Chitosan arrests bleeding in major hepatic injuries with clotting dysfunction: an in vivo experimental study in a model of hepatic injury in the presence of moderate systemic heparinisation.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of two chitosan formulations, Omni-Stat® granules and Celox Gauze®, in a model of major hepatic injury in the presence of clotting dysfunction.


METHODS
Major hepatic injuries in moderately heparinised swine were treated with either Omni-Stat® granules or Celox Gauze® as compared to control plain gauze.


RESULTS
Plain gauze control failed to stop the bleeding in 13 of 14 attempts. Omni-Stat® arrested the bleeding in 18 of 18 attempts, providing it was in contact with the bleeding surface. Celox Gauze® arrested bleeding in 5 out of 6 attempts initially, and with further pressure in the sixth.


CONCLUSIONS
The results support the evidence that chitosan-derived products act independently of classical clotting pathways and should be effective in patients who suffer major liver injury even in the presence of clotting dysfunctions.
Millner
Russell
R
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, UK. russellmillner@btinternet.com
Lockhart
Alan S
AS
Marr
Rebecca
R
D000818:Animals; D001458:Bandages; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D048271:Chitosan / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006489:Hemostatic Techniques; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008099:Liver / Q000293:injuries*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D034421:Sus scrofa; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006490:Hemostatics; D048271:Chitosan