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Fluids in traumatic cardiac arrest: rat model

Comparative efficacy of fluid resuscitation strategies in a rat model of traumatic cardiac arrest
Resuscitation Plus · Added 17 September 2026

Rat model of traumatic cardiac arrest (30% haemorrhage plus asphyxia) comparing four fluids after ROSC found 96-hour survival of 90% with whole blood, 80% with HES, 60% with lactated Ringer's and just 30% with normal saline — crystalloids prolonged survival without improving haemodynamics.

Study type
Other
Design
Randomised animal experimental study (rat haemorrhage + asphyxia TCA model)
Participants
Rats randomised to normal saline, lactated Ringer's, HES or whole blood after ROSC
Main finding
96-hour survival: whole blood 90%, HES 80%, lactated Ringer's 60%, normal saline 30%; whole blood and HES improved haemodynamics and reduced tissue injury versus saline.
Caveat
Small animal model of haemorrhage plus asphyxia; translation to human prehospital TCA uncertain.
Bottom line
Hypothesis-generating

Why it matters in Australia (Medium relevance). preclinical rat data only, and whole blood isn't carried by ACTAS (QAS, AV, SJWA and NSWA all carry it), but the anti-crystalloid signal lines up with clinical TCA practice.

Learning goal

Weigh the evidence for fluid choice in traumatic cardiac arrest before whole blood becomes available prehospital.

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