Pyruvate in oral rehydration salt improves hemodynamics, vasopermeability and survival after burns in dogs

Abstract Background To investigate whether pyruvate-enriched oral rehydration solution (Pyr-ORS), compared with citrate-enriched ORS (Cit-ORS), improves hemodynamics and organ function by alleviating vasopermeability and plasma volume loss during intra-gastric fluid rehydration in dogs with severe burn. Methods Forty dogs subjected to severe burn were randomly divided into four groups ( n  = 10): two oral rehydrated groups with Pyr-ORS and Cit-ORS (group PR and group CR), respectively, according to the Parkland formula during the first 24 h after burns. Other two groups were the intravenous (IV) resuscitation (group VR) with lactated Ringer's solution with the same dosage and no fluid rehydration (group NR). During the next 24 h, all groups received the same IV infusion. The hemodynamics, plasma volume, vasopermeability and water contents and function of various organs were determined. Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet activating factor (PAF) were detected by ELISA. Results Hemodynamics parameters were significantly improved in group PR superior to group CR after burns. Levels of VEGF and PAF were significantly lower in group PR than in group CR. Organ function parameters were also greatly preserved in group PR, relative to groups CR and NR. Lactic acidosis was fully corrected and survival increased in group PR (50.0%), compared to group CR (20.0%). Conclusion Pyr-ORS was more effective than Cit-ORS in improving hemodynamics, visceral blood perfusion and organ function by alleviating vasopermeability-induced visceral edema and plasma volume loss in dogs with severe burn.