Comparative study on the effects of acetated Ringer's solution,lactated Ringer's solution,Ringer's solution,and 5% glucose-acetated Ringer's solution on canine hemorrhagic shock

The abilities of acetated Ringer's solution (AR), lactated Ringer's solution (LR), Ringer's solution (R), and 5% glucose-acetated Ringer's solution (AR-D) to improve canine hemorrhagic shock were investigated. All solutions studied were infused at 1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ for 90 min after base excess (BE) reached about −13 mEq·l⁻¹ by maintaining the mean blood pressure (MBP) at 40 mmHg. MBP, renal blood flow (RBF), vertebral blood flow (VBF), and urinary output significantly increased after the start of infusion of AR, LR, R, and AR-D. The VBF and urinary output were particularly improved with AR-D. The arterial blood level of HCO ₃ ⁻ and BE were also increased after the start of infusion of AR, LR, and AR-D but not of R. AR infusion improved BE more effectively than LR. Although AR-D, AR, and LR increased HCO ₃ ⁻ , the blood pH did not increase in AR-D. The value of plasma acetate increased after the start of infusion of AR and AR-D but not of LR, and R. On the other hand, plasma lactate and pyruvate levels were higher with LR than with AR. The increase in the lactate/pyruvate ratio induced by LR was larger than that by AR. The plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels decreased after the start of all infusions. Plasma insulin and glucose levels were markedly increased after the start of AR-D infusion but were not affected by AR, LR, and R. These results indicate that the effectiveness of various infusion solutions such as AR, LR, R, and AR-D during canine hemorrhagic shock varies. AR-D may be useful for increasing both peripheral blood flow and urine output. AR may also be useful for improvement in metabolic acidosis and surgical diabetes induced by hemorrhagic shock.     

The effect of glucose loading on changes in ketone and glucose metabolism during gastrectomy

Plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon, free fatty acid, ketone body, lactate and pyruvate were measured in 14 patients undergoing gastrectomy under general anesthesia with nitrous oxide and oxygen. Lactated ringer solution with glucose load (10 g.hr-1) was administered in seven patients [glucose loading group: Glucose (+)] and the other seven patients received only lactated ringer solution [glucose free group: Glucose (-)]. Blood glucose increased significantly in both groups, but a significant difference appeared between Glucose (+) and Glucose (-). Plasma insulin activity and IRI/BS ratio increased in Glucose (+) and a significant difference was found between the two groups. No remarkable change in plasma glucagon level was found in both groups. Free fatty acid and ketone bodies (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate) decreased significantly in Glucose (+), but they increased significantly in Glucose (-) and significant differences were found between the two groups. The rate of changes of beta-hydroxybutyrate was consistently higher than that of acetoacetate. Lactate and pyruvate increased significantly in both groups. These results suggest that continuous glucose loading may facilitate insulin release from the pancreas and suppress the hyperketonemia and hyperlipidemia during partial gastrectomy.     

Lactated Ringer with 1% dextrose: an appropriate solution for peri-operative fluid therapy in children

Peri-operative blood glucose, total protein, and electrolytes values were measured in children (3–120 months) scheduled for minor surgery and randomly assigned to three groups according to the type of fluids administered during anaesthesia: children of RL group (n= 27) received lactated Ringer, those of RLD1 group (n= 25), 1% dextrose in lactated Ringer, and those in RLD2.5 group (n= 27), 2.5% dextrose in 0.4 N saline (50% D5, 50% RL) (63 mmol·l^-1). Infusion rate was set according to children's age and weight. Fluids were infused throughout the study with volumetric infusion pumps. Blood samples were obtained at induction (T0), at the end of surgery (T1), 30 and 60 min later (T2, T3). Pre-operative blood values were within the normal ranges except for high total protein values in all groups of children and for asymptomatic hypoglycaemia (2.3 and 2.5 mmol·l^-1) in two children. Blood glucose increased significantly in the three groups post-operatively (P < 0.001), and this increase was related to the amount of glucose infused. Glucose values differed significantly between groups at T1 and T2, while blood glucose values were back to the normal ranges at T2 and T3 in the RL group. Sodium values remained unchanged post-operatively in both RL and RLD1 groups, while a significant decrease was observed in the RLD2.5 group (P < 0.001). Total protein decreased in the three groups post-operatively (P < 0.001) towards normal values. These data suggest that RLD1 is appropriate for peri-operative fluid therapy in children. Its administration at the infusion rate used in this study, resulted in moderate post-operative hyperglycaemia while avoiding the risk of peri-operative hypoglycaemia, maintaining a constant extracellular fluid composition and correcting pre-operative fluid deficit.     

