[Effect of dopamine on cardiac performance in an early postburn period].

To clarify the effects of dopamine on cardiac performance in an early postburn period, left ventricular (LV) end-systolic pressure--volume relations (ESPVR) and stroke work--end-diastolic volume relations (PRSW) were studied in full thickness and 50% body surface area burns in anesthetized dogs during six hour postburn period. The dogs (16-28 kg) were divided into two groups; a fluid resuscitated groups (n = 7) and a fluid and dopamine resuscitated group (n = 6). The ESPVR and PRSW were derived from pressure--volume loops produced by vena caval occlusion. In the dopamine group, peak systolic pressure rose and cardiac output and contractility tended to increase in comparison with burned group. The ESPVR had also tended to shift right side. We concluded that under sufficient fluid resuscitation low-dose dopamine may be effective to improve the cardiac performance and peripheral circulation in an early postburn period.