Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Crush syndrome is characterized by traumatic muscular injuries with severe systemic clinical repercussions. The systemic inflammatory reaction characterized acutely by infiltration of neutrophils in the lungs has been studied as part of the spectrum of crush syndrome. Experimental research may demonstrate alternative treatments for crush syndrome. The authors studied the hypothesis that hypertonic saline solution (7.5% NaCl) could minimize the local and systemic effects in a model of muscular compression and hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Rabbits were submitted to a new model of muscle compression associated with hemorrhagic shock. Compression was applied through an Esmarch bandage, used for 1 h on the entire right lower limb. Hemorrhagic shock was induced for 1 h by dissection and catheterization of the carotid artery. Blood replacement or hypertonic saline solution was used to treat the shock. Biochemical analysis of plasma, quantification of muscular edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lungs were carried out. RESULTS: Animals treated with hypertonic solution presented the same hemodynamic response as the blood treated patients, less water in the compressed muscles and less infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lungs. The blood group presented hypocalcemia, a facet of crush syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model was effective for the study of crush syndrome associated with hemorrhagic shock. The treatment with hypertonic solution showed benefits when compared with blood volume replacement.