OBJECTIVE: Severe acute pancreatitis is a life-threatening disease with a high mortality; so far, no causal treatment is known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and cell-free hemoglobin in an experimental model.

METHODS: Thirty-nine pigs were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Severe acute pancreatitis was induced by intraductal injection of glycodeoxycholic acid in combination with intravenous administration of cerulein. All animals were kept in isovolemic conditions by application of Ringer solution, 10% HES, or cell-free hemoglobin. The pancreatic microcirculation was evaluated over 8 hours. Thereafter, the animals were observed for 6 days followed by killing of the animals and histopathologic examination.

RESULTS: The administration of HES and cell-free hemoglobin led to improved microcirculation and tissue oxygenation compared with the Ringer's group. Consequently, the histopathologic damage was reduced (5.5 [3-8.5] vs 9.5 [7.5-11]; P < 0.001). In addition, the mean survival was significantly longer at 121 hours (95% confidence interval, 102-139) versus the Ringer group's 57 hours (95% confidence interval, 32-82; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The administration of HES and cell-free hemoglobin can improve microcirculation in severe acute porcine pancreatitis, with consequent reduction in histopathologic damage and mortality. Therefore, this might represent an interesting therapeutic option in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.