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N Mayer

Publications and source records attributed to N Mayer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Pentoxifylline attenuates the increase in whole blood viscosity after transfusion.

BACKGROUND: Pentoxifylline improves tissue oxygenation and intestinal blood flow in models of haemorrhagic shock, and it has been used for the treatment of intermittent claudication due to its beneficial effects on haemorheology. We investigated the effects of pentoxifylline on whole blood viscosity during packed red-blood cell transfusion in critically ill adult patients. METHODS: Twenty critically ill patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups (pentoxifylline group: n = 11, placebo group: n = 9) and prospectively studied. Forty-five minutes before and during the packed red-blood cell transfusion (10 ml min(-1)) over a period of 80 min, 1.5 mg kg(-1) . h(-1) pentoxifylline or placebo were administered intravenously. Haematocrit, plasma fibrinogen concentration, total protein concentration, whole blood viscosity (at a shear rate of 10 s(-1), 50 s(-1), and 100 s(-1)) and plasma viscosity were measured. RESULTS: After the packed red-blood cell transfusion, haematocrit levels increased significantly in both groups (pentoxifylline group: from 26.1 +/- 2.8% to 33.0 +/- 3.2; placebo group: from 24.4 +/- 3.3% to 32.6 +/- 2.6%; means +/- standard deviation). Compared to baseline, whole blood viscosity increased in both groups at all shear rates after the transfusion, but the increase was significantly less in the pentoxifylline group (26 +/- 15% vs. 49 +/- 14%, 23 +/- 11% vs. 39 +/- 12%, and 22 +/- 11% vs. 35 +/- 12% for the pentoxifylline vs. placebo groups at shear rates of 10 s(-1), 50 s(-1), and 100 s(-1), respectively). Plasma viscosity, total protein concentration, and fibrinogen concentration remained unchanged and no significant differences among groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that pentoxifylline is effective in attenuating the increase in whole blood viscosity after a transfusion of packed red-blood cells. Plasma viscosity is not influenced by pentoxifylline.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Renal mechanisms involved in stress-induced antinatriuresis and antidiuresis in rats.

The present study was conducted to investigate if changes in sodium and water excretion in stressed animals were due to modifications in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and to determine the participation of angiotensin II (Ang II) and alpha and beta-adrenoceptors on sodium and water renal excretion in rats subjected to immobilization stress (IMO). Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were randomly separated into five different groups and vehicle (0.9% NaCl) via intraperitoneal (i.p.) or propanolol (3 mg/kg i.p.) or captopril (6 mg/kg i.p.) or yohimbine (3 mg/kg i.p.) or prazosin (1 mg/kg i.p.) were injected respectively. During experimental measurements, the animals were kept in metabolic cages for 6 h and sodium, potassium and water renal excretion and saline (1.5% NaCl) and water intake were determined at day 1 (drug effect) and day 7 (drug + IMO effects). GFR was measured by creatinine clearance in control and IMO rats. A stress-induced antinatriuresis and antidiuresis was reversed by alpha 1 and alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists, while captopril inhibited only the antidiuresis and propranolol had no effect on either parameter. No differences were observed in creatinine clearance in the studied groups. Since yohimbine blocks alpha 2-adrenoceptors and prazosin blocks alpha 1-adrenoceptors and alpha 2B-adrenoceptors, the stress-induced renal sodium reabsorption mainly could be attributed to alpha 2B-adrenoceptors. The present results indicate that beta-adrenoceptors do not participate in this response and, Ang II only reverses the antidiuresis and shows a slight participation in antinatriuresis. The increment in sodium and water reabsorption caused by IMO occurred without changes in the glomerular filtration rate.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed2001

