Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin solution as a resuscitative fluid following severe hemorrhage in the rat

The effect of diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) was compared to Ringer's lactate (RL) and shed blood in a 70% lethal model of hemorrhage (35 cc/kg blood loss) in conscious rats. All animals resuscitated with DCLHb regardless of dose (17.5 and 35 cc/kg) and concentration (7% and 10% solution) exhibited complete restoration of MAP and HR which was maintained for at least 5 hrs. Hemodynamic responses in DCLHb-treated animals were not significantly different from 35 cc/kg blood-treated animals. In RL (105 cc/kg) treated animals the MAP was restored to 60-70% of baseline. 24 hr survival in animals resuscitated with fluids ranged between 88-100% and was not significantly different between treatment groups.