Hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier does not improve survival of ischemic rat island groin flaps

Reducing reperfusion injury to skin flaps is an effective means to improve the survival of the flap. By enhancing oxygen delivery to the microcirculation within the flap, ischemia-reperfusion injury should be decreased, improving the flap's survival. This study evaluated the effects of a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (Oxyglobin) on the development of necrosis and survival of ischemic rat island groin flaps. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. A groin flap was elevated on each rat and subjected to 9 h of ischemia. Rats in group I were given an intravenous infusion of 0.9% saline prior to elevation of the skin flap. Rats in group II were given an intravenous infusion of Oxyglobin prior to elevation of the skin flap. Rats in group III were given a low-dose intravenous infusion of Oxyglobin following the 9 h of ischemia, just prior to reperfusion. The flaps were monitored for 7 days postoperatively for necrosis. The percentage of flap necrosis was recorded at the end of 7 days. All rats were euthanized at the completion of the study and the flaps were harvested for histopathological analysis. No significant difference was noted in the survival of the flaps or the degree of necrosis in the rats treated with Oxyglobin compared to the control group. Thus, pre-reperfusion treatment with Oxyglobin did not improve the percentage of flap survival, or the degree of severity of necrosis in rat groin flaps subjected to 9 h of ischemia.