ECG changes after removal of crush in rats with combined crush injury in simulated deep buried condition

Objective To study the changes on ECG after removal of crush in rats with crush injury in simulated deep buried condition. Methods Thirty-six Wistar rats were placed into an ordinary pressure hypoxic compartment with an oxygen concentration of 10%±0.1% without access to food or water after their hind limbs were clamped with a pressure of (4.5±0.3) kg. After the crush was consecutively removed for 72 hours, the rats were placed into an environment with a normal oxygen concentration with free access to food and water and underwent ECG on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28, respectively. Results Of the 35 rats with their crush removed, 1 rat died on 14 h, 28 had significant changes on their ECG, including ST-segment depression, tall peaked T-wave, QT prolongation, arrhythmias, abnormal Q wave on days 1-3, and ST-segment depression on days 14-28. Conclusion Significant changes can be found on ECG 72 hours after crush is removed in rats with crush injury in simulated deep buried condition, indicating that heart is a sensitive target organ for combined crush injury.