Effects of three infusion fluids with different sodium chloride contents on steady-state serum concentrations of bromide in dogs.

Potassium bromide overdose (bromism) in the management of canine epilepsy has been known. However, a protocol to reduce bromide concentrations rapidly has not been previously established. The effects of three infusion fluids with different chloride contents on the steady-state serum concentrations of bromide in beagles were determined. After stabilization of the serum bromide concentrations, seven dogs were infused with saline (Na+ 154 mmol/L; Cl- 154 mmol/L), lactated Ringer's (Na+ 131 mmol/L; Cl- 110 mmol/L), or maintenance solutions (Na+ 35 mmol/L; Cl- 35 mmol/L) at a rate of 2 or 10 ml kg-1  hr-1 for 5 hr. Serum and urine were collected hourly, and the bromide concentrations were measured. When saline and lactated Ringer's solutions were infused at a rate of 10 ml kg-1  hr-1 for 5 hr, serum bromide concentrations were decreased by 14.24% and urine bromide concentrations by 17.63%, respectively. Of all compositions of infusion fluids, only sodium and chloride contents were associated with the decreased serum concentrations and the increased renal clearance of bromide. In summary, saline and lactated Ringer's solutions reduced serum bromide concentrations in a sodium chloride-dependent manner in dogs were found when infused at 10 ml kg-1  hr-1 for 5 hr.

Adverse effects of crystalloid and colloid fluids.

Guidelines for infusion fluid therapy rarely take into account that adverse effects occur in a dose-dependent fashion. Adverse effects of crystalloid fluids are related to their preferential distribution to the interstitium of the subcutis, the gut, and the lungs. The gastrointestinal recovery time is prolonged by 2 days when more than 2 litres is administered. Infusion of 6-7 litres during open abdominal surgery results in poor wound healing, pulmonary oedema, and pneumonia. There is also a risk of fatal postoperative pulmonary oedema that might develop several days after the surgery. Even larger amounts cause organ dysfunction by breaking up the interstitial matrix and allowing the formation of lacunae of fluid in the skin and central organs, such as the heart. Adverse effects of colloid fluids include anaphylactic reactions, which occur in 1 out of 500 infusions. The possibility that hydroxyethyl starch causes kidney injury in patients other than those with sepsis is still unclear. For both crystalloid and colloid fluids, coagulation becomes impaired when the induced haemodilution has reached 40%. Coagulopathy is aggravated by co-existing hypothermia. Although oedema can occur from both crystalloid and colloid fluids, these differ in pathophysiology. To balance fluid-induced adverse effects, this review suggests that a colloid fluid is indicated when the infused crystalloid volume exceeds 3-4 litres, plasma volume support is still needed, and the transfusion of blood products is not yet indicated.

Arterial Pressure and the Rate of Elimination of Crystalloid Fluid.

Excretion of crystalloid fluid is slow during general anesthesia. The distribution and elimination of buffered Ringer's solution were analyzed to determine whether the rate of elimination correlates with a hemodynamic factor, consciousness, patient posture, or the type of general anesthesia. Data were derived from 4 separately published studies in which 30 volunteers and 48 anesthetized patients had received 0.833 (1 series 0.667) mL/kg/min of lactated or acetated Ringer's solution over 30 minutes. Frequent measurements of the blood hemoglobin and mean urinary excretion were used as input in a kinetic analysis according to a 2-volume model and covariates, using microconstants and mixed-effects modeling software.The results show that rate of elimination of crystalloid fluid decreased with the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and patient age, but was unaffected by consciousness and inhalational or intravenous anesthesia. The elimination rate constant was 6.5 (95% confidence interval, 5.2-7.9) × 10 × (MAP/mean MAP) × (Age/mean Age). The mean MAP for the 2108 data points was 81.3 mm Hg and the mean age was 40 years. The central fluid space that was expanded by infused fluid (Vc, plasma volume) increased with body weight but decreased with general anesthesia and with reductions of MAP.Simulations revealed a more than 10-fold difference in the excreted fluid volume after a theoretical 30-minute infusion, depending on whether the MAP was 50 or 100 mm Hg.In conclusion, the rate of elimination of crystalloid fluid decreased in proportion to MAP but was independent of general anesthesia and moderate-sized surgery.

