The measurement of the squared reciprocal of the cardiac pre-ejection period (= 1/PEP2 index) was used to assess cardiac performance in severe tetanus with sympathetic overactivity.
The measurement of the index and its clinical application in two patients is outlined and it is concluded that the index provided a valuable guide to therapy.
Because the measurement of 1/PEP2 is relatively non-invasive and simple it is suggested it may have a place in the management of other critically ill patients.
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