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Hemodynamic Changes in Response to Hyperacute Spinal Trauma in a Swine Model
Elise D Barras1, Chiara E Hampton2, Catherine Takawira3
1Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Comparative Medicine
|November 24, 2021
Summary
Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) in pigs caused a minor, temporary drop in blood pressure. Researchers recommend maintaining mean arterial pressure above 85 mm Hg before injury to prevent hypotension.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) can cause significant hemodynamic instability.
- Understanding hyperacute hemodynamic changes is crucial for research utilizing porcine models of thoracic ASCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immediate hemodynamic alterations following thoracic ASCI in a porcine model.
- To establish baseline hemodynamic data for future research using pigs as their own controls.
Main Methods:
- Five Yucatan gilts underwent T10-T12 laminectomy and blunt thoracic ASCI.
- Hemodynamic variables were continuously monitored for 120 minutes post-ASCI.
- Arterial blood gases were analyzed at specific pre- and post-injury time points.
Main Results:
- A transient, statistically significant decrease in systolic (15%), diastolic (18%), and mean (16%) arterial pressures was observed within 2 minutes post-ASCI.
- No significant changes in heart rate, pulse pressure, SpO2, EtCO2, or respiratory rate were detected.
- Blood glucose levels showed a progressive increase, peaking at 50% above baseline between 120 and 240 minutes post-ASCI.
Conclusions:
- Low thoracic ASCI induces a clinically minor, hyperacute reduction in arterial pressure without causing hypotension or signs of hypoperfusion.
- Maintaining mean arterial pressure above 85 mm Hg pre-injury is advisable in this model to prevent hypotensive states.