Effects of vasoactive drugs on crystalloid fluid kinetics in septic sheep.

PURPOSE: Crystalloid fluid and vasoactive drugs are used in the early treatment of sepsis. The purpose of the present study was to examine how these drugs alter plasma volume expansion, peripheral edema, and urinary excretion. METHODS: Twenty-five anesthetized sheep were made septic by cecal puncture and a short infusion of lipopolysaccharide. After 50 min, a slow infusion of isotonic saline was initiated: the saline either contained no drug, norepinephrine (1 µg/kg/min), phenylephrine (3 µg/kg/min), dopamine (50 µg/kg/min), or esmolol (50 µg/kg/min). Ten min later, 20 mL/kg Ringer´s lactate solution was given over 30 min. Central hemodynamics, acid-base balance, and the urinary excretion were monitored. Frequent measurements of the blood hemoglobin concentration were used as input in a kinetic analysis, using a mixed effects modeling software. RESULTS: The fluid kinetic analysis showed slow distribution and elimination of Ringer´s lactate, although phenylephrine and dopamine accelerated the distribution. Once distributed, the fluid remained in the peripheral tissues and did not equilibrate adequately with the plasma. Overall, stimulation of adrenergic alpha1-receptors accelerated, while beta1-receptors retarded, the distribution and elimination of fluid. A pharmacodynamic Emax model showed that Ringer´s lactate increased stroke volume by 13 ml/beat. Alpha1-receptors, but not beta1-receptors, further increased stroke volume, while both raised the mean arterial pressure. Modulation of the beta1-receptors limited the acidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Stimulation of adrenergic alpha1-receptors with vasoactive drugs accelerated, while beta1-receptors retarded, the distribution and elimination of fluid. The tendency for peripheral accumulation of fluid was pronounced, in particular when phenylephrine was given.

Distribution of crystalloid fluid changes with the rate of infusion: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Crystalloid fluid requires 30 min for complete distribution throughout the extracellular fluid space and tends to cause long-standing peripheral edema. A kinetic analysis of the distribution of Ringer's acetate with increasing infusion rates was performed to obtain a better understanding of these characteristics of crystalloids. METHODS: Data were retrieved from six studies in which 76 volunteers and preoperative patients had received between 300 ml and 2375 ml of Ringer's acetate solution at a rate of 20-80 ml/min (0.33-0.83 ml/min/kg). Serial measurements of the blood hemoglobin concentration were used as inputs in a kinetic analysis based on a two-volume model with micro-constants, using software for nonlinear mixed effects. RESULTS: The micro-constants describing distribution (k12) and elimination (k10) were unchanged when the rate of infusion increased, with half-times of 16 and 26 min, respectively. In contrast, the micro-constant describing how rapidly the already distributed fluid left the peripheral space (k21) decreased by 90% when the fluid was infused more rapidly, corresponding to an increase in the half-time from 3 to 30 min. The central volume of distribution (V(c)) doubled. CONCLUSION: The return of Ringer's acetate from the peripheral fluid compartment to the plasma was slower with high than with low infusion rates. Edema is a normal consequence of plasma volume expansion with this fluid, even in healthy volunteers. The results are consistent with the view that the viscoelastic properties of the interstitial matrix are responsible for the distribution and redistribution characteristics of crystalloid fluid.

Intravenous solutions in the care of patients with volume depletion and electrolyte abnormalities.

