Thermal effects of neutralization therapy and water dilution for acute alkali exposure in canines.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the change in temperature of the gastric mucosa and lumen contents when a weak acid or water is used to manage acute alkali exposure.


METHODS
A prospective in-vivo canine model was used in a university-based animal laboratory setting. Eighteen adult canines weighing 20-25 kg were placed under a surgical plane of anesthesia and a laparotomy was performed. A gastrotomy was then made later ligation of the distal esophagus and proximal duodenum. Separate mucosa and lumen temperature probes were placed. Then 25 mL of room-temperature (24-26 degrees C) 50% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was instilled in the gastric lumen. After 5 minutes, each canine was given treatment. Group 1 (n = 10) was treated with 75 mL of room-temperature orange juice. Group 2 (n = 8) was treated with 75 mL of room-temperature water. Continuous mucosa and lumen temperatures were observed and recorded at baseline and at specified intervals for 35 minutes after the alkali insult. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the overall temperature profile. Signed-rank tests were used to compare the changes in temperature immediately following neutralization treatment.


RESULTS
Significant temperature decreases of 1.1 degrees C and 2.1 degrees C were observed for both mucosa (p = 0.002) and lumen (p < 0.001) temperature, respectively, following neutralization therapy with room-temperature orange juice. In the group treated with room-temperature water, significant temperature decreases of 2.1 degrees C for mucosa (p = 0.01) and 2.4 degrees C for lumen (p = 0.01) were observed. Posttreatment temperatures did not exceed baseline for the entire observation period.


CONCLUSIONS
Neutralization therapy with room-temperature orange juice or water dilution for acute gastric injuries by liquid alkali does not cause a rise in mucosal or intraluminal temperatures in an in-vivo canine model.
Homan
C S
CS
Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York, University Hospital 11794-7400, USA. choman@epo.som.sunysb.edu
Singer
A J
AJ
Henry
M C
MC
Thode
H C
HC
D000143:Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D002424:Caustics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000293:injuries* / Q000502:physiology*; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014867:Water
D000143:Acids; D002424:Caustics; D014867:Water; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide