Transperitoneal Oxygenation with Lactated Ringer's Solution

This experimental study was performed on 5 rabbits to ascertain if oxygenated Ringer's lactate Could be used in place of fluorocarbons through peritoneal administration. Oxygen was bubbled through solutions of Ringer's lactate at two different rates and the oxygen tension of each solution was determined. The solution used in vivo had oxygen delivered at a rate of 5 L/min; the mean PO₂ and pH were 575.5 mmHg and 6.34 respectively, while the rate of oxygenation of the in vitro solution was 3 L/min. with a mean PO₂ and pH of 416.6 mmHg and 6.08. After peritoneal administration of the oxygenated solution the PaO₂ values were significantly increased from the control value. Other parameters such as pH, PaCO₂, HCO₃^-, BE, SO₂ (oxygen saturation), Na and K were not shown to be statistically significant. Some degree of oxygenation could be obtained by the introduction of oxygenated Ringer's solution. This result suggested that this solution can be used for oxygenation via the transperitoneal administration, and that this method of oxygenation may possibly be used to treat some forms of respiratory failure.