Thoracic impedance in the determination of hydration following heart surgery under extracorporeal circulation
Kessler, G.; Enders, I.; Schilling, B.
Anaesthesiologie und Reanimation 15(3): 169-172
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0323-4983 PMID: 2393480 Document Number: 348201
Changes in thoracic water content are measurable by determining basic impedance (Zo). In 57 cardiac surgical patients Zo decreased postoperatively by an average 24% corresponding to water retention of about 1.51. On the second postoperative day the difference to the initial preoperative value was still 8.5% corresponding to a water amount of over 500 ml. A close mathematic correlation exists between changes in the basic impedance (delta Zo) and fluid balance with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. The simple, non-invasive method is suitable for therapeutic control of fluid balance and quantitative diagnosis of pulmonary hyperhydration forms of various causes.