Objective: To investigate the effect of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on indices of tissue oxygenation and perfusion in dogs with septic shock.
Methods: Twenty dogs with septic shock induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were randomly divided into two groups. Dog randomly received placebo (Ringer's solution; control group, n =8) or EP in lactated Ringer's solution (0.05 g/kg loading dose over 10 minutes, thereafter 0.05 g.kg(-1).h(-1) for 12 hours; EP treatment group, n =12). Indices of tissue oxygenation and perfusion were monitored every 2 hours after basic measurements (pre-LPS), including oxygen delivery (DO2), oxygen consumption (VO2), serum levels of lactate (Lac), mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), urine output, intramucosal pH (pHi), gastric-to-arteria partial pressure of carbon dioxide gap (Pg-a CO2).
Results: DO2, VO2, SvO2 and urine output dropped significantly after septic shock (all P<0.05), but serum levels of Lac and P g-a CO2 elevated markedly (both P<0.05). DO2 increased gradually in EP group and there were significantly differences compared with control group after 8 hours (P<0.05). VO2 showed such a tendency, but there was no statistically significant intergroup difference (P>0.05). SvO2 elevated gradually in EP group, even higher than those of pre-LPS after 10 hours and there were significantly differences compared with control group (P<0.05). Serum levels of Lac decreased gradually and there was significant difference compared with control group after 8 hours (P<0.05). Urine output increased in EP group after 8 hours, and such phenomenon did not happen in control group after 10 hours (P<0.05). pHi elevated to a higher level after 6 hours, and Pg-a CO2 elevated in the treatment group, and there were significantly differences compared with control group (both P<0.05).
Conclusion: EP infusion resulted in improved tissue oxygenation and perfusion in dogs with septic shock.