Background: Shock associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) doubles the mortality of TBI alone by inducing a secondary ischemic injury. Rapid correction of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is thought to be essential to improving outcome. Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) has been shown to improve cerebral blood flow, increase mean arterial pressure (MAP), and reduce lesion size in models of occlusive cerebral ischemia but has not been evaluated in a model of TBI combined with hemorrhagic shock.
Methods: We studied the effects of DCLHb resuscitation in a porcine model of cryogenic TBI and hemorrhagic shock (MAP = 50 mmHg). After combined insults, animals were randomized to receive a bolus of 4 mL/kg of either lactated Ringer's solution (n = 5) or DCLHb (n = 6). Lactated Ringer's solution was then infused in both groups to maintain MAP at baseline. Shed blood was returned 1 hour after the initiation of resuscitation (R1). Animals were studied for 24 hours.
Results: DCLHb infusion resulted in a significantly greater MAP at R1 and R24 (95 +/- 4 vs. 82 +/- 2 and 99 +/- 3 vs. 85 +/- 3 mm Hg, respectively) and a significantly greater CPP at R1 and R24 (83 +/- 10 vs. 68 +/- 5 and 89 +/- 6 vs. 71 +/- 11 mm Hg, respectively). Intracranial pressure was lower in the DCLHb group, but this difference was not significant. There was no significant difference between the groups in cerebral oxygen delivery. DCLHb animals required less fluid to maintain MAP (12,094 +/- 552 vs. 15,542 +/- 1094 mL, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These data suggest that DCLHb is beneficial in the early resuscitation of head injury and shock and that further investigation is warranted.