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Low dose calcium administration increases mortality during septic peritonitis in rats
G P Zaloga1, A Sager, K W Black
1Department of Anesthesia, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1009.
Circulatory Shock
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Calcium administration during sepsis may increase mortality. This study found that low-dose calcium chloride in septic rats led to reduced survival, suggesting caution when treating hypocalcemia in sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Critical Care Medicine
- Sepsis Research
Background:
- Calcium is vital for cellular function but elevated levels can cause cell death.
- Hypocalcemia (low calcium) is common in sepsis, often leading to calcium administration.
- Prior research indicated increased mortality with high-dose calcium in endotoxin models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of low-dose calcium chloride on mortality in a rodent model of endogenous sepsis.
- To extend preliminary findings on calcium's impact on mortality in sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Sprague Dawley rats underwent cecal ligation to induce sepsis.
- Groups received intravenous infusions of D5W (control), low-dose calcium chloride, or high-dose calcium chloride for 24 hours.
- Survival rates and circulating endotoxin levels were monitored.
Main Results:
- Calcium infusions slightly increased ionized calcium levels in septic rats.
- Survival rates were 100% in controls and D5W group, 67% in the low-dose calcium group, and 44% in the high-dose calcium group.
- High-dose calcium chloride significantly reduced 24-hour survival in septic rats.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous calcium administration in this sepsis model was associated with increased mortality.
- The findings suggest that calcium therapy may be detrimental in certain sepsis scenarios.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of calcium in sepsis management.