A STUDY OF GELATIN AND SALINE AS PLASMA SUBSTITUTES

Abstract

The Duncan-Blalock press was used to induce shock in the anesthetized dog to evaluate the efficacy of gelatin, plasma, and saline as therapeutic treatment. The application of 750 lbs.'' pressure for 7 hrs. to one leg induced fatal shock in 25 of 26 control animals, characterized by loss of plasma (avg. loss 48% plasma vol.), hemoconc. and eventual circulatory failure. Intermittent gelatin (5%) infusions (6 injs., 6.6 ml/kg each) administered over an 8 hr. period prevented shock in 19 of 26 animals, or 73%. A single infusion of 40 ml/kg failed to prevent shock in 10 of 11 dogs. Intermittent infusions of .9% saline, in equal quantity and administered at the same time intervals, were less effective in preventing shock than gelatin soln. in saline, preventing shock in 8 of 23 dogs, or 35%. Similar infusions of pooled, heparinized dog plasma proved no more effective than gelatin in preventing this form of shock. Seven of 10 dogs, or 70% survived. Intermittent infusions of plasma or plasma substitutes, when given in small amts. over a period of hrs., are more effective in preventing shock than is a single massive infusion.