Pediatric research
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Comparative Study
Selective elevation of systemic blood pressure by epinephrine during sepsis-induced pulmonary hypertension in piglets.
In a piglet model of group B beta Streptococci (GBS)-induced pulmonary hypertension, we have determined hemodynamic responses to epinephrine (EPI) infusion in both the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Three groups of piglets (GBS + EPI, n = 6; GBS + placebo, n = 6; placebo, n = 6) were studied. GBS, infused intravenously at approximately 5 X 10(7) organisms/kg/min, reduced cardiac index and stroke volume index while elevating pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance index. ⋯ Systemic acid/base status and PaO2 did not differ among piglets who received GBS + EPI, GBS alone, or placebo. Extrapolation of these data to human infants must be approached with extreme caution. However, selective elevation of systemic blood pressure may be a feasible strategy for some infants to impede right-to-left shunting of blood often associated with sepsis-induced pulmonary hypertension.