Liposome encapsulated hemoglobin as a resuscitation fluid for hemorrhagic shock.

The effectiveness of the blood substitute neo red cells (NRC) on hemorrhagic shock was evaluated in dogs. Shock was induced by bloodletting, and NRC was infused immediately until the dogs recovered from shock; the process was repeated 3 times (mild shock), or NRC was infused after shock was maintained for 30 min, and the process was repeated 3 times (severe shock). In mild shock, NRC with low viscosity reduced the peripheral vascular resistance and increased the cardiac index. However, in severe shock, only a slight decrease in the peripheral vascular resistance and no increase in the cardiac index were observed. In severe shock, the total oxygen consumption increased, but red blood cells or plasma did not change the oxygen transport and did not meet the increased oxygen demand. However, the NRC increased the oxygen transport and supplied the increased oxygen demand. In mild shock on the other hand, no increase was observed in the total oxygen consumption or the oxygen transport.