The Use of Compartmental Modelling to Evaluate tcpO2 Distribution Rates: Influence of Age

摘要

After defining a new compartmental model to analyze tcpO2 and LDF data from dynamical maneuvers, the authors applied this model to a group of healthy individuals (young versus old). Forty volunteers (both gender) without relevant evidence of vascular symptoms, were distributed in two groups (I: 18-35 years; 11:40-65 years) after informed written consent. TcpO2 and local blood flow were continuously measured in the lower limb, using a Periflux system (Perimed, Sweden) for 10 min. Two low perfusion protocols (a postural change and a reactive hyperaemia protocol) were applied. A compartmental model was fitted to each data set using MS Excel. Results show that the model adequately describes these data. The rate of tcpO2 elimination is slower in group II suggesting that, although no declared health problems exist, some degree of vascular impairment (most likely related with age) is detected by the model.