混合糖电解质注射液在择期便秘外科手术患者术后补液中的应用

目的探究混合糖电解质注射液在择期便秘外科手术患者术后应用是否能够稳定血糖、减轻乳酸堆积、补充血电解质。 方法筛选2013年11月至2014年1月有明确诊断的64例择期便秘外科手术患者,随机分为试验组（33例）和对照组（31例）,分别给予混合糖电解质注射液和10%葡萄糖电解质注射液。术后连续输注3 d,每天1 000 ml,不足部分按需补充。监测患者手术前和手术后3 d每次输液前后的血糖、乳酸水平及钙、镁、磷离子水平。 结果受试者均未出现相关不良反应或肝肾功能损害。两组患者手术后的血糖与手术前相比均有所升高,但在各时间点及各时间点与手术前的差值之间差异并无统计学意义,但对照组的血糖波动范围较大,试验组的血糖水平相对较为平稳。两组患者的血乳酸、血钙、血镁水平差异无统计学意义。自术后第2天起,试验组血磷水平明显高于对照组,术后第1天输液后至第3天输液前两组血磷水平均低于正常范围;而术后第3天输液后,试验组血磷水平恢复至正常范围,而对照组仍低于正常范围（P<0.05）。 结论择期便秘外科手术患者术后应用混合糖电解质注射液治疗既能对血糖水平有稳定作用,又能对血磷进行补充,是目前临床液体治疗的优先选择。     

Intraoperative glucose infusion and blood lactate: endocrine and metabolic relationships during abdominal aortic surgery

The hypothesis that increased intraoperative blood lactate depends both on intraoperative glucose supply and inadequate tissue oxygenation occurring during surgery was tested in anesthetized patients undergoing infrarenal abdominal aortic surgery. Twenty surgical patients received either Ringer's solution or 5% glucose solution for intraoperative volume loading. Arterial blood lactate, arterial glucose, hemodynamic variables, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine were determined preoperatively and intraoperatively. There were no significant changes in hemodynamic values, glucagon, norepinephrine, and epinephrine compared with control values in both groups. Oxygen consumption decreased only during aortic clamping. Cortisol and lactate increased significantly 10 min after aortic clamping until the end in both groups. Glucose 5% solution infusion resulted in significantly greater blood lactate accumulation and significantly greater blood glucose and insulin levels, whereas there were no changes in the patients receiving Ringer's solution. From control until aortic clamping, lactate and glucose were significantly correlated with each other in both groups; after aortic clamping until the end of the procedure, the correlation remained constant in patients in the Ringer's group, whereas no relationship could be demonstrated in those in the glucose group. The authors conclude that intraoperative glucose administration increases intraoperative blood lactate and that blood lactate accumulation depends both on glucose supply and tissue oxygen deficit. Furthermore, none of the hemodynamic metabolic and endocrine factors were reliable for assessing tissue perfusion and metabolic demands during surgery.     

Changes of carbohydrate and fat metabolism under spinal anaesthesia or neuroleptanaesthesia and operation (author's transl)]

The effects of spinal anaesthesia neuroleptanaesthesia and surgery on the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats were investigated in two groups of 11 young, metabolically healthy patients, undergoing trauma surgical procedures. For both groups the determined parameters glucose, lactate, glycerol, ketone-bodies, NEFA and insulin remained, during the operative and early postoperative phase, within the physiological range without any marked differences. Both anaesthetic procedures seemed to be equally suited for these operations; therefore other criteria should be used as a basis for the selection of the anaesthetic management.     

