Prevention of hypocalcemia by administration of homologous plasma during experimental hemorrhagic pancreatitis in the pig

Pancreatitis was induced in fifteen immature pigs while five additional pigs underwent sham laparotomy. Animals with pancreatitis were separated into three groups of five each with respect to fluids administered after pancreatitis was induced. Each pig in group A and the control group received normal saline, 300 ml/hour for 8 hours. Pigs in group B received pig plasma at 150 ml/hour plus normal saline at 150 ml/hour for 8 hours. Pigs in group C received pig plasma at 50 ml/hour plus normal saline at 50 ml/hour for 24 hours. Values for serum hematocrit, total protein, and total calcium were measured preoperatively and at 4,8, and 24 hours postoperatively. Control animals and group B animals experienced no change in any parameter. Group A animals sustained transient severe hemoconcentration, permanent severe hypoproteinemia, and hypocalcemia. Group C animals displayed a transient moderate hemoconcentration and a moderate but sustained decrease in calcium concentration. It is concluded that the hypocalcemia occurring during experimental hemorrhagic pancreatitis is directly related to the early hypovolemia and can be prevented by preventing the hypovolemia.