The renal effects of 7.5% NaCl-6% dextran-70 versus lactated ringer's resuscitation of hemorrhage in dehydrated sheep

A small volume of 7.5% NaCl/6% Dextran-70 (HSD) can rapidly expand the plasma volume, but concerns exist regarding its adverse effects on renal function in the dehydrated state. Sheep were thirsted for 4 days (13% plasma volume contraction), and subjected to a fixed-pressure shock model (mean arterial pressure of 50 mmHg for 2 h), followed by resuscitation with either HSD (4 mL/kg) or lactated Ringer's solution (LR; 37 mL/kg). Mean arterial pressure was restored to 90%, cardiac output to 125% and 120%, and plasma volume to 78% and 72% of baseline in LR and HSD groups, respectively. Glomerular filtration rate improved to 100% of baseline following HSD compared with 82% following LR. No significant urinary 70,000 molecular weight dextran was observed, suggesting an intact renal glomerular membrane. These data suggest that small volume HSD resuscitation is effective, even with pre-existing dehydration. In addition, renal function is not compromised by HSD resuscitation of hemorrhaged, dehydrated animals.