Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Surgery

Supervisor

Lawendy, Abdel-Rahman

Abstract

Acute limb compartment syndrome (ACS), a potentially devastating complication of musculoskeletal trauma, results in muscle necrosis and cell death. Ischemia and inflammation both contribute to microvascular dysfunction and parenchymal injury. Currently, surgical fasciotomy remains the only first-line treatment.

Systemic application of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-3 (CORM-3) in animal models of ACS has shown benefits when given in conjunction with fasciotomy; however, CORM-3 without fasciotomy has never been tested. The purpose of this thesis was to assess the effects of CORM-3 in ACS without surgical intervention.

Twenty-nine male adult Wistar rats were used to test the effects of CORM- 3. Microvascular perfusion, tissue injury, and inflammatory response were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours following intracompartmental pressure elevation and CORM-3 injection.

The results demonstrated partially restored microvascular perfusion, significantly reduced tissue injury, and diminished leukocyte activation (inflammation), indicating the potential of CORM-3 as a pharmacological agent in the treatment for ACS.

Summary for Lay Audience

Acute limb compartment syndrome (ACS) is a potentially devastating complication of limb trauma resulting in muscle and cell death. Lack of blood flow and white blood cell activation both contribute to vessel dysfunction and tissue injury. The treatment gold standard is an emergency surgery to relieve the tissue pressure.

Injection of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-3 (CORM-3), a substance that gives off carbon monoxide, in animal models of ACS has shown benefits when given together with surgery; however, CORM-3 without surgery has never been tested. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis was to assess the effects of CORM-3 in ACS without surgical intervention.

Twenty-nine male adult Wistar rats were used to test CORM-3. Tissue perfusion, injury, and white blood cell response were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours following tissue pressure elevation and CORM-3 injection.

Our results demonstrated that CORM-3 injection without surgery improved perfusion, reduced tissue injury, and diminished inflammation, indicating its potential in prolonging the surgical window and its use as a pharmacological treatment for ACS.

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