Effect of dopamine on portal blood flow in cirrhotic patients.
OBJECTIVE
The effects of dopamine infusion on portal blood flow were examined in 12 cirrhotic patients (seven men, five women) in a Child-B group.


METHODS
Dopamine was administered as an intravenous infusion (2 micrograms kg-1 min-1).


RESULTS
At 0, 30 and 60 min, portal blood flow, left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were evaluated using the pulsed doppler method. No significant difference was found between heart rate, blood pressure and parameters demonstrating left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions before and after dopamine infusions. Portal blood flow decreased significantly at 30 and 60 min. Portal blood flow fell from 1802 +/- 88 to 1339 +/- 50 ml min-1 (P < 0.001) at 30 min and to 1121 +/- 60 ml min-1 (P < 0.001) at 60 min.


CONCLUSIONS
The reducing effects of dopamine on portal blood flow in cirrhotic patients were demonstrated by the pulsed doppler method, which is a noninvasive test.
Kaya
N
N
Section of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
Yeşildağ
O
O
Kahraman
H
H
Boyunağa
H
H
Demircan
C
C
Yalçintaş
U
U
Kapicioğlu
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004298:Dopamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008102:Liver Circulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011168:Portal System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
D004298:Dopamine