Sepsis
Authors:
Dr Elliot Lilley
Dr Rachael Armstrong
Nicole Clark
Peter Gray
Dr Penny Hawkins
Karen Mason
Dr Noelia López-Salesansky
Dr Anne-Katrien Stark
Professor Simon K. Jackson
Professor Christoph Thiemermann
Professor Manasi Nandi
Publication:
Shock 43, 304-316
Publish Date:
12 September 2014
Background
Sepsis is a complex syndrome that commences with a systemic immune response to an infection that can progress to severe sepsis and septic shock, resulting in multiple organ failure and death. This field of research represents an area where many of the models used have the potential to cause high levels of suffering for animals. Therefore, there is an ethical imperative to address the issue of the validity of animal models for sepsis research, and the implementation of the 3Rs of replacement, reduction, and refinement is a priority.
Summary
This report sets out refinements to improve animal welfare and reduce suffering in sepsis and septic shock research. It provides husbandry and protocol refinements, including anaesthesia, fluid resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, analgesia and humane endpoints. It identifies and discusses specific welfare concerns and proposes practical measures to avoid and reduce harms to animals.
Key Actions
- Consider using the least severe model to answer the research question.
- Carefully select the devices for biomarker measurement, which should allow for robust and reproducible measurements and a low potential for causing harm to the animals.
- Review and refine the protocol (e.g., use the intravenous route for fluid resuscitation using a vascular access port).
- Identify and refine adverse effects that may arise at all stages, including prior and during induction, as well as during sepsis.
- Provide appropriate housing and care that meet the needs of the animals.
- Ensure adequate analgesia is administered.
- Implement effective welfare assessment and monitoring of animals, including a detailed clinical sign scoring system.
- Define early humane endpoints.
Further questions
Authors
Dr Elliot Lilley - RSPCA Animals in Science Department
Dr Rachel Armstrong - Huntington Life Sciences
Nicole Clark - University College London
Peter Gray - Home Office
Dr Penny Hawkins - RSPCA Animals in Science Department
Karen Mason - Home Office
Dr Noelia López-Salesansky - Royal Veterinary College
Dr Anne-Katrien Stark - The Babraham Institute
Professor Simon K. Jackson - Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry
Professor Christoph Thiemermann - Queen Mary University of London
Professor Manasi Nandi- Kings College London