Abstract
The purpose of this work is to determine the reaction of the cardiovascular system to experimental peritonitis. Holzbach 1 in his review on circulatory failure in infectious conditions states that functional heart failure appears early in peritonitis, but this opinion is apparently based on clinical observations since no experimental work of this condition is reviewed.
Two types of peritonitis were induced in dogs. Fecal peritonitis was produced in 5 dogs by the intraperitoneal introduction of 5 gm. of small and large bowel feces suspended in 25 cc. of saline. Colon bacillus peritonitis was induced in another set of 5 dogs by the intraperitoneal injection of 50 cc. of a 2% gum tragacanth in saline containing 200 million B. coli per cc. In each of the animals blood pressure was obtained prior to and continuously after the onset of peritonitis by insertion into the carotid artery of a cannula which was connected to a mercury manometer and recorded on a kymograph. The animals were under pento-barbital sodium anesthesia. With each animal with peritonitis a normal control dog was run simultaneously. In another set of 4 dogs, 2 with fecal peritonitis and 2 with B. coli peritonitis, electrocardiograms were taken prior to and at intervals after the onset of peritonitis.
There was a gradual drop of blood pressure beginning within 15 to 20 minutes after the onset of peritonitis. In one hour the carotid pressure dropped 2 mm. of Hg. The pulse pressure became progressively smaller. The fall was of the systolic pressure, the diastolic being maintained. In 6 hours the carotid pressure dropped 5 mm. of Hg. and an arhythmia appeared. In B. coli peritonitis the carotid pressure drop was more rapid but seldom exceeded 4 mm. of Hg.
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