Infusion fluids are often given to restore blood pressure (volume resuscitation), but may also be administered to replace ongoing losses, match insensible losses, correct electrolyte or acid-base disorders, or provide glucose. The development of new infusion fluids has provided clinicians with a wide range of products. Although the choice for a certain infusion fluid is often driven more by habit than by careful consideration, we believe it is useful to approach infusion fluids as drugs and consider their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. This approach not only explains why infusion fluids may cause electrolyte and acid-base disturbances, but also why they may compromise kidney function or coagulation. In this teaching case, we present a 19-year-old patient in whom severe hypernatremia developed as a result of normal saline solution infusion and explore the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of frequently used infusion fluids. We review clinical evidence to guide the selection of the optimal infusion fluid.

Fluid distribution kinetics during cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the isovolumetric distribution kinetics of crystalloid fluid during cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Ten patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting participated in this prospective observational study. The blood hemoglobin and the serum albumin and sodium concentrations were measured repeatedly during the distribution of priming solution (Ringer's acetate 1470 ml and mannitol 15% 200 ml) and initial cardioplegia. The rate of crystalloid fluid distribution was calculated based on 3-min Hb changes. The preoperative blood volume was extrapolated from the marked hemodilution occurring during the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01115166. RESULTS: The distribution half-time of Ringer's acetate averaged 8 minutes, corresponding to a transcapillary escape rate of 0.38 ml/kg/min. The intravascular albumin mass increased by 5.4% according to mass balance calculations. The preoperative blood volume, as extrapolated from the drop in hemoglobin concentration by 32% (mean) at the beginning of cardiopulmonary bypass, was 0.6-1.2 L less than that estimated by anthropometric methods (p<0.02). The mass balance of sodium indicated a translocation from the intracellular to the extracellular fluid space in 8 of the 10 patients, with a median volume of 236 ml. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution half-time of Ringer's solution during isovolumetric cardiopulmonary bypass was 8 minutes, which is the same as for crystalloid fluid infusions in healthy subjects. The intravascular albumin mass increased. Most patients were hypovolemic prior to the start of anesthesia. Intracellular edema did not occur.

Fluid distribution kinetics during cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the isovolumetric distribution kinetics of crystalloid fluid during cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Ten patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting participated in this prospective observational study. The blood hemoglobin and the serum albumin and sodium concentrations were measured repeatedly during the distribution of priming solution (Ringer's acetate 1470 ml and mannitol 15% 200 ml) and initial cardioplegia. The rate of crystalloid fluid distribution was calculated based on 3-min Hb changes. The preoperative blood volume was extrapolated from the marked hemodilution occurring during the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01115166. RESULTS: The distribution half-time of Ringer's acetate averaged 8 minutes, corresponding to a transcapillary escape rate of 0.38 ml/kg/min. The intravascular albumin mass increased by 5.4% according to mass balance calculations. The preoperative blood volume, as extrapolated from the drop in hemoglobin concentration by 32% (mean) at the beginning of cardiopulmonary bypass, was 0.6-1.2 L less than that estimated by anthropometric methods (p<0.02). The mass balance of sodium indicated a translocation from the intracellular to the extracellular fluid space in 8 of the 10 patients, with a median volume of 236 ml. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution half-time of Ringer's solution during isovolumetric cardiopulmonary bypass was 8 minutes, which is the same as for crystalloid fluid infusions in healthy subjects. The intravascular albumin mass increased. Most patients were hypovolemic prior to the start of anesthesia. Intracellular edema did not occur. .

