Introduction
Polyethylene glycol-20k (PEG-20k) is highly effective for low volume resuscitation (LVR) by increasing tolerance to the low volume state. In our rodent shock model, PEG-20k increased survival and expanded the “golden hour” 16-fold compared to saline. The molecular mechanism is largely attributed to normalizations in cell and tissue fluid shifts after low flow ischemia resulting in efficient microvascular exchange. The objective of this study was to evaluate PEG-20k as a low volume resuscitation solution for hemorrhagic shock in a pre-clinical model.
Methods
Anesthetized male Yorkshire pigs (30–40 kg) were hemorrhaged to a MAP of 35–40 mmHg. Once lactate reached 7 mM/L, either saline (n = 5) or 10% PEG-20k (n = 5) was rapidly infused at 10% calculated blood volume. The primary outcome was LVR time, defined by the time from LVR administration to the time when lactate again reached 7 mM/L. Other outcomes measured included: MAP, heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), splanchnic blood flow, and hemoglobin.
Results
Relative to saline, PEG-20k given after controlled hemorrhage increased LVR time by 16-fold, a conservative estimate given that the lactate never rose after LVR in the PEG-20k group. Survival was 80% for PEG-20k LVR compared to 0% for the saline controls (P<0.05). PEG-20k also significantly decreased HR after hemorrhage and increased CO, MAP, splanchnic flow, and SvO2. Falling hemoglobin concentrations suggested sizable hemodilution from fluid shifts into the intravascular compartment.
Conclusions
In a pre-clinical model of controlled hemorrhagic shock, PEG-20k-based LVR solution increased tolerance to the shock state 16-fold compared to saline. PEG-20k is a superior crystalloid for low volume resuscitation that may increase safe transport times in the prehospital setting and find use in hospital emergency departments and operating rooms for patients awaiting volume replacement or normalization of cell, tissue, and compartment fluid volumes.