Extracellular volume, renal clearance and whole body permeability-surface area product in man, measured after single injection of polyfructosan

Comparison of fluid compartments and fluid responsiveness in septic and non-septic patients

Our objective was to study the response to a fluid load in patients with and without septic shock, the relationship between the response and baseline fluid distributions and the ratios of the various compartments. A total of 18 patients with septic shock and 14 control patients without pathologies that increase capillary permeability were evaluated prospectively. We used transpulmonary thermodilution to measure the extravascular lung water index, intrathoracic blood volume index and pulmonary blood volume. For the measurement of the initial distribution volume of glucose, plasma volume and extracellular water we used dilutions of glucose, indocyanine green and sinistrin respectively. Transpulmonary thermodilution and dilutions of glucose were repeated 75 minutes after the beginning of the fluid load. The patients in the septic group had higher volumes of extracellular water (median 295 vs. 234 ml/kg, P < 0.001), lower intrathoracic blood volume index (median 894 vs. 1157 ml/m2, P < 0.003), higher pulmonary permeability ratios (extravascular lung water/pulmonary blood volume) (P < 0.003) and higher systemic permeability ratios (interstitial/plasma volume) (P < 0.04). The intrathoracic blood volume index increase after fluid loading was lower in the septic group (10 vs. 145 ml/m2). The pulmonary permeability ratios did not correlate with the systemic permeability ratios, and in the septic group, the percentage volume retained in the intrathoracic blood volumes after fluid loading did not correlate with the systemic permeability ratios. Septic shock can cause a redistribution of fluids. Fluid administration in these patients produced a minimal increase in intrathoracic blood volume, and the percentage of volume retained in this space was not correlated with the interstitial/plasma volume ratio.

Plasma clearance of polyfructosan and extracellular body fluid distribution in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and after heart transplantation

The total extracellular fluid volume and distribution in plasma and interstitial spaces, and the microvascular permeability properties were studied in 16 nonedematous patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and 17 such patients who underwent heart transplantation (HT) by analyzing the 3-hour plasma disappearance curve of polyfructosan. Eighteen healthy subjects served as controls. Polyfructosan (3.5 kD) is an extracellular marker and inulin analog transported almost solely by diffusion. The initial capillary membrane plasma clearance (i.e., the permeability-surface area product), the interstitial plasma clearance determined at 10 minutes (clearance[10), and the extracellular volume were determined from the polyfructosan curves. I-131-albumin was used as a plasma volume reference. Permeability-surface area product was elevated in both patient groups (6.6 +/- 1.9 ml/ kg/min in the CHF group and 6.7 +/- 2.0 ml/kg/min in the HT group vs 5.1 +/- 1.3 ml/kg/min in controls, p <0.01 for both), whereas clearance(10) was normalized in the HT group (4.5 +/- 0.9 ml/kg/min in the HT group, 4.4 +/- 0.7 ml/kg/min in controls vs 5.0 +/- 0.9 ml/kg/ min in the CHF group, p <0.1 and p <0.05, respectively). The normalization of interstitial plasma clearance of polyfructosan was associated with time since HT (r = 0.49, p <0.05). Plasma volumes were similar in all 3 groups (41 +/- 8 ml/kg in controls, 44 +/- 13 in the CHF group and 39 +/- 8 in the HT group). In contrast, total extracellular volume was elevated in both patients groups (177 +/- 27 ml/kg in the CHF group and 173 +/-27 in the HT group vs 152 +/- 12 in controls, p <0.01). The results strongly suggest a microvascular permeability defect in both patient groups that perhaps plays a role in the extravascular distribution of the excess extracellular fluid volume.