The impact of acepromazine on the efficacy of crystalloid, dextran or ephedrine treatment in hypotensive dogs under isoflurane anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of acepromazine on the cardiovascular responses to three treatments for hypotension in dogs during deep isoflurane anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective blinded randomized cross-over experimental design. ANIMALS: Six adult (2.5 ± 0.5 year old) healthy mixed breed dogs (24.2 ± 7.6 kg). METHODS: Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4-6 mg kg(-1) , IV) and maintained with isoflurane. Each dog received six treatments separated by at least 5 days. Once instrumented, dogs randomly received acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1) ) (Ace) or saline (equal volume) (Sal) IV and end-tidal isoflurane (E'Iso) was adjusted to achieve hypotension, defined as a mean blood pressure between 45 and 50 mmHg. Dogs randomly received dextran (D) (7 mL kg(-1) ) or lactated Ringer's (LR) (20 mL kg(-1) ) over 14 minutes, or ephedrine (Eph) (0.1 mg kg(-1) followed by 10 µg kg(-1) minute(-1) ) throughout the study. Measurements were taken at baseline, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 minutes. Data were analyzed with a Latin Square in two factors (Ace/Sal and treatment) for repeated measures, with further comparisons if appropriate (p < 0.05). RESULTS: E'Iso producing hypotension was significantly less following Ace (2.07 ± 0.23%) than Sal (2.43 ± 0.23%). No improvement in cardiac output (CO) was observed with D or LR. LR initially intensified hypotension with a significant reduction in SVR, while D caused a minor improvement in ABP. Eph produced a significant increase in ABP, CO, hemoglobin, oxygen content and delivery. Pre-treatment with Ace minimized ABP improvements with all treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1) IV) enhanced the hypotensive effect of isoflurane, although it maintained CO. Administration of LR significantly worsens ABP initially by further vasodilation. D caused minimal improvement in ABP. At the infusion studied, Eph effectively countered the cardiovascular depression produced by deep isoflurane anesthesia, but extremes in ABP associated with initial vasoconstriction prevent our recommendation at this dose.

Detection of dehydration by using volume kinetics.

BACKGROUND: Patients admitted to surgery may be dehydrated, which is difficult to diagnose except when it is severe (>5% Gl116 of the body weight). We hypothesized that modest dehydration can be detected by kinetic analysis of the blood hemoglobin concentration after a bolus infusion of crystalloid fluid. METHODS: Four series of experiments were performed on 10 conscious, healthy male volunteers. Separated by at least 2 days, they received 5 or 10 mL/kg acetated Ringer's solution over 15 minutes. Before starting half of the IV infusions, volume depletion amounting to 1.5 to 2.0 L (approximately 2% of body weight) was induced with furosemide. The elimination clearance and the half-life of the infused fluid were calculated based on blood hemoglobin over 120 minutes. The perfusion index and the pleth variability index were monitored by pulse oximetry after a change of body position. RESULTS: Dehydration decreased the elimination clearance of acetated Ringer's solution [median (25th-75th percentile)] from 1.84 (1.23-2.57) to 0.53 (0.41-0.79) mL/kg/min (Wilcoxon matched-pair test P < 0.001) and increased the half-life from 23 (12-37) to 76 (57-101) minutes (P < 0.001). The smaller infusion, 5 mL/kg, fully discriminated between experiments performed in the euhydrated and dehydrated states, whereas the urinary excretion provided a less-reliable indication of hydration status. Dehydration decreased the perfusion index but did not affect the pleth variability index. CONCLUSION: Dehydration amounting to 2% of the body weight could be detected from the elimination clearance and the half-life of an infusion of 5 mL/kg Ringer's solution.

A comparison of the effects of preanesthetic administration of crystalloid versus colloid on intrathecal spread of isobaric spinal anesthetics and cerebrospinal fluid movement.

