Changes in epicardial and core temperatures during resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock.

The hypothermic effect of resuscitation solution temperature on epicardial and core temperatures in 15 dogs during hemorrhagic shock was studied. Hemorrhagic shock was induced and dogs were then resuscitated with either body-temperature lactated Ringer's, room-temperature lactated Ringer's, 4 degrees C blood, warmed blood, or cold blood mixed with 50 degrees C lactated Ringer's. There was a significant decrease (p = 0.001) from baseline temperature recordings with the use of room-temperature lactated Ringer's, cold blood, and cold blood mixed with 50 degrees C lactated Ringer's. Baseline temperatures were not significantly changed with the use of warmed blood or body-temperature lactated Ringer's. The results of this study support the use of warmed blood or body-temperature lactated Ringer's during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock.