Central haemodynamics in experimental acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate central haemodynamics in severe and mild acute pancreatitis in pigs.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled experiment.

SETTING

Animal laboratory, Finland.

SUBJECTS

24 domestic pigs weighing 21-27 kg.

INTERVENTIONS

In 8 anaesthetised and mechanically ventilated pigs the pancreatic duct was cannulated and taurocholic acid was infused to induce severe acute pancreatitis. Eight animals received intraductal saline infusion and developed mild acute pancreatitis. Eight pigs were cannulated alone and served as controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cardiac index, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure, haemoglobin, arterial blood gases and acid base balance.

RESULTS

Intraductally infused taurocholic acid rapidly induced severe necrotising acute pancreatitis as assessed both macroscopically and histologically. Histological changes of mild acute pancreatitis were seen in animals after intraductal saline infusion. Central haemodynamics, arterial blood gases, and acid base balances were stable throughout the study period in all groups. The main finding was haemoconcentration as indicated by the increase in arterial haemoglobin concentration in pigs with mild and severe acute pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

Haemoconcentration precedes central haemodynamic alterations in experimental acute pancreatitis.