Hypertonic saline/dextran improves septic myocardial performance.

An isolated perfused heart preparation was used to determine the effects of hypertonic saline dextran on contractile performance in both control and septic animals. Myocardial performance was assessed by developed pressure (DP), maximal rate of tension development (dp/dtmax) and relaxation (-dp/dt). Coronary flow rate was measured and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) determined in the septic preparations. The hypertonic perfusate had negligible effects on contraction and relaxation in the control group. In the septic group, perfusion with the hypertonic solution improved myocardial contractility to 150 per cent of baseline DP and +dp/dt and 134 per cent of baseline -dp/dt. These improvements in myocardial performance were unrelated to changes in coronary flow or MVO2.