Volumetric evaluation of fluid responsiveness using a modified passive leg raise maneuver during experimental induction and correction of hypovolemia in anesthetized dogs.

Objective: To demonstrate if modified passive leg raise (PLR) maneuver can be used for volumetric evaluation of fluid responsiveness (FR) by inducing cardiac output (CO) changes during experimental induction and correction of hypovolemia in healthy anesthetized dogs. The effects of PLR on plethysmographic variability index (PVI) and pulse pressure variation (PPV) were also investigated.

Study Design: Prospective, crossover study.

Animals: A total of six healthy anesthetized Beagle dogs.

Methods: Dogs were anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane. They were mechanically ventilated under neuromuscular blockade, and normothermia was maintained. After instrumentation, all dogs were subjected to four stages: 1, baseline; 2, removal of 27 mL kg circulating blood volume; 3, after blood re-transfusion; and 4, after 20 mL kg hetastarch infusion over 20 minutes. A 10 minute stabilization period was allowed after induction of each stage and before data collection. At each stage, CO via pulmonary artery thermodilution, PVI, PPV and cardiopulmonary variables were measured before, during and after the PLR maneuver. Stages were sequential, not randomized. Statistical analysis included repeated measures anova and Tukey's post hoc test, considering p < 0.05 as significant.

Results: During stage 2, PLR at a 30° angle significantly increased CO (mean ± standard deviation, 1.0 ± 0.1 to 1.3 ± 0.1 L minute; p < 0.001), with a simultaneous significant reduction in PVI (38 ± 4% to 21 ± 4%; p < 0.001) and PPV (27 ± 2% to 18 ± 2%; p < 0.001). The PLR did not affect CO, PPV and PVI during stages 1, 3 and 4.

Conclusions And Clinical Relevance: In anesthetized dogs, PLR at a 30° angle successfully detected FR during hypovolemia, and identified fluid nonresponsiveness during normovolemia and hypervolemia. Also, in hypovolemic dogs, significant decreases in PVI and PPV occurred in response to PLR maneuver.