[Respiratory distress syndrome induced by immersion in seawater: a study of canine models].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) induced by immersion in seawater to provide experimental evidence for its treatment. METHODS: Twelve normal hybrid dogs were randomly assigned into control group (n=4) and SDS model group (n=8). The changes in blood dynamics, blood gas analysis and histological changes in the lung tissues were compared between the 2 groups. The concentration of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH-L) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the bronchoalveolar fluid and blood of the dogs in the model group were tested. RESULTS: The blood dynamics, blood gas analysis and histology of the dogs in the model group were significantly different from those in the control group, and LDH-L and ALP levels increased significantly in the bronchoalveolar fluid of the model group. CONCLUSION: Seawater aspiration into the lungs may lead to RDS, and the canine models used in this study may help explore the mechanism and management of RDS induced by immersion in seawater.