Influence of ethanol on circulation in surface-induced hypothermia and subsequent rewarming

摘要: Hypothermia and ethanol are often closely linked in hypothermic accidents is a contributing factor. To study the effects of on circulation conditions, cardiac catheterization was carried out 18 anaesthetized beagle dogs. They were divided into two groups. One gram ethanol/kg b.wt. diluted saline infused vena cava superior within 30 min to seven The dogs then cooled between ice bags until blood temperature ascending aorta 25 degrees C they rewarmed. control group 11 rewarmed without infusion. heart rate first increased when cooling down 33 decreased thereafter group. In during infusion remained high thereafter. Heart higher throughout experiments, rewarming difference significant. output body achieved but decreased. started decrease after During there significantly group, probably due rate. cycle systolic period prolonged (p < 0.001) both groups from 37 whereas diastolic quite stable. contraction phase also affected by cooling. changes force cannot be seen dP/dt alone because values Ejection fraction, period, systemic vascular resistance despite reduction thus we conclude that augmented hypothermia. myocardium seems depressed ethanol. early indicating ability respond presence time constant exponential pressure fall (tau) linearly with recovered Changes negative coincided isovolumic fall. Ethanol did not influence relaxation. All parameters checked normal rewarming.