Does heparin improve survival in experimental porcine gram-negative septic shock?

To evaluate the effect of heparin on gram-negative septic shock, immature piglets were subjected to fecal Escherichia coli peritonitis. One group of animals received a continuous infusion of heparin 25 units/kg/hr, while the control animals were given an equivalent voluem of lactated Ringer's solution. Heparin-treated animals (n = 5) had a mean survival time (± SEM) of 18.8 ± 2.2 hr vs. 11.9 ± 2.8 (P < 0.05) in controls (n = 5). Animals receiving heparin tended to have improved hemodynamic profiles and less leukopenia than controls.