Protective Effect Of Hypothermia During Experimental Sepsis

Objective: In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of hypothermia on survival, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin and leukocyte levels in rat models, induced with cecal ligation-perforation procedure.Materials and Methods: After formation of the sepsis, the rats were randomized as hypothermic sham, septic (32 degrees C-34 degrees C) and normothermic sham, septic (36 degrees C-38 degrees C). At the beginning of study (0 h) and at 6th hour blood was taken from all rats in all groups; CRP, procalcitonin, leukocyte levels were measured and the survival time of rats in all groups was recorded.Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the hypothermic and normothermic septic group in terms of survival time (hypothermic septic 24.3 +/- 20.2, normothermic septic group 15.9 +/- 13.5 h, p=0.039). There was no statistically significant difference for time dependent changes of CRP and procalcitonin all groups.Conclusion: It can be suggested that hypothermia in experimental sepsis might have positive effects on survival but the effect on the markers of infection is unclear and further studies are needed.