OBJECTIVES

Polyethylene glycol-20k is a hybrid cell impermeant that reduces ischemia injury and improves microcirculatory flow during and following low flow states through nonenergy-dependent water transfer in the microcirculation. We investigated the effects of polyethylene glycol-20k on postresuscitation microcirculation, myocardial and cerebral function, and duration of survival in a rat model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

DESIGN

Ventricular fibrillation was induced in 20 male Sprague Dawley rats and untreated for 6 minutes. Animals were randomized into two groups (n = 10 for each group): polyethylene glycol-20k and control. Polyethylene glycol-20k (10% solution in saline, 10% estimated blood volume) and vehicle (saline) were administered at the beginning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by continuous IV infusion. Resuscitation was attempted after 8 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

SETTING

University-Affiliated Research Laboratory.

SUBJECTS

Sprague Dawley Rats.

INTERVENTIONS

Polyethylene glycol-20k.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Buccal microcirculation was measured at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 hours after return of spontaneous circulation using a side-stream dark-field imaging device. Myocardial function was measured by echocardiography at baseline and every hour postresuscitation for 6 hours. The animals were then returned to their cage and observed for an additional 72 hours. Neurologic Deficit Scores were recorded at 24, 48, and 72 hours after resuscitation. Postresuscitation ejection fraction, cardiac output, and myocardial performance index were significantly improved in animals treated with polyethylene glycol-20k (p < 0.05). Perfused buccal vessel density and microcirculatory flow index values were significantly higher at all time points in the polyethylene glycol-20k group compared with the control group. Postresuscitation cerebral function and survival rate were also significantly improved in animals that received polyethylene glycol-20k.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of polyethylene glycol-20k following cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves postresuscitation myocardial and cerebral function, buccal microcirculation, and survival in a rat model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.