Effects of beta-hydroxyethyl rutosides (H-R) administered post burn after thermal-injury-induced plasma volume loss in the nonresuscitated dog.

The effects of H-R, a mixture of beta-hydroxyethyl rutosides, administered post burn, upon thermal-injury-induced plasma volume loss were studied in the anaesthetized dog. All animals received a 15 per cent total body surface area third-degree flame burn and were not fluid resuscitated. Plasma volume, cardiac output and mean arterial blood pressure were measured prior to burn and at 2, 4 and 6 hours post burn. One group of animals received a single 100 mg/kg dose of H-R by intravenous injection at 2.75 hours post burn. One group of animals received two doses of 100 mg/kg of H-R. One dose was administered 2.75 hours post burn and the second dose was administered 4.75 hours post burn. The results of this study showed that H-R administered after burn is capable of reducing the continuing plasma volume loss. The duration of this response is relatively short and a second dose of H-R was necessary to maintain the reduction of continuing plasma volume loss beyond 2 hours. The effects of H-R on thermal-injury-induced changes in cardiac output and mean arterial pressure were less dramatic than the reduction in continuing plasma volume loss. These effects were observed only in the group of animals receiving two doses of H-R.