Thrombin-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation. III:Modification by dextran infusion.

The cardiorespiratory effects of thrombin-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were studied in two groups of dogs. The main changes were a reduction in cardiac output and arterial pressure, an increase in pulmonary artery pressure and, an increase in pulmonary artery pressure and an increase in venous admixture. In one group of dogs the reduction in cardiac output was diminished by the infusion of dextran 35 ml/kg body weight. This resulted in an increased pulmonary artery pressure but no significant differences in the indices of the efficiency of gas exchange. However, the haemodilution resulted in a lower mixed venous and arterial PO2 in this group of dogs.