Metabolic acidosis with pneumatic trousers in hypovolemic dogs.

To evaluate the possibility of anaerobic metabolism occurring beneath pneumatic trousers because of the decreased circulation, 20 mongrel dogs were evaluated for central and femoral vein levels of lactic acid, potassium and central pH changes when the trouser pressure was both above and below systolic arterial pressure. The results indicate that if the systolic pressure is less than trouser pressure, there is a significant increase in both potassium and lactic acid levels. There was a drop in the central pH accompanying these metabolic changes. When the pneumatic trouser pressure was less than systolic arterial pressure, changes in anaerobic metabolism were present but not nearly as great. This change was much closer to that in the central circulation and may result from other factors. Based on these results, trouser inflation pressure should not exceed that required to achieve adequate arterial pressure. Deflation should be started as soon as possible and be gradual.