Hypochlorous Acid Solution Is Safe for Intracavitary Lavage: Examination in a Rodent Model.

BACKGROUND: Intracavitary irrigation is a routine component of many surgical procedures, especially in those involving a contaminated field. Normal saline remains the irrigant of choice for most surgeons. Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that produces hypochlorite ions with antimicrobial properties. Reducing microbial concentration during intracavitary irrigation is a potential benefit of using hypochlorous acid solution over normal saline. In this study, the safety of hypochlorous acid solution for intracavitary lavage was compared with normal saline in a rat model of 3 surgical procedures-laminectomy, thoracotomy, and laparotomy. METHODS: The intracavitary space was lavaged with either normal saline or hypochlorous acid. The procedures were also completed using Dakin's solution (sodium hypochlorite) as a comparator, given its known cytotoxicity. On postoperative day 5, necropsies of all animals were performed and relevant organs and blood samples obtained. Histology (hematoxylin and eosin staining) was used to examine biopsies of the collected organs for signs of inflammation, blood vessel integrity, and necrosis. Immunohistochemistry staining for caspase-3 was used to identify apoptotic cells. RESULTS: There were no differences in outcomes (survival, pain, and time to recovery) or histology between animals lavaged with hypochlorous acid and normal saline. Intact organ-specific architecture was observed in both groups. In comparison, rats treated with Dakin's solution demonstrated significant capsular fibrosis and hemorrhage. Furthermore, significant apoptosis was noted within the bowel mesentery of the group treated with Dakin's solution when stained for caspase-3. CONCLUSION: Hypochlorous acid is safe for lavage of intraperitoneal, intrathecal, and intrathoracic cavities. Further studies should be conducted to demonstrate efficacy of hypochlorous acid in an infected field.

Plasma Ameliorates Endothelial Dysfunction in Burn Injury.

BACKGROUND: A complex inflammatory response mediates the systemic effects of burn shock. Disruption of the endothelial glycocalyx causes shedding of structural glycoproteins, primarily syndecan-1 (SDC-1), leading to endothelial dysfunction. These effects may be mitigated by resuscitative interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were used to create small, medium, and large burns and uninjured controls. Three different intravenous resuscitation protocols were applied within each group: Lactated Ringer's (LR) alone, LR plus fresh frozen plasma (FFP), or LR plus albumin. Blood was serially collected, and plasma SDC-1 was quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In one cohort, Evan's Blue Dye (EBD) was administered and quantified in lung by spectrophotometry as a functional assay of vascular permeability. In a second cohort, intact SCD-1 was quantified by immunohistochemistry in lung tissue. Statistical analysis employed two-way analysis of variance with multiple comparisons and Student's t-test. RESULTS: EBD extraction from lung was significantly greater with higher injury severity versus controls. Extraction decreased significantly in large-burn animals with addition of FFP to LR versus LR-only; addition of albumin to LR did not decrease EBD extraction. Plasma SCD-1 increased in injured animals compared with controls, and changes correlated with injury severity in all resuscitation groups (significance, P < 0.05). Lung SCD-1 staining reflected the results in the EBD assay. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of FFP, not of albumin, to post-burn resuscitation diminishes vascular leakage associated with large burns. Addition of colloid does not affect SDC-1 shedding as measured in plasma. Ongoing work will further define pathophysiologic mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate injury and promote repair of the endothelial glycocalyx.

Effects of Small-Sided Games vs. Interval Training in Aerobic Fitness and Physical Enjoyment in Young Elite Soccer Players.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Small-Sided Games (SSG) vs. Interval Training (IT) in soccer training on aerobic fitness and physical enjoyment in youth elite soccer players during the last 8 weeks of the season. Seventeen U-16 male soccer players (age = 15.5 ± 0.6 years, and 8.5 years of experience) of a Spanish First Division club academy were randomized to 2 different groups for 6 weeks: SSG group (n = 9) and IT group (n = 8). In addition to the usual technical and tactical sessions and competitive games, the SSG group performed 11 sessions with different SSGs, whereas the IT group performed the same number of sessions of IT. Players were tested before and after the 6-week training intervention with a continuous maximal multistage running field test and the counter movement jump test (CMJ). At the end of the study, players answered the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES). During the study, heart rate (HR) and session perceived effort (sRPE) were assessed. SSGs were as effective as IT in maintaining the aerobic fitness in elite young soccer players during the last weeks of the season. Players in the SSG group declared a greater physical enjoyment than IT (P = 0.006; ES = 1.86 ± 1.07). Coaches could use SSG training during the last weeks of the season as an option without fear of losing aerobic fitness while promoting high physical enjoyment.