EFFECT OF DOPAMINE ON PORTAL BLOOD-FLOW IN CIRRHOTIC-PATIENTS

Objective The effects of dopamine infusion on portal blood flow were e xamined in 12 cirrhotic patients (seven men, five women) in a Child-B group. Methods Dopamine was administered as an intravenous infusion (2 mu g kg(-1) min(-1)). Results At 0, 30 and 60 min, portal blood flow, left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were evaluated usin g the pulsed doppler method. No significant difference was found betwe en heart rate, blood pressure and parameters demonstrating left ventri cular systolic and diastolic functions before and after dopamine infus ions. Portal blood flow decreased significantly at 30 and 60 min. Port al blood flow fell from 1802 +/- 88 to 1339 +/- 50 ml min(-1) (P < 0.0 01) at 30 min and to 1121 +/- 60 ml min(-1) (P < 0.001) at 60 min. Con clusion The reducing effects of dopamine on portal (seven blood flow i n cirrhotic patients were demonstrated by the pulsed doppler method, w hich is a noninvasive test.