BACKGROUND: Movement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is one of the most important factors in determining the intrathecal spread of isobaric spinal anesthetics. Preanesthetic administration of either crystalloid or colloid immediately before spinal anesthesia (preload) may result in different CSF pulsatile movement because of their different physical properties. We examined whether preload of crystalloid versus colloid may have different effects on the intrathecal spread of isobaric spinal anesthetics as a result of their different CSF dynamics regarding its pulsatile movement. METHODS: In a clinical study of isobaric spinal anesthesia, patients were allocated into 1 of 2 groups according to preload with either crystalloid (n = 30) or colloid (n = 30) before spinal anesthesia with 0.5 isobaric tetracaine. The pulsatile movements of CSF at the L2-3 intervertebral space and midportion of the aqueduct of Sylvius were also examined by magnetic resonance images in healthy volunteers (n = 23) at 0, 30, and 60 minutes after administering either crystalloid or colloid. RESULTS: In the clinical study, the time to reach the peak sensory block level was delayed significantly in the crystalloid preload group (27.2 ± 17.8 minutes; P < 0.01) compared with the colloid preload group (13.9 ± 7.0 minutes). The median sensory block levels of the crystalloid preload group at 15 minutes (T10, P < 0.05) and 20 minutes (T9.5, P < 0.05) were significantly lower than those (T8, T7, respectively) of the colloid preload group. In the magnetic resonance imaging study, cranially directed CSF pulsatile movement decreased significantly at the L2-3 intervertebral intrathecal space at 30 minutes after crystalloid administration, but not after colloid administration. The CSF production rate significantly increased at 30 minutes (637 µL/min, P < 0.05) after crystalloid preload compared with the baseline measurement (448 µL/min), and then slightly decreased (609 µL/min) at 60 minutes. In the colloid preload group, the CSF production rate was not statistically significant compared with the baseline measurement (464, 512, and 542 µL/min at baseline, 30, and 60 minutes, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with a colloid preload, which may be comparable to the no-preload condition, crystalloid preload prolonged the time to reach the peak sensory block level in isobaric spinal anesthesia, which might have been caused by a significant decrease in CSF pulsatile movement. This attenuated CSF pulsatile movement in the crystalloid preload group might have resulted from significant increases of CSF production.

Curso de Atualização em Emergências Médicas: aula 19: reposição volêmica / Course of Updating in Medical Emergencies: class 19: volemic replacement

Hipovolemia em pacientes agudamente enfermos é um evento relativamente comum, e com importância clínica para o paciente, sendo a rápida e vigorosa reposição volêmica capaz de diminuir o risco de morte inicialmente e de evolução para falência renal na sequência. Neste artigo revisaremos os diferentes tipos de expansores, suas propriedades, vantagens e desvantagens. Os cristaloides se mantêm como preferência pela segurança, eficácia e baixo custo, com a desvantagem da importante formação de edema. As soluções hipertônicas têm indicação no atendimento pré-hospitalar por ser eficaz, porém com estabilização hemodinâmica de caráter efêmero, e pela possibilidade de distúrbios eletrolíticos. Estudos clínicos randomizados não demonstraram superioridade da albumina aos cristalóides e assim como são de custo alto ficam como segunda alternativa ou casos selecionados.

Hypovolemia in critically ill patients is a common event in intensive care patients, and it is clinically relevant for the patient. The fluid replacement is used to try to reduce risk of death and evolution to renal failure. In this article we review different types of expansors, their properties, advantages and disadvantages. Crystalloids are indicated for the safety, efficacy and low cost, the only disadvantage is oedema formation. Hypertonic crystalloid are indicated only in prehospitalar fluid resuscitation, because of your efficacy, but for a short period of time, and the possibility of hydroeletrolitic derangements. There is no evidence that colloids are more effective than crystalloids in reducing mortality in people who are critically ill or injured, and the high cost, turn them the second choice.

