Haemodynamic and volumetric monitoring during haemorrhagic shock in swine

Various studies have been performed concerning haemodynamics in the shock s tate. The aim of this study was to examine if a haemodynamic approach based on volumetric indices can offer a new method of evaluation. Volumetric mea surements of ventricular filling and cardiac function were compared with cl assical haemodynamic variables during induced haemorrhagic shock in swine. Twelve hybrid swine were anaesthetized and underwent arteriectomy to induce haemorrhagic shock. Blood was collected in ACD treated bags and reinfused via the same vein after a shock period of 90 min. Haemodynamic and volume m easurements were evaluated. Seven swine survived to complete the protocol a nd reached the final experimental time (90 min after reinfusion), while the remaining five died I h after reinfusion. Concerning the haemodynamics, af terload changes characterized the haemorrhagic shock period, while blood vo lume distribution dictated ventricular filling and ventricular kinetics dur ing the post-reinfusion period. Systemic vascular resistance was different in the two groups. This study suggests that blood volumetric evaluations ca n offer better comparative data than pulmonary catheterisation for a precis e assessment of cardiac output. Preload values have turned out to be of gre ater relevance than traditional pressure variables. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.