Effects of small- and large-volume resuscitation on coagulation and electrolytes during experimental endotoxemia in anesthetized horses.
BACKGROUND
Small-volume resuscitation (SVR) has been advocated in place of large-volume isotonic resuscitation for the treatment of endotoxemia in horses. The effects of this type of therapy during experimental endotoxemia on electrolytes and coagulation have not been evaluated in the horse. As part of a larger project, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of SVR (hypertonic saline solution [HSS] plus hetastarch [HES]) on coagulation and serum electrolytes concentration, and to compare SVR with large- and small-volume isotonic resuscitation during experimental endotoxemia in anesthetized horses.


OBJECTIVE
SVR does not affect coagulation parameters or serum electrolyte concentrations when compared with either small- or large-volume isotonic crystalloids.


METHODS
Horses were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Under halothane anesthesia, endotoxemia was induced by administering 50 microg/kg Escherichia coli endotoxin i.v. The horses were treated for 30 minutes with 15 mL/kg of balanced polyionic crystalloid solution (control), 60 mL/kg of balanced polyionic crystalloid solution (ISO), or 5 mL/kg of HSS followed by 10 mL/kg HES (HSS-HES).


METHODS
Prospective randomized trial.


RESULTS
Significant differences in coagulation parameters were not found among the groups. Thrombocytopenia was severe in all 3 groups. Serum ionized calcium concentration significantly decreased from baseline in control and ISO groups but not in the HSS-HES group.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the HSS-HES combination, at the dosage used in this study had no adverse effects on coagulation beyond those produced by endotoxemia. HSS-HES may have a protective effect against endotoxemia-induced ionized hypocalcemia.
Pantaleon
Lucas G
LG
Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia/ Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Leesburg, VA, USA. lucaspantaleon@hotmail.com
Furr
Martin O
MO
McKenzie
Harold C
HC
Donaldson
Lydia
L
D000758:Anesthesia / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D019446:Endotoxemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006736:Horses; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000662:veterinary*; D013997:Time Factors; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000187:drug effects*
D015532:Rehydration Solutions