[Aggravated uncontrolled hemorrhage induced by intravenous fluid administration]

A model of uncontrolled haemorrhage where a 0.5 mm laceration is made in the porcine abdominal aorta has shown outcome to be impaired by conventional fluid therapy given to restore blood volume. Findings in recent studies where the difference in blood flow rates, proximal vs. distal to the site of vascular lesion, was used as a measure of bleeding suggest the adverse effect of fluid therapy to be strongly associated with re-bleeding after primary haemostasis has occurred. Optimal survival is dependent on a fluid infusion rate ensuring balance between the risk of re-bleeding and the beneficial effects of fluid therapy on oxygen consumption.