PREDISPOSITION TO INFECTION FOLLOWING HEMORRHAGIC-SHOCK

Abstract

Subsequent life threatening gram-negative infection in patients successfully resuscitated from hemorrhagic shock is becoming increasingly common. Following hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation, Sprague-Dawley rats were given Escherichia coli i.p. to simulate the clinical setting in which peritoneal contamination and hypovolemic shock occur concurrently. A sublethal dosage of bacteria resulted in a 100% mortality. Hemorrhagic shock, even when treated promptly and effectively, may predispose to infection.