[Effects of dopamine and dobutamine on renal function and urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2 in elderly postoperative patients].

Effects of dopamine and dobutamine on renal function and urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2 (UPGE) were studied in 21 elderly patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Fractional sodium excretion (FeNa), creatinine clearance (Ccr), urinary volume (UV, ml.kg-1.min-1) and UPGE were measured on the first and second postoperative day. These patients were divided into three groups: i.e. C (control), DA (dopamine) and DB (dobutamine) groups. Group DA received dopamine 2 mcg.kg-1.min-1 beginning at six o'clock on the first postoperative day. Group DB received dobutamine 2 mcg.kg-1.min-1. There were no significant differences in UV and UPGE among these three groups. Ccr was significantly higher on the second postoperative day than that on the first postoperative day in DA group. FeNa in DA group was higher than in C group on the second postoperative day. The relationship between UPGE and UV was not determined. These results suggest that DA improve renal functions in the elderly.