PLASMA, GELATIN AND SALINE THERAPY IN EXPERIMENTAL WOUND SHOCK

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Plasma, gelatin and saline were tested as therapeutic agents in exptl. wound shock involving severe muscle trauma plus external and internal hemorrhage at the site of injury. Of 43 deeply anesthetized control dogs not receiving treatment of any kind, 39 or 90.7% died in shock. The anesthesia was maintained for 18-24 hrs. following injury or until the animals died. Shock induced by the method employed is characterized in general by a lack of marked hemoconc, drastic fall in blood pressure and loss of whole blood. The plasma vol. declined approx. 44%. Transfusions of plasma given intermittently as 5 injs. of 6.6 ml. each over a 7 hr. interval prevented shock in 11 of 15 animals. Single massive infusions of plasma given within 10 mins. of injury did not prevent shock in 12 of 14 animals used. Much of the injected plasma was rapidly lost into the injured area. Intermittent infusions of gelatin and 0.9% saline were both effective in preventing shock, although gelatin was somewhat more efficacious. Of 26 gelatin infused dogs, 16 or 61.7% survived indefinitely, whereas of 23 saline treated dogs, 47.8% failed to exhibit shock. A single massive infusion of saline prevented shock in but 3 of a group of 10 dogs. Administering small intermittent plasma, gelatin, and saline infusions over a period of hrs. apparently is a more effective method of preventing shock than giving a single massive infusion immediately following injury.