Clonidine as adjuvant for mepivacaine, ropivacaine and bupivacaine in axillary, perivascular brachial plexus block.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of clonidine on three local anesthetics (mepivacaine 1%, ropivacaine 0.75% and bupivacaine 0.5%) with comparable potency and almost the same concentration-response relationship. METHODS: One hundred and twenty trauma-patients were randomly allocated into six groups. In the control-groups (Mo/Ro/Bo) brachial plexus was performed using 40 mL of local anesthetic plus 1 mL of NaCL 0.9%. In the clonidine-groups (Mc/Rc/Bc) brachial plexus was performed using each 40 mL of drug plus 1 mL (0.150 mg) of clonidine. Onset-time and the duration of the sensory block were recorded. Data are expressed as mean +/- SD. RESULTS: According to the average sensory block determined by a visual analog scale in the median, ulnar and radial nerve distributions and ranging from 100 (no sensory blockade) to 0 (complete sensory blockade), both mepi-groups showed a rapid onset (at 10 min: -Mo 20 +/- 15/Mc 19 +/- 14; at 30 min: -Mo 3 +/- 4/Mc 5 +/- 4). The ropi-and bupi- groups both had a longer onset time (at 10 min: -Ro 23 +/- 19/Rc 25 +/- 22/Bo 24 +/- 15; at 30 min -Ro 10 +/- 6/ Rc 11 +/- 6 /Bo 12 +/- 4). The onset time in group-Bc was significantly prolonged (at 10 min: -45 +/- 21; at 30 min: -20 +/- 6). Duration of motor blockade was prolonged by clonidine only in the mepivacaine and bupivacaine groups; (in minutes: Mo 212 +/- 47 -Mc 468 +/- 62; Ro 702 +/- 52 -Rc 712 +/- 82; Bo 728 +/- 36 -Bc 972 +/- 72). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the addition of clonidine has a different impact on each of the three local anesthetics investigated in terms of onset and duration of block.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗
PubMed2001

Botulinum toxin for the management of muscle overactivity and spasticity after stroke.

Stroke is a major cause of disability involving the arm and leg. This disability results from the upper motoneuron syndrome (UMN) evident after stroke. It is commonly associated with spasticity and muscle overactivity, which can lead to abnormal limb posturing that interferes with active and passive function. The origin of limb deformity in patients with UMN is based on the concept of unbalanced agonist and antagonist muscle forces acting across joints. In the past decade, botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) a new medication that modifies muscle force and, hence, can treat muscle imbalance, has become available and has renewed interest in the management of muscle overactivity and spasticity after stroke. A reduction in muscle tone, painful spasms, and improved functionality can be obtained. Research and clinical reports support the concept that chemodenervation with BTX-A is an excellent intervention for treating focal muscle overactivity and spasticity secondary to stroke. Many muscles differing in size, shape, and location have been injected, and clinical effectiveness is particularly notable in elbow flexors, ankle plantar flexors, and smaller limb muscles, such as intrinsics of the hand and wrist. Smaller muscles are readily accessible for injection and require smaller amounts of toxin.

Botulinum Toxins↗
PubMed2000

Three-in-one blocks with ropivacaine: evaluation of sensory onset time and quality of sensory block.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study was to evaluate the sensory onset time and the quality of sensory block of ropivacaine, a new long-acting local anesthetic, compared with bupivacaine, for 3-in-1 blocks. Fifty ASA physical status I-III patients undergoing hip surgery after trauma were randomly assigned to two study groups of 25 patients each. The two study groups received a 3-in-1 block with either 20 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% or 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.5%. Blocks in both groups were performed using a nerve stimulator. The sensory onset time and the quality of sensory block was assessed by pinprick test in the central sensory region of each of the three nerves and compared with the same stimulation in the contralateral leg. We used a scale from 100% (normal sensation) to 0% (no sensory sensation). We did not find significant differences in sensory onset times between the ropivacaine group and the bupivacaine group (30+/-11 vs 32+/-10 min). The quality of sensory blocks was also comparable between the study groups (19%+/-20% vs 21%+/-15%). We conclude that the sensory onset time and quality of sensory block during 3-in-1 blocks performed with ropivacaine are comparable to those with bupivacaine. Ropivacaine is described as being less potent than bupivacaine, making this local anesthetic promising for 3-in-1 blocks because of its reportedly lower incidence of cardiovascular and central nervous system complications. IMPLICATIONS: Ropivacaine 0.5% has a sensory onset time and quality of sensory block during 3-in-1 blocks similar to that of bupivacaine 0.5%. Ropivacaine is described as being less potent than bupivacaine, making it a promising local anesthetic for 3-in-1 blocks because of its reportedly lower cardiovascular and central nervous system toxicity.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Reduction of platelet activity markers in type II hypercholesterolemic patients by a HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitor.

