OBJECTIVETo explore if early fracture fixation can alleviate gut barrier function damage caused by multiple firearm injuries in pigs.

METHODSTwelve healthy pigs were subjected to tangential fracture of parietal bone and comminuted fractures of bilateral femora (ISS >or= 16) due to 5.8 mm bullets shooting and these pigs were divided randomly into 2 groups. Control group (n = 6) were not treated at all. Fracture fixation Group (n = 6) were managed by immediate fracture fixation of bilateral femora with intramedullary nails. Plasma concentration of D-lactate, DAO and endotoxin (in portal vein) were detected at different intervals before and after trauma. The portal vein blood was cultured and the percentage of positive isolation was calculated. The concentration of DAO in small bowel was also detected 72 hours later after trauma.

RESULTSIn control group, the plasma concentrations of D-lactate, DAO and endotoxin increased at early stage and kept high till 72 hours after trauma; the percentage of positive blood culture was 63.3%. In Group F, the levels of plasma D-lactate, DAO and endotoxin were also elevated at early stage (6 - 12 h), but declined significantly from 24 h or 48 h after trauma compared with control group (P < 0.05), and the percentage of positive blood culture was lower (30.0%, P < 0.05). The concentrations of DAO in small bowel decreased in both groups, but to a less extent in Group F.

CONCLUSIONBacterial and endotoxin translocation emerged with increasing gut permeability after multiple firearm injuries. The damage of gut barrier function could be alleviated and the chance of enterogenous infection could be by early fracture fixation after trauma.