Glomerular filtration rate in relation to extracellular fluid volume: similarity between 99mTc-DTPA and inulin

The rate constant (alpha2) of the terminal exponential of the technetium-99m diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) plasma clearance curve is close to the ratio of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to extracellular fluid volume (ECV) and is therefore a convenient, already normalised, measure of filtration function. Since alpha2 depends on the distribution volume of the tracer, our aim was to compare alpha2 from inulin and 99mTc-DTPA and also to compare the equilibration kinetics of the two filtration markers. Fifty millilitres of 99mTc-DTPA (250MBq) and inulin (10%), mixed in the same syringe, were given by intravenous injection in 15 patients undergoing routine 99mTc-DTPA renography for a variety of clinical indications. Frequent antecubital venous blood samples were taken up to about 4h after injection to construct plasma clearance curves from which GFR, ECV and GFR/ECV (i.e. the reciprocal of mean transit time through the distribution volume) were calculated. 99mTc-DTPA/inulin concentration ratio curves were also constructed after normalisation to the ratio in the syringe. GFR given by the two markers correlated closely (DTPA=0.98.inulin-0.4ml/min; r=0.98). 99mTc-DTPA had the same distribution volume as inulin, had a similar transit time through it and gave the same value of alpha2 (r=0.98). GFR/ECV from 99mTc-DTPA accordingly correlated closely with GFR/ECV from inulin (DTPA=0.75.inulin+0.99 ml/min; r=0.95). Even though the distribution volumes and the times to equilibration (i.e. to reach the terminal exponential) were similar, the distribution volume of 99mTc-DTPA at about 10min after injection was, after subtraction of the plasma volume, about twice that of inulin. We confirm the validity of 99mTc-DTPA for measuring GFR. alpha2 is a convenient measure of GFR, can be based on the terminal exponential of inulin of 99mTc-DTPA curves and can be converted to GFR/ECV with an appropriate scaling factor. The kinetics or the two clearance curves with respect to anatomical correlates of the exponentials and the rates of diffusion throughout the respective distribution volumes requires further study.

Comparison of radionuclide estimation of glomerular filtration rate using technetium 99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and chromium 51 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

Simultaneous measurements of the clearance rates of technetium 99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) and chronium 51 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (51Cr-EDTA) were performed in 30 patients with a range of renal function (glomerular filtration rates between 9 and 120 ml/min). Using multiple blood samples, the two clearance values correlated well (r = 0.991, standard error 3.9 ml/min), but DTPA clearance was systematically higher by 7.6%. For each radiopharmaceutical, an equation was derived to correct clearance values obtained using only plasma samples taken at 2 and 4 h for the systematic error inherent in this technique compared with analysis of the complete plasma concentration-time curve. The root mean square error remaining after application of these equations was 1.9 ml/min for both the EDTA and DTPA data. The corresponding errors obtained using the equation derived by Brochner-Mortensen for EDTA plasma clearance were 2.2 ml/min and 1.9 ml/min, respectively, these values were not significantly different from those obtained using the equations derived in this study.

Quantification of renal haemodynamics with radionuclides

Non-invasive quantification of renal function with radionuclides is an important role of nuclear medicine. With modern commercial preparations of technetium-99m diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be measured accurately either from the rate of disappearance of the tracer from plasma or from its rate of uptake into the kidneys. Determination of the latter with the gamma camera allows measurement of individual kidney GFR. Renal blood flow (RBF) can be measured from plasma clearance of hippurate or from first-pass kinetics of intravenously injected tracer using the gamma camera. The filtration fraction can be obtained from separate measurement of GFR and RBF, either globally from plasma clearance studies or of each kidney from gamma camera studies. Because they are central to the understanding of plasma clearance studies, the effective distribution volumes of the various tracers used for renal function studies are also discussed in detail.

Post-traumatic changes in, and effect of colloid osmotic pressure on the distribution of body water

The aim of this study was to define the post-traumatic changes in body fluid compartments and to evaluate the effect of plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) on the partitioning of body fluid between these compartments. Forty-two measurements of plasma volume (green dye), extracellular volume (bromine), and total body water (deuterium) were done in ten traumatized patients (mean Injury Severity Score, ISS, = 34) and 23 similar control studies were done in eight healthy volunteers who were in stable fluid balance. Interstitial volume, intracellular volume, and blood volume were calculated from measured fluid spaces and hematocrit; COP was directly measured. Studies in volunteers on consecutive days indicated good reproducibility, with coefficients of variation equal to 3.5% for COP, 6.3% for plasma volume, 4.5% for extracellular volume, and 4.9% for total body water. COP values extended over the entire range seen clinically, from 10 to 30 mmHg. Interstitial volume was increased by 55% in patients, but intracellular volume was decreased by 10%. We conclude (1) that posttraumatic peripheral edema resulting from hemodilution is located in the interstitial compartment, with no intracellular space expansion; and (2) that interstitial volume, but not intracellular volume, is closely related to plasma COP.