We have investigated the effects of a potent lipid-lowering therapy on the activity of platelets as measured ex vivo by the surface activation markers CD62 (PADGEM, P-selectin, GMP 140) and CD63 (GP53) in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Treatment with the HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitor fluvastatin (40 mg) significantly reduced the serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration by 30% (p<0.01) and total cholesterol by 25% (p<0.01). The platelet membrane activation markers CD62 (PADGEM, P-selectin, GMP140) and 63 (GP53) significantly decreased by 22 and 13% (in terms of the relative fluorescence intensity) under the treatment with fluvastatin (p<0.05), respectively. The cholesterol-lowering effect is accompanied by a significant reduction of the platelet membrane activation markers CD62 and CD63 reflecting a reduced platelet activity that may contribute to the vasoprotective profile of fluvasatin.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Surgical embolectomy after reanimation in central pulmonary embolism].

Central pulmonary embolism represents one of the most threatening complications in surgical patients. In most cases deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities is the source of emboli. Despite the introduction of hypocoagulative drugs in standard surgical concepts the incidence of deep vein thrombosis remains about 10% in trauma patients. Estimated numbers of unknown cases of pulmonary embolism are supposed to be rather high too. In haemodynamically symptomatic pulmonary embolism events and especially when the patient has to be reanimated, mortality rates of up to 93% are reported in literature. After introduction of the heart- and lung-machine in the surgical concept of therapy, survival rates have increased significantly. We report on three cases of successful surgical embolectomy after CPR. In a review of literature current concepts of treatment in central pulmonary embolism are discussed.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1999

Lateral infraclavicular plexus block vs. axillary block for hand and forearm surgery.

BACKGROUND: In the last few years infraclavicular plexus block has become a method of increasing interest. However, this block has been associated with high complication incidences and without advantage in the quality of blockade over the axillary approach. We prospectively studied 40 patients (ASA I-III) undergoing surgery of the forearm and hand, and investigated the performance of the lateral infraclavicular plexus block against an axillary paravascular block to evaluate the success rate as well as the extent and quality of blockade. METHODS: Patients were randomized into two groups: group I (lateral infraclavicular approach; n=20) and group A (axillary approach; n=20). The lateral infraclavicular approach is a technique with the coracoid process (CP) as landmark. Alone the sagittal plane, the needle is inserted until contact with the CP. The needle is then withdrawn 2-3 mm and reinserted directly under the CP, until it contacts the brachial plexus sheath. Plexus blockade was performed using 40 ml of mepivacaine 1%. Quality of sensory and motor block was recorded selectively for each nerve distribution at close intervals for 6 h. RESULTS: Successful block according to Vester-Andersen's criteria was achieved in 100% of group I and 85% of group A. In group I, a pronounced sensory and motor blockade of the musculocutaneous nerve was observed, while patients of group A had a weak block of this nerve. In group I, an additional spectrum of nerves (thoracodorsal, axillary and medial brachial cutaneous nerves) was involved compared to group A. There was no difference among groups in onset and duration of block. CONCLUSION: Based on the safe landmark and feasibility of this procedure and the additional spectrum of nerve block achieved, the application of lateral infraclavicular technique has to be reconsidered in clinical practice.

