Effects of dopexamine and volume loading on hemodynamics and oxygenation parameters in patients undergoing pulmonary resection

Background: Pulmonary resection may result in a reduction in arterial oxyge n pressure as well as in cardiac output. Since cardiac index, oxygen delive ry, and oxygen consumption are considered as important determinants of pati ents' outcome, we evaluated the effects of dopexamine and volume loading on cardiopulmonary variables in patients undergoing pulmonary resection Methods: Forty adult patients undergoing pulmonary resection for lung or br onchial tumors were included in an open placebo-controlled study. The patie nts were selected according to a randomized sequence to group A (n=20) or g roup B (n=20). Dopexamine (2 mu g . kg(-1) . min(-1)) was started when stea dy state conditions were achieved after induction of anesthesia in group A. Saline 0.9% was given as control (group B). Hemodynamic monitoring was per formed using a pulmonary artery catheter. Results: Dopexamine increased heart rate, cardiac output and oxygen deliver y compared with control without increasing oxygen consumption during anesth esia and surgery Furthermore, dopexamine was found not to alter the course of PaO2/FiO2 values. Conclusion: In patients undergoing pulmonary resection, dopexamine can be u sed perioperatively to increase cardiac index without decreasing the PaO2/F iO2 ratio.