A Unified Theory for Estimation of Cardiac Output, Volumes of Distribution and Renal Clearances from Indicator Dilution Curves.

摘要

A theory of plasma indicator dilution curves is presented which elucidates the interplay of cardiac output, renal clearance, the volume of distribution, and the distribution of recirculation times in determining the shapes of such curves. Application of the theory is made in discussing apparent deficits in extracellular fluid space following hemorrhagic shock. These apparent deficits may in fact represent perfusion deficits rather than volume deficits. Numerical approaches to the analysis of data using this theory are developed and illustrated. It is suggested that the theory and numerical approaches may be useful in studying the pathophysiology of reduced vascular perfusion. (Author)