Pyruvate-fortified fluid resuscitation improves hemodynamic stability while suppressing systemic inflammation and myocardial oxidative stress after hemorrhagic shock.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether controlled resuscitation with pyruvate-fortified Ringer's (PR) solution vs. conventional lactate Ringer's (LR) more effectively stabilizes mean arterial pressure (MAP) and suppresses myocardial inflammation postresuscitation. METHODS: Goats were hemorrhaged (255 +/- 22 ml) to lower MAP to 48 +/- 1 mmHg. Next, the right femoral vessels were occluded for 90 min to model tourniquet application. Beginning at 30 min occlusion, LR or PR was infused i.v. at 10 ml/min for 90 min. The femoral occlusions were released at 60 min infusion. RESULTS: At 4 h postocclusion, MAP (mmHg) was increased in PR (59 +/- 4) vs. LR (47 +/- 3) resuscitated goats (p < 0.05). PR also more effectively augmented circulating HCO3 and total base excess. Nitrosative stress, detected in myocardium 4 h after LR resuscitation, was suppressed by PR. Finally, PR prevented the increase in circulating neutrophils that accompanied LR resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: Relative to LR, resuscitation with PR more effectively stabilized MAP, suppressed myocardial nitrosative stress and minimized systemic inflammation after hemorrhagic shock with hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion.

A combined crystalloid and colloid pd solution as a glucose-sparing strategy for volume control in high-transport apd patients: a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is accumulating that the continuous exposure to high glucose concentrations during peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important cause of ultrafiltration (UF) failure. The cornerstone of prevention and treatment of UF failure is reduction of glucose exposure, which will also alleviate the systemic impact of significant free glucose absorption. The challenge for the future is to discover new therapeutic strategies to enhance fluid and sodium removal while diminishing glucose load and exposure using combinations of available osmotic agents. OBJECTIVES: To investigate in patients on automated PD (APD) with a fast transport pattern whether there is a glucose-sparing advantage to replacing 7.5% icodextrin (ICO) during the long dwell with a mixed crystalloid and colloid PD fluid (bimodal UF) in an attempt to promote daytime UF and sodium removal while diminishing the glucose strength of the dialysate at night. DESIGN: A 2 parallel arm, 4 month, prospective nonrandomized study. SETTING: PD units or university hospitals in 4 French and Belgian districts. RESULTS: During the 4-month intervention period, net UF and peritoneal sodium removal during the long dwell when treated by bimodal UF was about 2-fold higher than baseline (with ICO). The estimated percent change (95% confidence interval) from baseline in net daytime UF for the bimodal solution was 150% (106% - 193%), versus 18% (-7% - 43%) for ICO (p < 0.001). The estimated percent change from baseline in peritoneal sodium removal for the bimodal solution was 147% (112% - 183%), versus 23% (-2% - 48%) for ICO (p < 0.001). The estimated percent change from baseline in UF efficiency (24-hour net UF divided by the amount of glucose absorbed) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) when using the bimodal solution was 71%, versus -5% for ICO. CONCLUSION: Prescription of bimodal UF during the day in APD patients offers the opportunity to optimize the long dwell exchange in a complete 24-hour APD cycle. The current study demonstrated that a bimodal solution based on the mixing of glucose (2.6%) and icodextrin (6.8%) achieved the double target of significantly improving UF and peritoneal sodium removal by exploring a new concept of glucose-sparing PD therapy.

Plasma and renal clearances of lactated Ringer's solution in pediatric and adult patients just before anesthesia is induced.

BACKGROUND: Lactated Ringer's solution is most widely used in children, but little is known about how children who are scheduled for surgery handle a fluid load when compared to adults. This study explores whether a more cautious regimen for the administration of lactated Ringer's is warranted in children awaiting minor surgery when compared to adults. METHODS: Plasma dilution (based on hemoglobin), urinary excretion, and volume kinetics were used to assess the disposition of an i.v. infusion of 10 ml x kg(-1) of lactated Ringer's solution over 20 min in 14 pediatric patients (4 years of age, average body weight 15 kg) and in 14 adult patients scheduled for similar minor pelvic surgery. Experiments were performed after premedication, but before anesthesia was induced. RESULTS: Plasma dilution was less pronounced in the pediatric patients (P < 0.03) who also had excreted more of the infused fluid within 90 min than the adults (43% vs 18%, P < 0.03). After correction for body weight, their plasma clearance was 4 times higher (P < 0.02) and the renal clearance of lactated Ringer's solution 7 times higher (P < 0.001) than those of the adults. The more rapid turnover of fluid in the children might be explained by a shorter period of preoperative fasting (6 vs 10 h) and/or by physiological differences attributable to age. CONCLUSION: The plasma and renal clearances of lactated Ringer's solution were higher in children with a body weight of about 15 kg in comparison with adults. Therefore, children in this age group may receive at least the same amounts of fluid per kilo body weight during preparation for surgery as the amounts recommended for adults.

