A comparative analysis of isotonic versus hypertonic solution volume replacement in septic rats.

Purpose: Sepsis severity and mortality risk require aggressive therapy which includes hemodynamic support. The best fluid for volume replacement, however, is controversial. This study aimed to compare 0.9% isotonic saline solution versus 7.5% hypertonic saline solution as volume replacement fluid in sepsis induced by cecum ligation plus puncture rats.

Methods: This experimental trial included 30 rats divided into three groups: Control group (CG, n = 10), isotonic (ISG, n = 10) and hypertonic solution (HSG, n = 10). Fifteen hours after cecum ligation and puncture, all animals underwent respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure, renal and hepatic blood flow and weight evaluation, plus blood collection for TNF-α measurement. The ISG and HSG treatment groups received volume replacement 60 minutes before the procedure with either 0.9% or 7.5% saline solution, respectively.

Results: Two animals died. Significant differences were found for the animals' mean weight after 15 hours (p=0.018), particularly relevant when ISG and HSG are compared (p=0.003). Renal blood flow was also significantly different for the CG versus HSG (p=0.002) and CG versus ISG (p=0.008), but not significantly different for ISG versus HSG. No mean arterial pressure improvement was found for HSG (0.054). Other variables were not significant.

Conclusions: Although no mean blood pressure, hepatic flow or TNF-α improvements were detected, the rats with sepsis 15 hours after cecum ligation and puncture showed significantly increased renal blood flow which was 0.9% isotonic saline solution or of 7.5% hypertonic solution use independent.