Behavior of plasma hemoglobin in an experimental model of occlusive mesenteric ischemia.

The difficulties in establishing the diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia are responsible for the high mortality rate that is associated with this clinical condition. We studied the behavior of plasma hemoglobin in an experimental model of occlusive mesenteric ischemia in mice. Our results showed a clear relationship between the duration of ischemia and plasma hemoglobin levels. With regard to the time frames studied (3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours), comparison with control groups produced calculated P values of less than 0.01 for all time frames with the exception of the 3-hour group. This test may have the potential to aid in the diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia as well as the follow-up of its course after various therapeutic approaches.