J Trauma
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A hemorrhagic-traumatic shock model in 20 domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) was used to evaluate the pharmacologic effect of methylprednisolone in preventing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Pairs of animals were anesthetized with thiopental and both femoral arteries cannulated. Four ml/kg-1 of blood were withdrawn, frozen, thawed, and returned to the animal. ⋯ Blood samples were analyzed for prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen level, and platelet count. The combination of hemorrhagic shock and hemolysis produced DIC and a fatal shock. Pharmacologic doses (30 mg/kg-1) of methylprednisolone significantly prevent the DIC.
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We present a case of a splenic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) occurring postsplenectomy. The splenectomy was performed as a result of severe blunt abdominal trauma. ⋯ Splenic AVF are usually due to rupture of a pre-existing splenic artery aneurysm, post-traumatic, or iatrogenic. Diagnosis and treatment of a splenic AVF are necessary to prevent the development of hepatosclerosis and esophageal varices.