sodium-perchlorate and Critical-Illness

The use of a new non-imaging nuclear probe (Cardioscint) capable of continuous online monitoring of left ventricular function is described in critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Ejection fraction, measured by the Cardioscint, was compared with that measured by echocardiography. The mean difference was -1.1% (95% confidence interval -2.9 to +0.6%). Mean difference +/- 2 SD was +10.6 to -12.8% (95% confidence intervals +7.5 to 13.6% and -15.8 to -9.0%, respectively). Examples of fluid loading and inotropic support showed comparable changes in stroke counts measured by the Cardioscint and stroke index measured by thermodilution. The Cardioscint is a practical bedside method for continuous or repeated measurement of ejection fraction and for assessing the response to therapeutic interventions in critically ill patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cardiotonic Agents; Critical Illness; Echocardiography; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Perchlorates; Radionuclide Ventriculography; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sodium Compounds; Statistics as Topic; Stroke Volume; Technetium; Water-Electrolyte Imbalance