Hemodynamics Following Normovolemic Hemodilution in Elderly Patients

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Abstract
The hemodynamic effects of acute hemodilution with dextran 70 as dilutional agent were evaluated in a group of elderly patients (mean age 68, range 60-79 yr) anesthetized with neurolept analgesia. The isovolemic exchange of 1.1 l of blood (mean) with a 6% solution of dextran 70 decreased the hematocrit value from 41 to 28%. As cardiac index did not change, the oxygen transport capacity was significantly reduced. The main compensating mechanism for this was an increased extraction of O2 in the tissues and a raised arterial O2 tension. Intentional hemodilution apparently should be used with caution in aged patients.