Axilla↗
PubMed1998

Acute normovolaemic haemodilution does not aggravate gastric mucosal acidosis during cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Acute normovolaemic haemodilution with subsequent autologous blood transfusion after surgery is widely used to reduce homologous blood requirements during cardiac surgery. The hypothesis tested was whether a low intraoperative haematocrit (Hct) resulting from haemodilution decreases gastric mucosal pH (pHi). DESIGN: Prospective clinical investigation. SETTING: University Hospital of Vienna, Austria. PATIENTS: 16 consecutive patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: In 10 patients (group 1), 500 ml of blood was withdrawn and stored after anaesthesia induction. An equal amount of 6% hydroxyethyl starch was simultaneously infused. After discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the autologous blood unit was transfused. Six patients (group 2), who were not subjected to haemodilution and autologous blood transfusion served as controls. In all patients, a gastric tonometry probe was inserted. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Measurements of pHi and Hct were performed before and after acute normovolaemic haemodilution, during pulsatile hypothermic (30-32 degrees C) CPB, after rewarming, and 30 min after autologous blood transfusion in group 1, and at corresponding time intervals in group 2. Repeated measures analysis of variance and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Data are presented as means +/- standard error of the mean. Haemodilution in group 1 caused a significant and persistent decrease in Hct (after haemodilution in group 1 34 +/- 1 vs 40 +/- 1% in group 2). In both groups, pHi decreased during rewarming and after termination of CPB. However, in group 1, pHi was better preserved than in group 2 (rewarming: 7.44 +/- 0.02 vs 7.34 +/- 0.04; after CPB: 7.38 +/- 0.03 vs 7.28 +/- 0.02; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acute normovolaemic haemodilution does not aggravate gastric mucosal acidosis during cardiac surgery.

Acidosis↗
PubMed1998

Sister chromatid exchanges in rotogravure printing plant workers.

OBJECTIVE: The individual burden of inhaled ambient-air toluene and its link to genotoxic phenomena in exposed printing workers. METHOD: The influence of toluene on sister chromatid exchange (SCE) was investigated by monitoring of the individual toluene burden of 42 exposed printing workers. Therefore, the urinary hippuric acid (HA) excretion was measured directly after the work shift. The results were compared with those recorded for a control group consisting of 45 blood donors. SCE frequencies were determined from peripheral lymphocytes for both groups. RESULTS: The median HA excretion of the exposed and nonexposed groups amounted to 1.94 and 0.45 g/g creatinine, respectively. For both groups, different SCE rates were detected: 10.13 and 6.84 counts/lymphocyte for exposed and nonexposed persons, respectively. The independence of the measured values proved to be significant at a high confidence level (P = 0.000) for both groups. The influences of smoking and alcohol consumption on SCE as well as on HA values could be clearly separated from those induced by toluene. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate a strong relationship between the individual toluene burden and the genotoxic risk of the exposed persons. Since toluene was used for dilution of the letter-press ink, the influence of ink mist on the genotoxic effects could not be completely excluded.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Naturalistic action impairment in closed head injury.

The authors sought to determine whether errors of action committed by patients with closed head injury (CHI) would conform to predictions derived from frontal lobe theories. In Study 1, 30 CHI patients and 18 normal controls performed routine activities, such as wrapping a present, under conditions of graded complexity. CHI patients committed more errors even on the simplest condition; but, except for a higher proportion of omitted actions, their error profile was very similar to that of controls. Study 2 involved a subset of patients whose performance in Study 1 was within normal limits. When these high functioning patients were asked to perform the routine tasks under still more taxing conditions, they, too, committed errors in excess of the control group. Accounts based on frontal mechanisms have a difficult time explaining the overall pattern of findings. An alternative based on limited-capacity resources is suggested.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1998

[Combined sciatic nerve-3 in 1 block in high risk patient].

BACKGROUND: We report on a case of combined sciatic nerve block and 3-in-1 block for amputation of lower limb in an ASA IV-V patient 6 days after intraoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation following induction of general anaesthesia. CASE REPORT: A 54-year old male patient was admitted for necrosectomy of a crural ulcer due to end-stage peripheral vascular disease and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. The patient also suffered from toxic cardiomyopathy. After induction for general anaesthesia the haemodynamic situation deteriorated progressively and ended up in cardiac arrest with consequent successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The operation was cancelled and the patient was admitted to the intensive-care unit, where he was extubated after 2 days of further haemodynamic stabilisation. Following development of a septic situation of the lower limb the patient was again admitted for amputation six days after the cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Regional anaesthesia was conducted with a combination of a sciatic nerve block via the posterior approach and a 3-in-1 block facilitated by ultrasonographic guidance. For each of the blocks we used 20 mL mepivacaine 1%. Sensory blockade was sufficient and the patient remained haemodynamic and respiratorily stable. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The combined sciatic and 3-in-1 block is a rarely used technique, but for haemodynamically unstable patients it is a safe method for surgery of the lower limb.

