Reduction of blood loss by triglycyl-lysine-vasopressin during early excision of burns in pigs.

In a burn model using anesthetized piglets, the circulatory and renal effects and the blood loss during and after excision were compared in two groups, one treated by triglycyl-lysine-vasopressin (TGLVP) given as intermittent bolus injections and the other serving as control. The third degree burn covered approximately 33% of the body surface area, and a solution containing 100 mmol NaCl/l in 2.5% glucose was infused at a rate of 2.4 ml/kg/% burn. Regional blood flows were determined before burn, 5 and 24 h after burn with the aid of radioactively labeled microspheres. Cardiac output (CO) decreased about 30% after burn and there was a slight further decrease of CO after the first TGLVP dose. After the excision there were similar restitutions of CO in the two groups. TGLVP induced an increase of blood flow to the hepatic artery, did not change flows to the brain, heart and kidneys and decreased flows to the preportal organs, carcass and skin 5 h after burn. After 24 h the perfusion of the skin and pancreas remained low but there were no differences in other organs. There was a significant decrease of blood loss associated with burn excision performed 5 h after burn in the TGLVP treated group, mean blood loss 39 g/25 kg versus 145 g/25 kg in the control group. There was a temporary increase in diuresis following TGLVP and also increased excretions of sodium and potassium. The results obtained in this study and possible clinical applications are discussed.