The effect of heparin on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters following burn shock in guinea pigs

The effect of heparin intravenous (IV) infusion (1,200 IV/kg day) on the cardiovascular and metabolic responses to scalding was studied. The burn was produced by immersing an anesthetized guinea pig into 100 degrees C water for 3 seconds, resulting in a full-skin-thickness burn that covered 50% of the body surface area. We found that heparin-treated animals had lower cardiac outputs and carotid artery temperatures 24 hours after the burn than did control animals receiving saline. Heart rates and mean arterial blood pressures did not differ in the heparin-plus-saline and saline-infused animals. The hematocrits and plasma protein concentrations decreased similarly in both groups 8 and 24 hours after the burn. Free fatty acid levels were increased in heparin treated animals, whereas glucose concentrations were comparable. The 48 hour mortality was higher in the heparin-treated group. It appears that in our model, heparin was not of benefit in the immediate recovery after a full-skin-thickness burn.