Fluid administration rate for uncontrolled intraabdominal hemorrhage in pigs

ABSTRACT Background We hypothesized that slow crystalloid resuscitation would improve blood loss and hemoglobin compared to a rapid resuscitation during uncontrolled hemorrhage. Methods Anesthetized, splenectomized domestic swine underwent hepatic lobar hemitransection. Lactated Ringers was given at 150 or 20 mL/min IV (rapid vs. slow, respectively, N = 12 per group; limit of 100 mL/kg). Vital sign monitoring and serum testing was done for up to 180 min, followed by necropsy. Results Survival was 7 vs. 8 out of 12 subjects, rapid vs. slow respectively (p>0.05). The slow group had a less blood loss (1.6 vs. 2.7 L, respectively) and a higher final hemoglobin concentration (6.0 vs. 3.4 g/dL). Conclusions Using a fixed volume of crystalloid resuscitation in this porcine model of uncontrolled intraabdominal hemorrhage, a slow IV infusion rate produced less blood loss and a higher hemoglobin level compared to rapid infusion.