survival improved. Other mechanisms of benefit from mild hypothermia need to be explored.

Animals↗

Survival without brain damage after clinical death of 60-120 mins in dogs using suspended animation by profound hypothermia.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the limits of good outcome of brain and organism achievable after cardiac arrest (no blood flow) of 60-120 mins, with preservation (suspended animation) induced immediately after the start of exsanguination cardiac arrest. DESIGN: Prospective experimental comparison of three arrest times, without randomization. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Twenty-seven custom-bred hunting dogs (17-25 kg). INTERVENTIONS: Dogs were exsanguinated over 5 mins to cardiac arrest no-flow of 60 mins, 90 mins, or 120 mins. At 2 mins of cardiac arrest, the dogs received, via a balloon-tipped catheter, an aortic flush of isotonic saline at 2 degrees C (at a rate of 1 L/min), until tympanic temperature reached 20 degrees C (for 60 mins of cardiac arrest), 15 degrees C (for 60 mins of cardiac arrest), or 10 degrees C (for 60, 90, or 120 mins of cardiac arrest). Resuscitation was by closed-chest cardiopulmonary bypass, postcardiac arrest mild hypothermia (tympanic temperature 34 degrees C) to 12 hrs, controlled ventilation to 20 hrs, and intensive care to 72 hrs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We assessed overall performance categories (OPC 1, normal; 2, moderate disability; 3, severe disability; 4, coma; 5, death), neurologic deficit scores (NDS 0-10%, normal; 100%, brain death), regional and total brain histologic damage scores at 72 hrs (total HDS >0-40, mild; 40-100, moderate; >100, severe damage), and morphologic damage of extracerebral organs. For 60 mins of cardiac arrest (n = 14), tympanic temperature 20 degrees C (n = 6) was achieved after flush of 3 mins and resulted in two dogs with OPC 1 and four dogs with OPC 2: median NDS, 13% (range 0-27%); and median total HDS, 28 (range, 4-36). Tympanic temperature of 15 degrees C (n = 5) was achieved after flush of 7 mins and resulted in all five dogs with OPC 1, NDS 0% (0-3%), and HDS 8 (0-48). Tympanic temperature 10 degrees C (n = 3) was achieved after flush of 11 mins and resulted in all three dogs with OPC 1, NDS 0%, and HDS 16 (2-18). For 90 mins of cardiac arrest (n = 6), tympanic temperature 10 degrees C was achieved after flush of 15 mins and resulted in all six dogs with OPC 1, NDS 0%, and HDS 8 (0-37). For 120 mins of cardiac arrest (n = 7), three dogs had to be excluded. In the four dogs within protocol, tympanic temperature 10 degrees C was achieved after flush of 15 mins. This resulted in one dog with OPC 1, NDS 0%, and total HDS 14; one with OPC 1, NDS 6%, and total HDS 20; one with OPC 2, NDS 13%, and total HDS 10; and one with OPC 3, NDS 39%, and total HDS 22. CONCLUSIONS: In a systematic series of studies in dogs, the rapid induction of profound cerebral hypothermia (tympanic temperature 10 degrees C) by aortic flush of cold saline immediately after the start of exsanguination cardiac arrest-which rarely can be resuscitated effectively with current methods-can achieve survival without functional or histologic brain damage, after cardiac arrest no-flow of 60 or 90 mins and possibly 120 mins. The use of additional preservation strategies should be pursued in the 120-min arrest model.

