Is the zeolite hemostatic agent beneficial in reducing blood loss during arterial injury?
BACKGROUND
Uncontrolled hemorrhage is the leading cause of fatality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zeolite mineral (QuikClot - Advanced Clotting Sponge [QC-ACS]) on blood loss and physiological variables in a swine extremity arterial injury model.


METHODS
Sixteen swine were used. Oblique groin incision was created and a 5 mm incision was made. The animals were allocated to: control group (n: 6): Pressure dressing was applied with manual pressure over gauze sponge; or QC group (n: 10): QC was directly applied over lacerated femoral artery. Mean arterial pressure, blood loss and physiological parameters were measured during the study period.


RESULTS
Application of QC led to a slower drop in blood pressure. The control group had a significantly higher increase in lactate within 60 minutes. The mean prothrombin time in the control group was significantly increased at 60 minutes. The application of QC led to decreased total blood loss. The QC group had significantly higher hematocrit levels. QC application generated a significant heat production. There were mild edematous and vacuolar changes in nerve samples.


CONCLUSIONS
According to the physiological parameters, we observed that zeolite tends to reduce blood loss, however could not stop bleeding completely. We believe that further clinical trials are needed to conclude that zeolite could be used in the routine practice.
Eryilmaz
Mehmet
M
Department of Emergency Medicine, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. mehmeteryilmaz@hotmail.com
Ozer
Tahir
T
Menteş
Oner
O
Torer
Nurkan
N
Durusu
Murat
M
Günal
Armağan
A
Uzar
Ali Ihsan
AI
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D001458:Bandages; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000293:injuries; D006400:Hematocrit; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011897:Random Allocation; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D015996:Survival Rate; D013552:Swine; D017641:Zeolites / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006490:Hemostatics; D017641:Zeolites