Intraoperative Fluid Management Influences Carbon Dioxide Production and Respiratory Quotient

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Effects of glucose-containing vs. non-glucose-containing solutions for intraoperative fluid management on CO2 production and respiratory quotient (RQ) were studied during the 1st postoperative hour. Three groups of patients were studied. Patients in group 1 received normal saline during the operation and 1st postoperative hour; patients in groups 2 and 3 received 5% glucose in half-normal saline during the operation. This solution was continued through the postoperative period for patients in group 2; patients in group 3 were given normal saline postoperatively. All patients received 500-1000 ml during the 1st h and 500 ml/h therefter. During the 1st postoperative hour, CO2 production and O2 consumption were measured every 15 min. RQ was significantly higher in Group 2 (0.93 .+-. 0.01) than in group 1 (0.77 .+-. 0.01) (.hivin.x .+-. SEM, P < 0.05). CO2 production was about 20% higher in group 2 than in group 1. There were no differences in O2 consumption between groups 1 and 2. In group 3, RQ decreased significantly (0.97 .+-. 0.04-0.87 .+-. 0.03) during the 1st postoperative hour but remained higher than in group 1. Intraoperative administration of glucose-containing solutions increases RQ postoperatively; this effect can be reversed partially by changing to glucose-free solutions in the postanesthetic period.