Changes in hemorheology at initial stage following spinal cord firearm injury in the simulated island environment of high temperature and humidity

Abstract

Objective To study and analyze changes in hemorheology 6 hours after spinal cord firearm injury in the environment of high temperature and humidity.Methods Eighteen healthy experimental hogs were randomly divided into the normal temperature and humidity firearm injury group,the high temperature and humidity control group and the high temperature and humidity firearm injury group,each consisting of 6 animals.An animal model of firearm spinal cord injury in the thoracic and lumbar section was developed with gunshots.Blood samples were taken to measure such hemorheological indices as blood viscosity,erythrocyte sedimentation,hemagglutination,erythrodegeneration both before intervention and at hours 0.5,1,2,4 and 6 after intervention.Results No statistical significance could be noted in changes of hemorheology for both the high temperature and humidity control group and the normal temperature and humidity firearm injury group,following injury.However,for the high temperature and humidity firearm injury group,statistical differences could obviously be noticed in high-shear,medium-shear and low-shear viscosity in whole blood at various time points after injury,as compared with the data detected at various time points in the other two groups (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Blood sedimentation after intervention was significantly higher than that before intervention.The blood sedimentation level of the high temperature and humidity firearm injury group elevated most significantly,and at hour 6 it was obviously higher than those of the two other groups,with statistical significance.Trend in the changes of red blood cell aggregation and denaturation differed from one another for the 3 groups after intervention.Namely,the above two indices for the normal temperature and humidity firearm injury group increased gradually after intervention,but for the high temperature and humidity control group,the indices soon returned to normal level after they reduced temporarily.As for the high temperature and humidity firearm injury group,elevation of the said indices could be noticed first,then,they dropped sharply at hours 4-6,which were lower than those before intervention,with statistical differences.Conclusions Significant changes could be noted in hemorheology at initial stage of spinal cord firearm injury at high temperature and humidity environment in islands,with the amplitude and trend being obviously different from those of the conventional firearm injury and the simple high temperature and humidity environment.Aimed at this unique problem,further research should be made,so as to take corresponding measures for the care of casualties in such environment. Key words: High temperature and humidity; Spinal cord firearm injury; Hemorheology