Indices of Muscle and Liver Dysfunction after Surviving Hemorrhage and Prolonged Hypotension

BACKGROUND: This study determined the long-term effects of prolonged hypotension (PH) on liver, muscle, and kidney dysfunction. The hypothesis was that longer duration of PH after hemorrhage will result in greater organ dysfunction. METHODS: Baboons were sedated and hemorrhaged (30% blood volume). Systolic blood pressure greater than 80 mm Hg was maintained for 1 hour (1 hr-PH; n = 5), 2 hours (2 hr-PH; n = 5), or 3 hours (3 hr-PH; n = 5). After PH, hemorrhage volume was replaced. Animals were recovered and monitored for 21 days. Control animals were hemorrhaged and immediately resuscitated (0 hr-PH, n = 3). Data are Mean ± Standard Deviation, and analyzed by 2-way repeated measures ANOVA and Holm-Sidak test. RESULTS: Hemorrhage resulted in mild hypotension. Minimal resuscitation was required during the hypotensive phase, and survival rate was 100%. Significant increases (p 0.10). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that PH up to 3 hours in duration results in transient liver and muscle dysfunction that was most severe after 2 hr-PH and 3 hr-PH. Prolonged hypotension produced minimal effects on the kidney. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic science research, Level of evidence not required for basic science research.