Comparison between single-beat and multiple-beat methods for estimation of right ventricular contractility.
OBJECTIVE
It was investigated whether pharmacologically induced changes in right ventricular contractility can be detected by a so-called "single-beat" method that does not require preload reduction.


METHODS
Prospective animal research.


METHODS
Laboratory at a large university medical center.


METHODS
Eight anesthetized pigs.


METHODS
End-systolic elastance values obtained by a recently proposed single-beat method (Eessb) were compared with those obtained using the reference multiple-beat method (Eesmb).


RESULTS
Administration of dobutamine increased Eesmb from 1.6 +/- 0.3 to 3.8 +/- 0.5 mm Hg/mL (p =.001), whereas there was only a trend toward an increase in Eessb from 1.5 +/- 0.2 to 1.7 +/- 0.4 mm Hg/mL. Esmolol decreased Eesmb from 1.7 +/- 0.3 to 1.1 +/- 0.2 mm Hg/mL (p =.006), whereas there was only a trend for a decrease in Eessb from 1.5 +/- 0.2 to 1.3 +/- 0.1.


CONCLUSIONS
The present method using single-beat estimation to assess right ventricular contractility does not work as expected, since it failed to detect either increases or decreases in right ventricular contractility induced by pharmacologic interventions.
Lambermont
Bernard
B
Hemodynamic Research Center, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
Segers
Patrick
P
Ghuysen
Alexandre
A
Tchana-Sato
Vincent
V
Morimont
Philippe
P
Dogne
Jean-Michel
JM
Kolh
Philippe
P
Gerard
Paul
P
D'Orio
Vincent
V
D000818:Animals; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004280:Dobutamine; D006334:Heart Function Tests / Q000379:methods*; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013552:Swine; D016278:Ventricular Function, Right / Q000502:physiology*
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004280:Dobutamine