Gentle blood aspiration and tube cushioning reduce pneumatic tube system interference in lactate dehydrogenase assays.

Background: Use of a hospital pneumatic tube system may be associated with measurement errors.

Methods: A venous blood sample was collected from 79 patients into a pair of lithium heparin tubes; one tube was sent to the laboratory by porter and the other was sent via the pneumatic tube system. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase concentrations were then assayed.

Hypertonic sodium lactate improves fluid balance and hemodynamics in porcine endotoxic shock.

Introduction: Based on the potential interest in sodium lactate as an energy substrate and resuscitative fluid, we investigated the effects of hypertonic sodium lactate in a porcine endotoxic shock.

Methods: Fifteen anesthetized, mechanically ventilated pigs were challenged with intravenous infusion of E. coli endotoxin.

Impact of endotoxin challenge in obese pigs.

Studies exploring the influence of obesity on septic shock remain limited and controversial. Pigs were chosen as a clinically relevant species, resembling to humans in various functions. We hypothesize obesity may impair porcine acute endotoxic shock.

Effects of esmolol on systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics and on oxygenation in pigs with hypodynamic endotoxin shock.

Purpose: The aim of this experimental study is to investigate cardiovascular tolerance of blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors in an endotoxin model.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Setting: Animal laboratory in a university medical center.