Animals↗

After spontaneous hypothermia during hemorrhagic shock, continuing mild hypothermia (34 degrees C) improves early but not late survival in rats.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous hypothermia is common in victims of severe trauma. Laboratory studies have shown benefit of induced (therapeutic) mild hypothermia (34 degrees C) during hemorrhagic shock (HS). Clinical data, however, suggest that hypothermia, which often occurs spontaneously in trauma patients, is detrimental. Because critically ill trauma patients are usually cool, the clinical question, which has not been explored in the laboratory with long-term outcome, is whether maintaining hypothermia or actively rewarming the patient improves outcome. We hypothesized that after spontaneous cooling during HS, continuing mild therapeutic hypothermia during resuscitation is beneficial compared with active rewarming. METHODS: In study A, under light isoflurane anesthesia, 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were bled over 10 minutes to, and maintained at, mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mm Hg until reuptake of 30% of maximal shed blood volume was needed. Rectal temperature (Tr) decreased spontaneously to, and was then maintained at, 35 degrees C during HS. Fluid resuscitation included the remaining shed blood and up to 400 mL/kg of lactated Ringer's solution with 5% dextrose over 4 hours. During resuscitation, three groups (n = 8 each) were studied: normothermia (rapid rewarming to Tr 37.5 degrees C at the beginning of resuscitation); hypothermia-2 h (cooling to Tr 34 degrees C to resuscitation time 2 hours); and hypothermia-12 h (cooling to Tr 34 degrees C to 12 hours). Rats were observed to 72 hours. In study B, more severe HS than in study A was studied. HS was induced with 3 mL/100 g blood withdrawal over 15 minutes followed by maintenance of MAP of 40 mm Hg until 50% of maximal shed blood volume was needed. Two groups (n = 8 each) were studied: normothermia and hypothermia-12 h. Data are presented as mean +/- SD or median (range). RESULTS: In study A, both hypothermia groups had higher MAP and lower heart rates during resuscitation than the normothermia group (p < 0.01). Survival to 72 hours was achieved in three of eight rats in the normothermia group and two of eight in each hypothermia group. Thirteen of 17 deaths occurred after 24 hours. In study B, for resuscitation, the hypothermia group needed less fluid (53 +/- 6 mL vs. 79 +/- 32 mL, p < 0.05), but had higher MAP (p < 0.01), lower heart rate (p < 0.01), and lower lactate level (p = 0.06). All rats died before 72 hours. The hypothermia group had longer survival time (24.5 [13-48.5] hours) than the normothermia group (7.5 [1.5-19] hours) (p = 0.003 by life table analysis). CONCLUSION: After spontaneous cooling during moderately severe HS, mild, controlled hypothermia during resuscitation does not seem to affect long-term survival. After more severe HS, hypothermia increases survival time. Hypothermia supports arterial pressure during resuscitation from severe HS.

Animals↗

Resuscitation from cardiac arrest with adrenaline/epinephrine or vasopressin: effects on intestinal mucosal tonometer pCO(2) during the postresuscitation period in rats.

BACKGROUND: The use of vasopressin instead of adrenaline/epinephrine during resuscitation improves vital organ perfusion, but the effects on mesenteric perfusion following successful resuscitation are not fully evaluated. The present study was designed to compare the effects of vasopressin and adrenaline/epinephrine, given to rats during resuscitation from ventricular fibrillation, on to mesenteric ischaemia, as determined by intestinal mucosal tonometer pCO(2) during the postresuscitation period. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=28) were allocated randomly to receive vasopressin (0.8 U/kg) or adrenaline/epinephrine (90 microg/kg) after 5 min of ventricular fibrillation. Precordial chest compression was initiated 4 min after the start of ventricular fibrillation, continued for 4 min, and followed by defibrillation. Seven of 14 (vasopressin) and 12 of 14 (adrenaline/epinephrine) rats were successfully defibrillated (P=0.10, Fisher's exact test) and observed for 60 min. Intestinal mucosal tonometer pCO(2) measurements before cardiac arrest and 15, 30, and 60 min following return of spontaneous circulation were 47+/-3, 73+/-8, 63+/-7, and 56+/-6 mmHg in the vasopressin group and 48+/-5, 78+/-7, 67+/-6, and 62+/-6 mmHg in the adrenaline/epinephrine group (P<0.05 at 60 min between vasopressin and adrenaline/epinephrine). Right atrial hemoglobin oxygen saturations at these time points were 73+/-5, 51+/-12, 58+/-11, and 63+/-5% in the vasopressin group and 76+/-7, 44+/-10, 52+/-10 and 54+/-8% in the adrenaline/epinephrine group (P<0.05 at 60 min between vasopressin and adrenaline/epinephrine). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in this rat model the administration of vasopressin instead of adrenaline/epinephrine for CPR tends to be associated with lower resuscitation success, but less mesenteric ischaemia during the postresuscitation period in successfully resuscitated rats.

Adrenergic Agonists↗

Veno-venous extracorporeal blood shunt cooling to induce mild hypothermia in dog experiments and review of cooling methods.

