Hemodynamic effects of pneumonia: II. Expansion of plasma volume

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Abstract

Previous work has demonstrated that approximately one-third of patients with pneumonia have a hypodynamic circulatory response. This response is characterized by an abnormally wide arteriovenous oxygen difference, a low cardiac output, increased peripheral resistance, and an increased hematocrit. This state was found to abate in convalescence. In an attempt to elucidate the pathogenesis of this hypodynamic state, nine additional patients were studied hemodynamically during the acute phase of pneumonia before and during acute expansion of blood volume by low molecular weight dextran (seven patients) or normal saline (two patients). Five patients were restudied before and during acute blood volume expansion in convalescence.

Authors

Raj Kumar, Wayne A. Wallace, Alberto Ramirez, Herbert Benson, Walter H. Abelmann