Amputation, Surgical↗
PubMed1998

Magnesium sulfate reduces intra- and postoperative analgesic requirements.

UNLABELLED: In a randomized, double-blind study with two parallel groups, we assessed the analgesic effect of perioperative magnesium sulfate administration in 46 ASA physical status I or II patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery with total i.v. anesthesia. The patients received either magnesium sulfate 50 mg/kg preoperatively and 8 mg.kg-1.h-1 intraoperatively or the same volume of isotonic sodium chloride solution i.v. Anesthesia was performed with propofol (2 mg/kg for induction, 6-8 mg.kg-1.h-1 for maintenance), fentanyl (3 micrograms/kg for induction), and vecuronium (0.1 mg/kg for intubation). Intraoperative pain was defined as an increase of mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate of more than 20% from baseline values after the induction of anesthesia and was treated with bolus fentanyl (1-2 micrograms/kg). Postoperative analgesia was achieved with fentanyl (0.5 microgram/kg) and evaluated using the pain visual analog scale for 4 h. During the intraoperative and postoperative periods, patients in the magnesium group required significantly less fentanyl than those in the control group (control group 0.089 +/- 0.02 microgram.kg-1.min-1 versus magnesium group 0.058 +/- 0.01 microgram.kg-1.min-1; P < 0.05 and control group 0.021 +/- 0.013 microgram.kg-1.min-1 and magnesium group 0.0031 +/- 0.0018 microgram.kg-1.min-1; P < 0.01 for intraoperative and postoperative periods, respectively). We conclude that, in a clinical setting with almost identical levels of surgical stimulation, i.v. magnesium sulfate administration reduces intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirements compared with isotonic sodium chloride solution administration. IMPLICATIONS: The perioperative administration of i.v. magnesium sulfate reduces intra- and postoperative analgesic requirements in patients with almost identical levels of surgical stimulus. Our results demonstrate that magnesium can be an adjuvant to perioperative analgesic management.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Does phosphodiesterase III inhibition reverse the cardiodepressive effects of propofol?

UNLABELLED: Propofol decreases arterial blood pressure as a result of reduced cardiac output and peripheral vasodilation, raising concerns about its safety in patients with impaired cardiovascular function. Phosphodiesterase III inhibitors (PDE-III-Inh) have gained attention as inotropic drugs. We therefore studied whether the cardiac effects of propofol could be abrogated by enoximone. Twenty-one patients with moderately reduced cardiac function scheduled for major surgery were allocated to this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Measurement of cardiovascular data was performed before induction, 15 min after initiation of total intravenous anesthesia, 15 min after a first bolus of 0.25 mg/kg enoximone or placebo, and 15 min after a second bolus of 0.25 mg/kg enoximone or placebo. Propofol led to the expected reduction of cardiac output and bradycardia. Both doses of enoximone increased the cardiac index, reaching nearly preinduction values at a cumulative dose of 0.5 mg/kg enoximone. This change was primarily the result of significantly increased heart rate rather than increased ejection fraction or stroke volume index. Mean arterial pressure remained constant, which indicates uncompromised coronary perfusion pressure. Based on our results, we cannot recommend enoximone for the treatment of propofol-induced cardiac impairment. IMPLICATIONS: Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol is used increasingly in patients with impaired cardiac function. Enoximone, a drug suggested for congestive heart failure, had no effect on stroke volume or mean arterial pressure, but it increased heart rate. Enoximone is not recommended to treat impairment of cardiac function in patients anesthetized with propofol.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Ultrasonographic guidance improves sensory block and onset time of three-in-one blocks.

