PLASMA VOLUME, TOTAL CIRCULATING PROTEIN, AND “AVAILABLE FLUID” ABNORMALITIES IN PREECLAMPSIA AND ECLAMPSIA 1

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Abstract
Studies on the changes in plasma vol. using T-1824, total circulating protein and "available fluid" volume using 5% Na thiocyanate in eclampsia and severe preeclampsia revealed abnormalities in the relationships of these fluid com-partments as compared to normal pregnancy. In normal pregnancy, with edema and consequent enlargement of the "thiocyanate space" there was a commensurate increase in total circulating protein and plasma vol. The relationship between total circulating protein and plasma vol. on the one hand and the "available fluid" vol. on the other remained the same as in normal nonpregnant controls. In contrast, every patient with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia exhibited a deficiency of total circulating protein and plasma vol. in relation to "thiocyanate space." Cases classified clinically as mild preeclampsia were made up of a heterogeneous group, some of which showed slight changes in fluid and protein distr. characteristic of eclampsia, others exhibiting changes typical of normal pregnancy. It was suggested that severe preeclampsia and eclampsia are characterized by an abnormal fluid distribution in which a deficiency of total circulating protein may play in important role.