Crystalloid or colloid fluid loading and pulmonary permeability, edema, and injury in septic and nonseptic critically ill patients with hypovolemia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare crystalloid and colloid fluids in their effect on pulmonary edema in hypovolemic septic and nonseptic patients with or at risk for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. We hypothesized that 1) crystalloid loading results in more edema formation than colloid loading and 2) the differences among the types of fluid decreases at high permeability. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Prospective randomized clinical trial on the effect of fluids in 24 septic and 24 nonseptic mechanically ventilated patients with clinical hypovolemia. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned to NaCl 0.9%, gelatin 4%, hydroxyethyl starch 6%, or albumin 5% loading for 90 minutes according to changes in filling pressures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-three septic and 10 nonseptic patients had acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (p < 0.001). Septic patients had greater pulmonary capillary permeability, edema, and severity of lung injury than nonseptic patients (p < 0.01), as measured by the pulmonary leak index (PLI) for Gallium-labeled transferrin, extravascular lung water (EVLW), and lung injury score (LIS), respectively. Colloids increased plasma volume, cardiac index, and central venous pressure (CVP) more than crystalloids (p < 0.05), although more crystalloids were infused (p < 0.05). Colloid osmotic pressure (COP) increased in colloid and decreased in crystalloid groups (p < 0.001). Irrespective of fluid type or underlying disease, the pulmonary leak index increased by median 5% (p < 0.05). Regardless of fluid type or underlying disease, EVLW and LIS did not change during fluid loading and EVLW related to COP-CVP (rs = -.40, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary edema and LIS are not affected by the type of fluid loading in the steep part of the cardiac function curve in both septic and nonseptic patients. Then, pulmonary capillary permeability may be a smaller determinant of pulmonary edema than COP and CVP. Safety factors may have prevented edema during a small filtration pressure-induced rise in pulmonary protein and thus fluid transport.

Arteriovenous differences in plasma dilution and the distribution kinetics of lactated ringer's solution.

BACKGROUND: Conventional concept suggests that infused crystalloid fluid is first distributed in the plasma volume and then, since the capillary permeability for fluid is very high, almost instantly equilibrates with the extracellular fluid space. We challenge whether this view is consistent with findings based on volume kinetic analysis. METHODS: Fifteen volunteers received an IV infusion of 15 mL/kg of lactated Ringer's solution during 10 min. Simultaneous arterial and venous blood hemoglobin (Hgb) samples were obtained and Hgb concentrations measured. The arteriovenous (AV) difference in Hgb dilution in the forearm was determined and a volume kinetic model was fitted to the series of Hgb concentrations in arterial and venous blood. RESULTS: The AV difference in plasma dilution was only positive during the infusion and for 2.5 min thereafter, which represents the period of net flow of fluid from plasma to tissue. Kinetic analysis showed that volume expansion of the peripheral fluid space began to decrease 14 min (arterial blood) and 20 min (venous blood) after the infusion ended. Distribution of lactated Ringer's solution apparently occurs much faster in the forearm than in the body as a whole. Therefore, the AV difference in the arm does not accurately reflect the distribution of Ringer's solutions or whole-body changes in plasma volume. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively slow whole-body distribution of lactated Ringer's solution, which boosts the plasma volume expansion during and for up to 30 min after an infusion, is probably governed by a joint effect of capillary permeability and differences in tissue perfusion between body regions.