钠钾镁钙葡萄糖注射液术中输注对患者肝肾功能、血电解质、血糖、血乳酸及凝血功能的影响

目的 评估钠钾镁钙葡萄糖注射液（sodium potassium magnesium calcium and glucose,SPMCG）术中输注对患者肝肾功能、血电解质、血糖、血乳酸及凝血功能的影响.方法 择期拟在全身麻醉下行普外科或骨科手术的患者80例,美国麻醉医师协会（ASA）分级Ⅰ级～Ⅱ级,采用随机数字表法分为实验组和对照组,每组40例.实验组给予SPMCG,对照组给予乳酸钠林格注射液.两组均以15 ml·kg-1·h-1的速度输注500 ml液体后行麻醉诱导,诱导后以10 ml·kg 1·h-1的速度维持输液2h,之后以8 ml·kg-1h-1的速度维持至手术结束.输液前后测定患者的肝肾功能、血电解质以及凝血功能,并监测输液前即刻、诱导前即刻、诱导后1、2h和输液结束时即刻各时间点的血乳酸和血糖值.结果 两组患者输注相应液体后,丙氨酸氨基转移酶（alanine aminotransferase,ALT）、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶（aspartateaminotransferase,AST）、白蛋白（albumin,ALB）、总胆红素（total bilirubin,TBIL）、血尿素氮（blood urea nitrogen,BUN）和血肌酐（serum creatinine,Cr）与输液前比较差异无统计学意义,组间比较差异无统计学意义.电解质方面,输液后2组Na＋、K＋、Cl-、Ca2＋的浓度差异无统计学意义,但实验组输液后Mg2浓度较对照组高[（0.48±0.21） mmol/L vs（0.71±0.31） mmol/L（P＜0.05）].手术过程中2组患者血糖均逐渐上升,术后又下降至输液前水平.两种液体输注后,凝血酶原时间（prothrombin time,PT）和部分凝血活酶时间（activated partial thromboplastin time,APTT）无显著变化.结论 在术中输注SPMCG,对患者肝肾功能、血电解质、血糖、血乳酸及凝血功能无明显不良影响,并且相对于乳酸钠林格注射液,SPMCG能更好地维持血镁水平.     

Peripheral tissue metabolism during off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: the microdialysis study

Objective: The aim of this study was to monitor and compare metabolic changes in the skeletal muscle during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with and without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) by means of interstitial microdialysis. Glucose, lactate, pyruvate and glycerol were assessed as markers of basic metabolism and tissue perfusion. Methods: Twenty patients undergoing surgical myocardial revascularization were enrolled in this pilot study. Ten patients were operated on without CPB (group A, off-pump) and 10 patients using normothermic CPB (group B, on-pump). Interstitial microdialysis was performed by a CMA 60 (CMA/Microdialysis AB, Sweden) probe, inserted into the patient's left deltoid muscle. Microdialysis measurements were performed at 30 min intervals. Glucose, lactate, pyruvate and glycerol were measured in samples using a CMA 600 Analyser (CMA/Microdialysis AB, Sweden). Results in both groups were statistically processed and the groups were compared. Results: Both groups were similar with regards to preoperative characteristics. Dynamic changes of interstitial concentrations of the measured analytes were found in off-pump (group A) and on-pump (group B) patients during the operation. There were no significant differences in dialysate concentrations of glucose and lactate between the groups. Significant differences were detected in pyruvate concentrations, lactate–pyruvate ratio and glycerol concentrations between off-pump versus on-pump patients. Pyruvate concentrations were higher in the off-pump group (p < 0.05), the lactate–pyruvate ratios indicating the aerobic/anaerobic metabolism status were lower in the off-pump group (p < 0.01) and the values of the concentrations of glycerol were lower in the off-pump group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Dynamic changes in the interstitial concentrations of the glucose, glycerol, pyruvate and lactate were found in both groups of patients (off-pump and on-pump). The presented preliminary results suggest that extracorporeal circulation during cardiac operations could compromise skeletal muscle energy metabolism.     

