HEMATOCRIT MODIFIES THE CIRCULATORY CONTROL OF SYSTEMIC AND MYOCARDIAL OXYGEN UTILIZATION IN SEPTIC SHEEP

Objective: To describe the relationship between hematocrit and oxygen utilization before and after the onset of a hyperdynamic septic state. Design: Prospective, observational study. Setting: Laboratory of a la rge university-affiliated medical school. Subjects: Thirty mature shee p, each weighing 30 to 40 kg (0.9 to 1.1 m(2) body surface area). Inte rventions: After baseline measurements, cecal ligation and perforation were used to establish an intra-abdominal source of infection. The ab dominal wound was closed and animals were studied on the second postop erative day. An increase in cardiac output of greater than or equal to 30% was used to arbitrarily define the onset of sepsis. Repeat measur ements were performed and the animal was killed.