Optimal dose of hypertonic saline/dextran in hemorrhaged swine.

BACKGROUND Hypertonic saline/dextran (HSD) fluid resuscitation has been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating the adverse effects of hemorrhagic hypotension. The optimal dose of HSD has not been defined. METHODS he comparative effectiveness of various dosages of HSD for the treatment of severe hemorrhage was investigated in conscious swine bled 46 mL/kg over 15 minutes, a lethal procedure. Five minutes after the completion of hemorrhage, animals were treated with 1, 2, 4, or 11.5 mL/kg HSD and observed over the next 96 hours. RESULTS The 11.5-mL dose resulted in 100% survival, which was statistically superior to the 1- and 2-mL doses but not the 4-mL dose. Survival incidences with 4, 2, and 1 mL/kg were 83%, 64%, and 13%, respectively. CONCLUSION In terms of survival time, the 11.5- and 4-mL/kg doses were not significantly different. Therefore, optimum resuscitative effectiveness of HSD is achieved within the dose range of 4 to 11.5 mL/kg.