Hemodynamic evaluation of right ventricular function in chronic obstructive airway disease before and after beta 2 mimetics

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the effects of IV terbutaline [Bricanyl] as a prototype of beta 2 mimetics on cardiorespiratory function in 20 patients with COPD [16 males, 4 females]. Arterial blood gases on admission showed a mean PO2 of 124 mmHg and a mean PCO2 of 59 mmHg. 14 out of 20 patients were on assisted ventilation. All patients were subjected to cardiac catheterization using flow directed Swan Ganz catheter. Baseline evaluation was followed by hemodynamic measurements. Beta mimetic therapy increased HR by 23%, BP by 11% and PCWP by 27%, while there was almost no effect on CVP. Intravenous Bricanyl significantly augmented CI, SVI and increased LVSWI and RVSWI. IV Bricanyl substantially increased SaO2, SVO2, O2 transport and O2 uptake without significantly changing O2 extraction ratio. The increase in the SVSWI was highly significant compared with the modest increase in LVSWI