Effect of fluid temperature in intravenous fluid resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock

<strong>BACKGROUND</strong>: Treatment of hemorrhagic shock is the major problem in emergency surgery. Fluid therapy is one of the first steps but, the conflict has been over the temperature used for the fluid injected to the patient. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fluid temperature in intravenous fluid resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock.<br /> <strong>METHODS</strong>: In this experimental study, 3 groups of 10 rabbits underwent hemorrhagic shock class III (mean arterial pressure = 40 mmHg) by catheter on femoral artery. Within 25 minutes, ringer lactate solutes with controlled temperaturesof 15°C, 25°C and 37°C were injected through femoral venous line. They were followed for 72 hours.<br /> <strong>RESULTS</strong>: In the lowest, middle and the highest fluid temperature group, mortality rate was 90%, 10% and 40%, respectively. Statistically significant difference was seen between the 15°C and 25°C resuscitation groups (P<0.001).<br /> <strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong>: Our findings showed possible benefit of room temperature as the optimal fluid temperature for fluid resuscitation in hemorrhagic shock.<br /> <strong>KEY WORDS</strong>: Hemorrhagic shock, hypothermia, fluid therapy, rabbit, temperature.<br /&gt