Increased glomerular filtration rate in patients after reconstructive surgery on the abdominal aorta

Fifty-three patients undergoing elective reconstructive surgery on the abdominal aorta were included in a prospective study to obtain information on postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in relation to increased fluid and sodium intake and decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP). GFR, extracellular fluid volume (ECV) and COP were measured before operation and on the first and fourth day after surgery. GFR and ECV were measured by means of the single injection residue detection method using the inulin analogue polyfructosan-S as marker. The compiled GFR values increased from 92.3 to 103.7 ml min-1 1.73 m-2 (P less than 0.002) on the first day, and to 105.3 ml min-1 1.73 m-2 (P less than 0.001) on the fourth day after surgery. Concomitantly, ECV increased from 8.9 litres 1.73 m-2 (P less than 0.025) respectively. Positive linear correlation was found on the first postoperative day between GFR per 1.73 m2 and ECV per 1.73 m2 (r = 0.33, P less than 0.05) and between GFR per 1.73 m2 and extracellular sodium content per 1.73 m2 (r = 0.38, P less than 0.01). COP was not correlated to GFR per 1.73 m2. The postoperative increase in GFR found in this study is most likely to be the result of increased ECV and renal plasma flow. Whether other factors are also involved remains unknown.

The importance of plasma colloid osmotic pressure for interstitial fluid volume and fluid balance after elective abdominal vascular surgery

The relationships between plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COPp) and interstitial fluid volume (IFV) as well as postoperative fluid balance were investigated in a prospective study involving 53 patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic reconstruction. The patients were divided into four groups according to pre- and postoperative blood replacement and fluid therapy programs whereby a continuum of postoperative COPp-values between 33 and 16 mmHg was obtained. Measurements were done before the operation and on days 1 and 4 after surgery. After surgery, COPp below 20 mmHg led to increased IFV. On day 1, COPp was linearly correlated to the total amount of fluid retained during the day of operation. A positive fluid balance of 3 L on this day ensured unchanged extracellular fluid volume (ECV). Of the 3 L, 1.5 L was insensible water loss and 1.5 L had moved into the cells. On day 4 after surgery, COPp below 22 mmHg was associated with increased plasma volume. The authors suggest that COPp be maintained above 20 mmHg after major surgery, and positive fluid balance should not exceed 5 L during the day of operation.

Whole-body microvascular permeability of small molecules in man: clinical aspects, basic concepts and limitations of the single injection technique

In order to estimate whole-body permeability-surface area (PS) product, the initial slope of the plasma disappearance curve was determined after simultaneous i.v. injection of 24Na+ (mol.wt 24) and 51Cr-EDTA (mol.wt 342). Twelve subjects were studied. Plasma volume (PV) was measured by the indicator dilution method, and the mean transit time of tracer in plasma was calculated as the reciprocal value of the initial fractional disappearance (initial slope). Estimated whole-body PS product (= PV/t) of 24Na+ (median 2.72, range 1.51-3.80 ml/min . 100 g body weight) was significantly higher than that of 51Cr-EDTA (median 2.16, range 1.59-2.84 ml/min . 100 g, p less than 0.005). The PS24Na:PS51Cr-EDTA ratio was median 1.26 (range 0.91-1.44), and this value is significantly lower than the ratio between the free aqueous diffusion coefficients (D24Na:D51Cr-EDTA = 2.54, p less than 0.005) but also significantly above unity p less than 0.005). The ratio between PS51Cr-EDTA and earlier estimates of whole-body PS product of polyfructosan (mol.wt 3000) was close to the ratio of their free diffusion coefficients. The results indicate that whole-body PS product may be estimated from the initial slope of the plasma disappearance curve of a tracer, but mixing problems and flow-limited transport, as indicated by a PS ratio below that of the free diffusion coefficients, may be difficult to overcome, especially when using tracers of a low molecular weight.