The effect of heparinization on intra-abdominal infection and acute pulmonary failure

Acute severe purulent peritonitis is still a very life-threatening disease condition. The primary cause of death is multiple organ failure (MOF) where acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the initial trigger. Studies have shown that heparin has a cytoprotective effect and stimulates an increase in cardiopulmonary function systematically.

Twenty-one Sprauge Dawley rats were used as an animal model by puncturing the distal wall of intestine and ligating the appendix without interfering with the continuity of intestinal tract. In the formal experiments, 100 rats were divided into two groups and equal amounts of distilled water was given intraperitoneally. Total mortality and early mortality rate were recorded. Abdominal autopsies and blood gas analyses were performed and lung tissue samples were taken for light and electronic microscope analyses.

The mortality rate was not statistically significant. But early death rate, the average survival times and the rate of abscess formation were significantly lower in the heparin treated group. The histological study of the experimental specimen showed that in the control group, the incidence of ARDS was higher and there was a more severe ARDS-like change, especially polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes infiltration into alveolar and interstitial spaces. Blood gas analysis demonstrated the beneficial aspects of heparin administration.

Heparin can increase the early survival rate and increase the survival time of rats with experimental acute severe purulent peritonitis, and proves to be beneficial in preventing infection induced lung injury during sepsis. We conclude that the effect of heparin on the survival rate is related to less pulmonary function deterioration, thereby preventing ARDS and the triggering of MOF.