Mild hypothermia (33-36 degrees C) might be beneficial when induced during or after insults to the brain (cardiac arrest, brain trauma, stroke), spinal cord (trauma), heart (acute myocardial infarction), or viscera (hemorrhagic shock). Reaching the target temperature rapidly in patients inside and outside hospitals remains a challenge. This study was to test the feasibility of veno-venous extracorporeal blood cooling for the rapid induction of mild hypothermia in dogs, using a simple pumping-cooling device. Ten custom-bred hunting dogs (21-28 kg) were lightly anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. In five dogs, two catheters were inserted through femoral veins, one peripheral and the other into the inferior vena cava. The catheters were connected via a coiled plastic tube as heat exchanger (15 m long, 3 mm inside diameter, 120 ml priming volume), which was immersed in an ice-water bath. A small roller-pump produced a veno-venous flow of 200 ml/min (about 10% of cardiac output). In five additional dogs (control group), a clinically practiced external cooling method was employed, using alcohol over the skin of the trunk and fanning plus ice-bags. During spontaneous normotension, veno-venous cooling delivered blood into the vena cava at 6.2 degrees C standard deviation (SD 1.4) and decreased tympanic membrane (Tty) temperature from 37.5 to 34.0 degrees C at 5.2 min (SD 0.7), and to 32.0 degrees C at 7.9 min (SD 1.3). Skin surface cooling decreased tympanic temperature from 37.5 to 34.0 degrees C at 19.9 min (SD 3.7), and to 32.0 degrees C at 29.9 (SD 5.1) (P=0.001). Heart rates at Tty 34 and 32 degrees C were significantly lower than at baseline in both groups, but within physiological range, without difference between groups. There were no arrhythmias. We conclude that in large dogs the induction of mild systemic hypothermia with extracorporeal veno-venous blood shunt cooling is simple and four times more rapid than skin surface cooling.

Allied Health Personnel↗

Antioxidant Tempol enhances hypothermic cerebral preservation during prolonged cardiac arrest in dogs.

The authors are systematically exploring pharmacologic preservation for temporarily unresuscitable exsanguination cardiac arrest in dogs. They hypothesized that the antioxidant Tempol improves cerebral outcome when added to aortic saline flush at the start of cardiac arrest. In study A, no drug (n = 8), Tempol 150 mg/kg (n = 4), or Tempol 300 mg/kg (n = 4) was added to 25 mL/kg saline flush at 24 degrees C (achieving mild cerebral hypothermia) at the start of 20-minute cardiac arrest. In study B, no drug (n = 8) or Tempol 300 mg/kg (n = 7) was added to 50 mL/kg saline flush at 2 degrees C (achieving moderate cerebral hypothermia) at the start of 40-minute cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest was reversed with cardiopulmonary bypass. Mild hypothermia lasted for 12 hours, controlled ventilation was sustained to 24 hours, and intensive care was provided for up to 72 hours. In study A, overall performance category 1 or 2 (good outcome) was achieved in all eight dogs treated with Tempol compared with three of eight dogs in the control group ( P = 0.03). In study B, good outcome was achieved in all seven dogs treated with Tempol versus only two of 8 dogs in the control group ( P = 0.007). In both studies, neurologic deficit scores were significantly better in the Tempol group, but not total histologic damage scores. At 72 hours, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of Tempol revealed direct evidence for its presence in the brain. Single- and double-strand DNA damage, nitrotyrosine immunostaining, total antioxidant reserve, and ascorbate acid levels were similar between groups, and thiol levels were decreased after Tempol in study B. The authors conclude that when added to aortic saline flush at the start of prolonged cardiac arrest, the antioxidant Tempol can enhance mild or moderate hypothermic cerebral preservation in terms of improved functional outcome. The mechanisms involved in this beneficial effect need further clarification.

