Hypertonic saline prevents early bacterial translocation in hemorrhagic shock.

The most appropriate solution for volume replacement in hemorrhagic shock is controversial; however, hypertonic saline (HTS) solutions have recently gained widespread acceptance. In this study, various solutions were used to resuscitate rats in hemorrhagic shock, and their impact on the extent of bacterial translocation was investigated. Rats were bled to a mean arterial blood pressure of about 35 mmHg which was maintained for 30 min. They were then randomized into six groups. Blood pressure was found to be regulated by blood + lactated Ringer's solution (LR) and HTS + LR, but no significant improvement was observed in the control and LR groups. Groups II (7.5% HTS + 60 ml/kg LR) and IV (60 ml/kg LR + autologous blood) had a significantly better result than groups I (7.5% HTS), III (60 ml/kg LR), and IV (P < 0.05), among which no statistically different results were seen (P > 0.05). While no organisms were isolated from the mesenteric lymph nodes in the sham group, the rates of positive culture were 12.5%, 12.5%, 50%, 62.5%, and 62.5% in groups I, II, III, and the control group, respectively. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated organism. HTS + LR was demonstrated to be effective for decreasing the rate of early bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes and also for restoring the mean arterial pressure.