Ibuprofen therapy in experimental porcine gram-negative septic shock

To evaluate the effects of ibuprofen on gram-negative septic shock, immature piglets were subjected to fecal-Escherichia coli peritonitis. Group I (n = 5) received a 12.5 mg/kg bolus of ibuprofen in 0.9% benzyl alcohol, followed by a continuous infusion of 6.25 mg/kg/h. Group II (n = 5) received the vehicle, benzyl alcohol, and Group III (n = 5) received lactated Ringer's solution. Mean survival times among the three groups were not significantly different. Ibuprofen-treated animals had a mean survival time (± S.E.M.) of 17.1 ± 2 h vs. 19.2 ± 2.4 h in the benzyl alcohol group and 15.7 ± 2.7 h in the animals receiving lactated Ringer's solution. Thromboxane B₂ levels were not significantly different in the treatment vs. non-treatment groups while 6-keto-PGF_1a levels were significantly lower in the ibuprofen-treated animals. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were not prevented by treatment with ibuprofen.