Animals↗

Systemic hypothermia, but not regional gut hypothermia, improves survival from prolonged hemorrhagic shock in rats.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal blood perfusion of the gut or enterectomy can improve survival during hemorrhagic shock (HS), suggesting that the gut may be of primary importance in resuscitation. We hypothesized that cooling the gut alone could improve survival in a rat HS model and avoid potential deleterious effects of systemic hypothermia. METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with halothane. The gut (small intestine, cecum, and colon) was exteriorized. The right atrial (T ), rectal, and gut (T ) intraluminal temperatures were monitored. HS was induced by withdrawal of 2 mL of blood per 100 g body weight over 10 minutes. Mean arterial pressure was then maintained at 35 to 40 mm Hg to HS 90 min. From HS 20 min to resuscitation time 1 h, rats were randomized into four groups (n = 8 each): normothermia (T and T approximately 38.0 degrees C), gut-25 degrees C (T approximately 38 degrees C, T approximately 25 degrees C, induced by rinsing the gut with cooled saline), gut-33 degrees C (T approximately 38 degrees C, T approximately 33 degrees C), and systemic hypothermia (T approximately 33 degrees C, T approximately 25 degrees C). At HS 90 min, shed blood and Ringer's solution were infused to restore normotension. Survival, metabolism, and tissue damage were observed to 72 hours. RESULTS: Blood pressure was not different between groups. Compared with the normothermia group, the systemic hypothermia group had lower base deficit and lactate, and needed less fluid during resuscitation for normotension (p < 0.05), but these values were not different in the gut hypothermia groups. In addition, there were no significant improvements in tissue protection induced by regional gut hypothermia, whereas the systemic hypothermia group had lower plasma potassium, lower ornithine carbamoyltransferase (marker of liver injury), and higher glucose levels after HS (all p < 0.05). All rats in the systemic hypothermia group survived to 72 hours, whereas there was only one survivor in the normothermia group, two in the gut-33 degrees C group, and none in the gut-25 degrees C group (all p < 0.05 vs. systemic hypothermia). CONCLUSION: Cooling the gut alone does not improve acute survival from HS, suggesting that early deaths are not secondary to gut ischemia. Mild systemic hypothermia allowed 100% survival from prolonged HS.

Animals↗

Early antioxidant therapy with Tempol during hemorrhagic shock increases survival in rats.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic shock (HS) is associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species, which may contribute to delayed multiple organ system failure and death. Previous studies have shown that the antioxidant Tempol improved physiologic variables, although not necessarily outcome, in septic shock and HS. We hypothesized that the combination of free Tempol with polynitroxylated albumin (PNA)-bound Tempol (which prolongs half-life and decreases toxicity) improves outcome after HS in rats. METHODS: In study 1, HS was induced by blood withdrawal of 3 mL/100 g over 15 minutes. Mean arterial pressure was maintained at 40 mm Hg with either infusion of normal saline or withdrawal of blood from 20 to 90 minutes. Resuscitation (90-270 minutes) was with infusion of shed blood. Observation was to 72 hours. At HS 45 min, albumin (ALB) (n = 10) or PNA + Tempol (n = 10) was infused slowly (1 mL/100 g/h) until 120 minutes. Study 2 was the same as study 1 (n = 6 per group), but terminated at 150 minutes. Study 3 was the same as study 1, but started with ALB or PNA + Tempol (n = 7 per group) at 20 minutes. The primary outcome variable in studies 1 and 3 was survival, whereas the primary outcome variables in study 2 were antioxidant reserve (ability of the serum or tissue homogenate to scavenge peroxyl radicals produced by 2,2'-azobis [2-aminodipropane]-dihydrochloride) in serum and small intestine, and low-molecular-weight thiols in tissues (liver, small intestine, and kidney). RESULTS: In study 1, 72-hour survival was 1 of 10 (ALB group) versus 2 of 10 (PNA + Tempol group). At 90 minutes, pH was lower in the ALB group versus the PNA + Tempol group (p = 0.02) and remained low. Arterial lactate increased to 8.9 +/- 3.2 (mean +/- SD) versus 6.5 +/- 1.8 mmol/L (p = 0.04) and base excess was -9.6 +/- 4.3 versus -5.2 +/- 3.2 mmol/L (p = 0.01) (ALB vs. PNA + Tempol groups, respectively). In study 2, antioxidant reserve in serum was lower in the ALB group versus the PNA + Tempol group (p = 0.002). There were no differences between groups in antioxidant reserve in the small intestine or low-molecular-weight thiols in liver, kidney, and small intestine. In study 3, 72-hour survival was zero of seven (ALB group) versus five of seven (PNA + Tempol group) (p = 0.02). Heart rate and systolic blood pressure during late HS were higher in the ALB group in studies 1 and 3 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: When infused early in HS, PNA + Tempol can increase survival. When given late, it significantly improves acid-base and serum antioxidant status, without an effect on survival. Additional studies will be required to determine whether early resuscitation with PNA + Tempol attenuates reactive oxygen species-mediated injury as the mechanism for preventing the progression toward multiple organ failure and death after HS. The results suggest that antioxidant therapy with Tempol deserves further study as a potential adjunct in the initial resuscitation from HS.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