ISSN:
1432-1238
Keywords:
Key words Meconium aspiration syndrome
;
Perfluorocarbons
;
Bronchoalveolar lavage
;
Liquid ventilation
;
Respiratory failure
;
Lungs
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Objective: This study compares perfluorocarbon broncho-alveloar lavage (PFC-BAL) with isotonic saline broncho-alveolar lavage (saline-BAL) in an experimental model of meconium aspiration in adult guinea pigs. Design: Prospective controlled experimental study. Patients and methods: Ten male guinea pigs were given 1 ml of human meconium, diluted to 10 % in isotonic saline, via tracheostomy and then artificially ventilated. After stabilization, five animals (control group) underwent BAL with 10 ml/kg isotonic saline solution. After bronchial suctioning, a further BAL with 2 ml/kg saline was performed. The other five animals (study group) underwent BAL with 10 ml/kg of PFC (RIMAR 101). Bronchosuction was effected at 5 min and then a BAL with PFC 2 ml/kg was performed. Both groups received conventional mechanical ventilation during the lavage procedures. Within 20 min all the saline-BAL treated animals died, whereas the PFC-BAL treated animals survived and were then treated with total liquid ventilation (TLV) by gravity. Measurements and results: After meconium inhalation in both groups, a large alveolar-arterial oxygen difference, hypercarbia, severe acidosis and tachycardia were noticed. In PFC treated animals, an improvement in blood gases was noted and acid-base balance remained stable compared to saline-BAL treated animals. No haemodynamic change was observed during or after PFC-BAL, while during saline-BAL there was evidence of bradycardia, hypotension and respiratory failure, which led to the death of the animals. The histological lung sections in the PFC-BAL group showed evidence of normal alveolar expansion with a minimal presence of meconium debris in the small bronchioles. In saline-BAL treated animals, the lung structure appeared severely compromised with the presence of meconium in bronchioles and alveoli, intra-alveolar oedema and haemorrhagic areas. Conclusions: This study confirms the detrimental effects of meconium aspiration and the impairment of lung function following saline-BAL. By contrast, PFC-BAL and TLV by gravity seemed to prevent absorption of meconium, facilitate its removal, improve gas exchange and reduce lung barotrauma.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s001340050603
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