RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel, oxygen-transporting perfluorochemical emulsion as a prehospital therapy, using a canine hemorrhagic shock model based on compromised tissue oxygenation. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: HemaGen animal laboratory. SUBJECTS: Sixteen healthy, adult male grade beagles (weight 8 to 14 kg). INTERVENTIONS: Administration of lactated Ringer's solution (n = 8), 15 mL/kg and perfluorochemical emulsion admixed with physiologic salts (n = 8), 15 mL/kg. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: PaO2 increased significantly (p < .01) in the perfluorochemical-treated animals for 2 hrs after resuscitation. Mixed venous PO2 returned to preshock values in the perfluorochemical-treated dogs for 60 mins after fluid administration (p < .01). Normalization of hemodynamic variables was not observed in either group. Although not statistically significant, survival of the lactated Ringer's solution-treated animals was 63% compared with 100% for the perfluorochemical-treated dogs at 3 hrs after resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: Resuscitation with a perfluorochemical emulsion augmented oxygen transport and restored global tissue oxygenation after massive hemorrhage, which translated into improved survival when compared with the group receiving an equal volume of lactated Ringer's solution.