UNLABELLED: The use of ultrasound reduces the onset time, improves the quality of sensory block, and minimizes the risks associated with the supraclavicular approach for brachial plexus and stellate ganglion blockade. The present study was designed to evaluate whether ultrasound also facilitates the approach for 3-in-1 blocks. Forty patients (ASA physical status II or III) undergoing hip surgery after trauma were randomly assigned to two groups. In the ultrasound (US) group, 20 mL bupivacaine 0.5% was administered under US guidance, whereas in the control group, the same amount and concentration of local anesthetic was administered with the assistance of a nerve stimulator (NS). After US- or NS-based identification of the femoral nerve, the local anesthetic solution was administered, and the distribution of the local anesthetic solution was visualized and recorded on videotape in the US group. The quality and the onset of the sensory block was assessed by using the pinprick test in the central sensory region of each of the three nerves and compared with the same stimulation on the contralateral leg every 10 min for 60 min. The rating was performed using a scale from 100% (uncompromised sensibility) to 0% (no sensory sensation). Heart rate, noninvasive blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were measured at short intervals for 60 min. The onset of sensory blockade was significantly shorter in Group US compared with Group NS (US 16 +/- 14 min, NS 27 +/- 16 min, P < 0.05). The quality of the sensory block after injection of the local anesthetic was also significantly better in Group US compared with Group NS (US 15% +/- 10% of initial value, NS 27% +/- 14% of initial value, P < 0.05). A good analgesic effect was achieved in 95% of the patients in the US group and in 85% of the patients in the NS group. In the US group, visualization of the cannula tip, the femoral nerve, the major vessels, and the local anesthetic spread was possible in 85% of patients. Incidental arterial puncture (n = 3) was observed only in the NS group. We conclude that an US-guided approach for 3-in-1 block reduces the onset time, improves the quality of the sensory block and minimizes the risks associated with this regional anesthetic technique. IMPLICATIONS: The onset time and the quality of a regional anesthetic technique for the lower extremity is improved by ultrasonographic nerve identification compared with older techniques.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Effects of pentoxifylline on hemodynamics and oxygenation in septic and nonseptic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline on hemodynamics and systemic oxygenation in septic and nonseptic critically ill patients. DESIGN: Prospective clinical investigation. SETTING: Intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Nineteen critically ill patients were included in the study 1 to 4 days after their admission to the ICU. A systemic inflammatory response syndrome was present in 12 patients, fulfilling at least two of the American College of Chest Physicians/ Society of Critical Care Medicine Consensus Conference criteria. The other seven patients did not fulfill these criteria and were classified as nonseptic. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were mechanically ventilated. The dosage of catecholamines was kept constant during the entire study period and at least during 15 mins before the start of the study. In both study groups, pulmonary and radial artery catheters were inserted and 5 mg/kg of pentoxifylline (diluted in 300 mL of physiologic saline) was intravenously administered over a period of 180 mins at a rate of 100 mL/hr. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hemodynamic variables, oxygen transport (DO2), oxygen uptake (VO2), and oxygen extraction ratio were determined before pentoxifylline, after 2.5 mg/kg of pentoxifylline, after 5 mg/kg of pentoxifylline, and 60 mins after the termination of pentoxifylline. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis. At baseline, there were significant differences between the septic and the nonseptic groups in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (septic: 31 +/- 5 mm Hg; nonseptic: 26 +/- 7 mm Hg, p < .05), and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) (septic: 344 +/- 121 dyne.sec/ cm5.m2; nonseptic: 233 +/- 100 dyne.sec/cm5.m2, p < .05). In the septic group, significant increases in heart rate and cardiac index were observed. Systemic vascular resistance index and PVRI decreased. No significant changes in hemodynamic variables occurred in the nonseptic group. In both groups, DO2 and VO2 increased significantly, while oxygen extraction ratio remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of pentoxifylline to septic patients results in a significant improvement in hemodynamic performance compared with critically ill nonseptic patients. The better hemodynamic state is accompanied by an increase in DO2 and VO2 with unchanged oxygen extraction ratio.

Adult↗