Cardiopulmonary effects of low-dose arginine vasopressin in ovine acute lung injury.

Objective: To elucidate the effects of low-dose arginine vasopressin on cardiopulmonary functions and nitrosative stress using an established model of acute lung injury.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled laboratory experiment.

Setting: Investigational intensive care unit.

Role of storage time of red blood cells on microcirculation and tissue oxygenation in critically ill patients.

Purpose Of Review: To review the current literature on the role of storage time of transfused red blood cells on microcirculation and tissue oxygenation in critically ill patients.

Recent Findings: The actual target of transfusion of red blood cells is the maintenance of adequate tissue oxygenation. Recent studies suggest that, besides hemoglobin concentration, mixed or central venous oxygen saturation may also be used as surrogate markers for the estimation of transfusion requirement.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibition attenuates cardiopulmonary dysfunctions after combined burn and smoke inhalation injury in sheep.

Objective: We hypothesized that nitric oxide derived from the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is responsible for much of the injury resulting from skin burn and smoke inhalation. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effects of selective neuronal NOS inhibition on cardiopulmonary functions and cellular injury in sheep with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to combined burn and smoke inhalation injury.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled laboratory experiment.

Processing of stored packed red blood cells using autotransfusion devices decreases potassium and microaggregates: a prospective, randomized, single-blinded in vitro study.

The aim of the study was to compare the potential of autotransfusion devices to reduce non-infectious complications related to transfusion of long-stored packed red blood cells (PRBC; n= 57), such as changes in electrolytes, blood cells and the load of free microaggregates. Following a baseline measurement, a blood pool of three PRBC was divided into three equal volumes and washed with either the Haemonetics Cell Saver (HCS) or the continuous autotransfusion system (C.A.

Combined burn and smoke inhalation injury impairs ovine hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.

Objective: To examine the effects of combined burn and smoke inhalation injury on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, 3-nitrotyrosine formation, and respiratory function in adult sheep.

Design: Prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-blinded trial.

Setting: University research laboratory.