Pharmaceutical Interventions for the Management of Hemorrhagic Shock in Hepatic Surgery: An Experimental Swine Model Outcome

Abstract

Introduction During abdominal trauma or major hepatic surgery, the liver can be subjected to hypoxic conditions due to hemorrhage, leading to various degrees of ischemic injury to hepatocytes. Hemorrhagic shock, a critical and life-threatening condition, often complicates hepatic surgery due to massive blood loss, resulting in inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. The challenge in managing hemorrhagic shock in hepatic surgery is heightened by the liver's unique blood supply and its crucial role in coagulation. Effective treatment requires a multifaceted approach, including surgical intervention, blood transfusions, and pharmaceutical therapy to stabilize hemodynamics and promote coagulation. Additionally, reperfusion of the liver after resuscitation can cause severe injury through inflammatory and oxidative pathways, potentially leading to multiple organ dysfunction. This study examines the effectiveness of combining standard fluid therapy with antioxidants (bucillamine and valproic acid) in mitigating oxidative stress and reducing hepatocyte damage in the context of hemorrhagic shock. Method Thirty male swine were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group A (n=6/control group), Group B (n=8), Group C (n=8), and Group D (n=8). A resection of the left liver lobe was performed, followed by the controlled loss of a specific volume of blood until the mean arterial pressure dropped to between 30 and 40 mmHg. The animals were maintained in this state of hypovolemic shock for 50 minutes, followed by IV administration of fluids. Additionally, pharmaceutical agents were administered to Groups B (bucillamine), C (valproic acid), and D (combination of bucillamine and valproic acid). The experiment lasted six hours in total. Results The study showed that animals treated with pharmaceutical agents like bucillamine and valproic acid and their combination demonstrated significantly reduced serum levels of protein carbonyls (PCs) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) compared to the control group. Furthermore, histological evaluation of liver tissues revealed that treated animals showed reduced histopathological signs of injury, suggesting that the pharmaceutical agents not only lowered biochemical markers of oxidative stress but also provided a protective effect against liver damage in the context of hemorrhagic shock. Conclusion These findings suggest that incorporating antioxidant therapy into resuscitation protocols may offer substantial benefits in mitigating hepatic damage associated with hemorrhagic shock. This approach could potentially improve outcomes in clinical settings where oxidative stress plays a critical role in injury progression by better understanding the pathophysiology of this complex and dynamic process.