Abstract

During the last 3 years we have performed a detailed study in 50 patients using the Swan-Ganz catheter to provide prognostic haemodynamic and metabolic values at an early stage. There was a total of 320 severe injuries in these 50 patients with a statistical mean of six to seven. The severity of injuries is documented by the volume replacement necessary within the first 24 hr. On average more than 8 litres of whole blood, albumin and dextran were given intravenously. Out of 50 patients, 28 survived. During the first 2h there was a significant difference between survivor and non-survivor in systolic blood pressure and shock index. From the very beginning the surviving patients demonstrated a higher cardiac index than non-survivors. Pulmonary artery pressure and total pulmonary resistance were also elevated from the very beginning. The right ventricular stroke work index was increased; the left ventricular stroke work index was decreased in the group of non-survivors. The arteriovenous oxygen content difference as well as oxygen extraction ratio was elevated, and the oxygen availability was decreased in the group of the non-surviving patients. Of the metabolic parameters, an increase in the lactate/pyruvate ratio as well as in serum glucose and a decrease in base excess values permit an early prediction of a favourable outcome. There were significant differences in the enzymes SGOT, SGPT, LDH, CHE, as well as bilirubin concentrations between survivors and non-survivors from sixth day on.