Fluid loading and norepinephrine infusion mask the left ventricular preload decrease induced by pleural effusion.

Background: Pleural effusion (PLE) may lead to low blood pressure and reduced cardiac output. Low blood pressure and reduced cardiac output are often treated with fluid loading and vasopressors. This study aimed to determine the impact of fluid loading and norepinephrine infusion on physiologic determinants of cardiac function obtained by ultrasonography during PLE.

Effects of Progressive Hypoventilation on Left Ventricular Appearance: An Alternative Etiology of Acute Sonographic Short-Axis D-Shaping.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of progressive hypoventilation on echocardiographic measures of the left ventricular (LV) appearance in a porcine model.

Methods: Ten piglets were included in the experimental group, and 5 served as controls. The experimental group underwent 3 interventions of progressive hypoventilation (baseline: tidal volume, 240 mL; respiratory frequency, 16 minutes ; first intervention: tidal volume, 240 mL; respiratory frequency, 8 minutes-1; second intervention: tidal volume, 240 mL; respiratory frequency, 4 minutes ; and third intervention: tidal volume, 120 mL; respiratory frequency, 4 minutes ).

Dobutamine aggravates haemodynamic deterioration induced by pleural effusion: A randomised controlled porcine study.

Background: Pleural effusion is a common finding in critically ill patients and may contribute to circulatory instability and the need for inotropic support.

Objective: We hypothesised that dobutamine would affect the physiological determinants preload, afterload, contractility and changes of inferior vena cava characteristics during experimental pleural effusion.

Design: A randomised, controlled laboratory study.