Systolic time intervals in burn injury.

Systolic time intervals were studied in 28 young, previously healthy burn patients (TBS 10-90%) on 145 occasions. A NEK 116 type 3 channel recorder of 100 mm/sec paper speed was used. Synchronous ECG recordings in lead II, PCG in the m "1" frequency band, and external carotid pulse tracings were recorded. RR, QS2, S1S2, LVET, PEP, PEP/LVET and QT, QTc, QS2-QT intervals were measured in 5-10 cardiac cycles in each of the examinations. Calculation of the additional parameters ICT, LVET/ICT, DT, EVR, PRP, EF and SV values were correlated to the extent of, and the time elapsed since, burn injury. The derivated parameters and statistical analysis were performed on a Commodore 64 type computer based on a software program. Elongation of QTc (greater than 440 msec) and frequent electrodynamic failure (QT-QS2 greater than 40 msec) especially during the first postinjury week were found characteristic in severe injury. In 53% the PEP/LVET ratio was less than 0.31, mean 0.32 +/- 0.093. In 21 cases of severe hypovolaemia the increase of PEP raised this value beyond 0.41. With the exception of 3 examinations, QS2I was normal or shortened. Calculated EF were normal or increased, SV reduced being interdependent with burn extent and shortening of DT. In patients with severe burns, oxygenization was inadequate (EVR less than 0.8); it showed an inverse correlation to HR. The simultaneously high LVET/ICT ratio and shortened ICT values pointed to an increase in contractility.