Lipid emulsion combined with epinephrine and vasopressin does not improve survival in a swine model of bupivacaine-induced cardiac arrest

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of lipid emulsion in reversing bupivacaine-induced cardiovascular collapse when added to a resuscitation protocol that included the use of epinephrine and vasopressin. METHODS:: After induction of general anesthesia and instrumentation, 19 mixed-breed domestic swine had cardiovascular collapse induced by an intravenous bolus of 10 mg/kg bupivacaine. After 5 min of resuscitation including chest compressions, epinephrine (100 μg/kg) and vasopressin (1.5 U/kg), animals were randomized to receive either a bolus of 20% lipid emulsion (4 ml/kg) followed by a continuous infusion (0.5 ml • kg • min) or an equal volume of saline. Investigators were blinded to the treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was return of spontaneous circulation (mean arterial pressure of at least 60 mmHg for at least 1 min). RESULTS:: Treatment groups were similar with respect to baseline measurements of weight, sex, and hemodynamic and metabolic variables. The rates of return of spontaneous circulation were similar between groups: (3 of 10) in the lipid group and 4 of 9 in the saline group (P = 0.65). Total serum bupivacaine concentrations were higher in the lipid group at the 10-min timepoint (mean ± SEM: 23.13 ± 5.37 ng/ml vs. 15.33 ± 4.04 ng/ml, P = 0.004). More norepinephrine was required in the lipid group compared to the saline group to maintain a mean arterial pressure above 60 mmHg during the 60-min survival period (mean ± SEM: 738.6 ± 94.4 vs.. 487.3 ± 171.0 μg). CONCLUSIONS:: In this swine model, lipid emulsion did not improve rates of return of spontaneous circulation after bupivacaine-induced cardiovascular collapse.