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Hemodynamics after hemorrhage during acute ethanol intoxication in newborn piglets
C J Chandler1, B Y Ong, D S Sitar
1Department of Anesthesia, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Acute ethanol intoxication significantly impairs newborn piglets' cardiovascular response to hemorrhage, delaying critical compensatory heart rate increases and reducing organ perfusion. These effects highlight the vulnerability of neonates to alcohol exposure during hypovolemia.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neonatal Research
- Toxicology
Background:
- Neonates are particularly vulnerable to hemodynamic insults.
- Ethanol intoxication can exacerbate physiological stress responses.
- Understanding the impact of ethanol on neonatal hemodynamics is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute ethanol intoxication on hemodynamic responses to hemorrhage in newborn piglets.
- To compare cardiovascular and organ perfusion alterations in intoxicated versus non-intoxicated piglets following blood loss.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the microsphere technique in 2-day-old piglets under nitrous oxide anesthesia.
- Administered acute ethanol intoxication (1.4 g/kg) prior to inducing hemorrhage (20 ml/kg).
- Monitored mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and heart rate.
Main Results:
- Hemorrhage in intoxicated piglets caused significant decreases in mean arterial blood pressure (-34%) and cardiac output (-58%), with a marked increase in systemic vascular resistance (+87%).
- Non-intoxicated piglets showed a smaller blood pressure drop (-17%) with no significant changes in cardiac output or systemic vascular resistance.
- Intoxicated piglets exhibited a delayed heart rate increase (11%) compared to non-intoxicated piglets (27%) post-hemorrhage.
- Arterial perfusion to multiple organs (liver, kidneys, GI tract, carcass) was reduced in intoxicated piglets, whereas only GI and carcass perfusion decreased in non-intoxicated piglets.
Conclusions:
- Acute ethanol intoxication significantly impairs the newborn piglet's cardiovascular adaptation to hypovolemia.
- Ethanol delays the onset of compensatory tachycardia, a critical response in neonates facing blood loss.
- These findings suggest that ethanol exposure can have detrimental cardiovascular consequences for neonates experiencing hemorrhage.