Blood autotransfusion outcomes compared with Ringer lactate infusion in dogs with hemorrhagic shock induced by controlled bleeding*

BACKGROUND: The most common cause of shock in the surgical or trauma patient is hemorrhage. Crystalloid solutions and blood transfusion are the mainstays of treatment of hemorrhagic shock. Considering the disadvantages of allogeneic blood transfusion, such as risk of transmission of infectious diseases, and access and maintenance limitations, treatment of shock with autologous blood seems to be a decent solution. Autologous blood accumulated in body cavities in traumatic bleeding (such hemothorax), and bloodshed in operation field during open heart or vascular surgeries, and similar situations, can be utilized again. In this study, autotransfusion effects compared with crystalloid fluid in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock was investigated. METHODS: After induction of hemorrhagic shock in dogs by Wiggers type controlled bleeding, treating them in a group with autologous blood and another group with Ringer lactate were performed, and the results of treatment were studied. RESULTS: There was no mortality in both treatment approaches. Immediately after treatment, crystalloid positive effects such as renormalized vital signs and appropriate consciousness were more noticeable than autotransfusion, while twenty-four hours after, the desired effects of autologous blood were more pronounced like decreased metabolic acidosis and improvement of diuresis. CONCLUSIONS: Crystalloid during the first hours after treatment of hemorrhagic shock may be better than autologous blood as preferred treatment, while autotransfusion showed its benefits some hours after. This finding can be used to develop better strategies for treatment of hemorrhagic shock.