Haemodynamic changes in children with portal hypertension during the postoperative period.

The cardiovascular changes following portosystemic shunt surgery (PSSS) in 33 children with extrahepatic portal hypertension (EPH) were studied to determine if portosystemic shunt surgery had any influence on the cardiovascular state. Haemodynamic data were obtained using two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography, pulsed-wave Doppler and direct invasive techniques. Postoperatively all patients developed a hyperdynamic state, associated with an increase in cardiac index (CI), heart rate (HR) and a decrease in systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI).