Effects of electrolyte or colloid infusion on the injured lung

Diffuse lung injury (acid aspiration) and a modest intravascular volume deficit (15% total blood volume) were produced in mongrel dogs. Replacement of lost volume was with shed blood plus an equal volume hydroxy ethyl starch (Group I) or shed blood plus balanced salt solution (3 ml/ml shed blood). Extravascular lung value (EVLW) measurements were used to quantitate edema formation and alveolar arterial oxygen gradient (A-a and O2) was monitored on a reflection of hypoxia. No significant differences were observed in A-a and O2 between groups despite a significantly larger amount of pulmonary edema in Group I (hydroxy ethyl starch).