Monitoring of lung edema by microwave reflectometry during lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo

It is still unclear whether lung edema can be monitored by
microwave reflectometry and whether the measured changes in lung
dry matter content (DMC) are accompanied by changes in PaO(2) and
in pro-to anti-inflammatory cytokine expression (IFN-gamma and
IL-10). Right rat lung hili were cross-clamped at 37 degrees C for
0, 60, 90 or 120 min ischemia followed by 120 min reperfusion.
After 90 min (DMC: 15.9 +/- 1.4%; PaO(2): 76.7 +/- 18 mm Hg) and
120 min ischemia (DMC: 12.8 +/- 0.6%; PaO(2): 43 +/- 7 mm Hg), a
significant decrease in DMC and PaO(2) throughout reperfusion
compared to 0 min ischemia (DMC: 19.5 +/- 1.11%; PaO(2): 247 +/- 33
mm Hg; p < 0.05) was observed. DMC and PaO(2) decreased after 60
min ischemia but recovered during reperfusion (DMC: 18.5 +/- 2.4%;
PaO(2) : 173 +/- 30 mm Hg). DMC values reflected changes on the
physiological and molecular level. In conclusion, lung edema
monitoring by microwave reflectometry might become a tool for the
thoracic surgeon. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.