Cardiac function during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock with polymerized bovine hemoglobin-based oxygen therapeutic

Hemorrhage impairs myocardial contractile function and decreases oxygen delivery. This study investigates how polymerized bovine hemoglobin (PolyHb) solutions affect cardiac function after resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock (HS). Hamsters were hemorrhaged and resuscitated with PolyHb at 8.5 g/dL and 11.5 g/dL. Left ventricle (LV) function was assessed during shock and resuscitation using a miniaturize conductance catheter. PolyHb resuscitation had no beneficial effects in cardiac function; it increased cardiac afterload and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) of 46 and 116% for 8.5 and 11.5 g/dL, respectively. Study findings indicate that preclinical evaluation of cardiac function is essential to develop safe and efficacious alternatives to blood transfusion.