[Central hemodynamics and left ventricle contractility in experimental septicemia].

A well-defined septicaemia in dogs was induced using different initiating causes, such as abscess of thigh and peritonitis. The determination of the septicaemia was based upon both quantitative (number of bacteria) and qualitative criteria (staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa). The hemodynamic changes lead to the classification of three time intervals, which occur constantly. There are correlations between the general infection and the reaction of blood circulation. There is no evidence of specific types of shock corresponding to the type of bacteria. Correlations exist between the moment when endotoxin is present and the occurrence of low-cardiac-output shock-syndrome. A disturbance of myocardial contractility develops in all types of shock in septicaemia. The decrease of contractility correlates in time with the first duration of the presence of the endotoxin. Several causes of the negative inotropic effects are discussed. Some of these are possible cardiotoxic effects of endotoxin shock mediators, lactate acidosis, and the decrease of coronary perfusion pressure.