Influence of steroids on hemorrhagic and traumatic shock

A hemorrhagic-traumatic shock model in 20 domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) was used to evaluate the pharmacologic effect of methylprednisolone in preventing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Pairs of animals were anesthetized with thiopental and both femoral arteries cannulated. Four ml/kg-1 of blood were withdrawn, frozen, thawed, and returned to the animal. One femoral artery cannula was connected to a blood pressure monitor for arterial systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures along with heart rate and ECG. The other catheter was used to bleed the animal down to and maintain a mean arterial pressure of 50 mm Hg for 2 hours. Blood samples were taken during the control period before bleeding, and at the end of the 2-hour shock period. Blood samples were analyzed for prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen level, and platelet count. The combination of hemorrhagic shock and hemolysis produced DIC and a fatal shock. Pharmacologic doses (30 mg/kg-1) of methylprednisolone significantly prevent the DIC.