The effect of normal saline resuscitation on vital organ blood flow in septic sheep

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of resuscitation with normal saline on vital organ blood flow and renal function in sepsis. Design and setting: Randomized controlled cross-over animal study in the animal laboratory of university physiology institute. Subjects: Six merino cross-ewes. Interventions: Chronic implantation of flow probes around aorta, coronary, renal and mesenteric arteries. Intravenous administration of live Escherichia coli. Random allocation to normal saline resuscitation (20 ml/kg over 15 min) or observation (control) for 210 min. Continuous measurement of central haemodynamics, organ blood flow and renal function. Results: Live E. coli induced hyperdynamic sepsis with oliguri..