Hemodynamic Effects And Changes Of Blood Flow Distribution By Dextran 70, Dihydroergotamin (DHE) And Their Combination

Abstract

Dextran 70 and DHE are both effective in reducing the risk for postoperative thromboembolic complications. As they at least in part have different mechanisms of action it is important to analyse if their combination potentiates the prophylactic effect. Therefore it is necessary to study the effect on hemodynamics and tissue blood flow, a problem which is delt with in this report.MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 18 dogs the following parameters were followed: cardiac output, heart rate, arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, left atrium pressure and volume blood flow in the femoral vein. Blood flow distribution was determined by the radioactive microsphere technique.RESULTS: Dextran 70 gave an increase of cardiac output and femoral vein flow. Other hemodynamic parameters were mainly unaffected. Total peripheral resistance decreased. DHE increased arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure and pulmonary arterial pressure. Cardiac output and femoral vein flow were unchanged.Tissue blood flow increased in general slightly after infusion of dextran 70. No significant change in blood flow distribution was seen. DHE reduced pancreatic and thyroid blood flow and increased tissue blood flow to the central nervous system. The blood flow to other organs including the heart was unaffected. The combination of dextran 70 and DHE influenced hemodynamic parameters and flow distribution in an additative way.CONCLUSIONS: From this experimental study it is concluded that it is possible to combine dextran and DHE without inducing a circulatory overload. DHE increased tissue blood flow to the central nervous system.