Chitosan arrests bleeding in major hepatic injuries with clotting dysfunction: an in vivo experimental study in a model of hepatic injury in the presence of moderate systemic heparinisation.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of two chitosan formulations, Omni-Stat® granules and Celox Gauze®, in a model of major hepatic injury in the presence of clotting dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Major hepatic injuries in moderately heparinised swine were treated with either Omni-Stat® granules or Celox Gauze® as compared to control plain gauze. RESULTS: Plain gauze control failed to stop the bleeding in 13 of 14 attempts. Omni-Stat® arrested the bleeding in 18 of 18 attempts, providing it was in contact with the bleeding surface. Celox Gauze® arrested bleeding in 5 out of 6 attempts initially, and with further pressure in the sixth. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the evidence that chitosan-derived products act independently of classical clotting pathways and should be effective in patients who suffer major liver injury even in the presence of clotting dysfunctions.