Significance of the measurement of arterial ketone bodies during abdominal surgery]

Ketone body (3-hydroxy butyric acid) present in the blood was successively examined during surgical operations to ascertain the condition of energy metabolism and its clinical significance. In 10 patients (R group) to whom only the lactated Ringer's solution was infused during the operation, values of 3-hydroxy butyric acid increased remarkably in the 30 minutes after the operation began. In 7 patients (GI group), to whom the lactated Ringer's solution in 5% of glucose was administered, the values also increased in the 30 minutes after the operation was started. However, after the administration of glucose the values decreased, and returned to the normal value with administration of insulin. Furthermore, blood sugar readings which were examined at the same time increased significantly immediately after the beginning of the operation in both groups. Insulin readings showed considerably low values during the operation in R group. The readings of free fatty acid tended to show high values in R group, while they tended to decrease after the dose of glucose in GI group. With regard to epinephrine and norepinephrine readings, both groups showed significantly high values 30 minutes after the start of operation.     

A comparison of 5% dextrose in 0.9% normal saline versus non-dextrose-containing crystalloids as the initial intravenous replacement fluid in elective surgery

Intravenous fluid replacement in adult elective surgery is often initiated with dextrose-containing fluids. We sought to determine if this practice resulted in significant hyperglycaemia and if there was a risk of hypoglycaemia if non-dextrose-containing crystalloids were used instead. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 50 non-diabetic adult patients undergoing elective surgery which did not involve entry into major body cavities, large fluid shifts, or require administration of >500 ml of intravenous fluid in the first two hours of peri-operative care. Patients received 500 ml of either 5% dextrose in 0.9% normal saline, lactated Ringer's solution, or 0.9% normal saline over 45 to 60 minutes. Plasma glucose, electrolytes and osmolarity were measured prior to infusion, and at 15 minutes and one hour after completion of infusion. None of the patients had preoperative hypoglycaemia despite average fasting times of almost 13 hours. Patients receiving lactated Ringer's and normal saline remained normoglycaemic throughout the study period. Patients receiving dextrose saline had significantly elevated plasma glucose 15 minutes after completion of infusion (11.1 (9.9-12.2, 95% CI) mmol/l). Plasma glucose exceeded 10 mmol/l in 72% of patients receiving dextrose saline. There was no significant difference in plasma glucose between the groups at one hour after infusion, but 33% of patients receiving DS had plasma glucose > or = 8 mmol/l. We conclude that initiation of intravenous fluid replacement with dextrose-containing solutions is not required to prevent hypoglycaemia in elective surgery. On the contrary, a relatively small volume of 500 ml causes significant, albeit transient, hyperglycaemia, even in non-diabetic patients.     

The effects of four different crystalloid bypass pump-priming fluids upon the metabolic response to cardiac operation

The crystalloid solutions used to prime cardiopulmonary bypass pumps frequently contain metabolically active substrates. However, there is a lack of controlled studies to investigate the metabolic response to cardiac operations using different pump primes. We have carried out a prospective, randomized study of 24 patients divided into four groups, each group receiving a different crystalloid prime. The primes contained glucose, lactate, glucose and lactate, or neither glucose nor lactate. Using identical anesthetic, surgical, and perfusion techniques, we estimated the metabolic response to cardiac operation in all patients by frequent blood sampling for measurement of hormone (insulin, glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone) and metabolite concentrations (glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, alanine, and 3-hydroxybutyrate) from the day before operation to the seventh postoperative day. The results demonstrated that, after 4 hours postoperatively, the endocrine and metabolic response to cardiac operation was unaffected by the nature of the priming fluid. However, major endocrine and metabolic changes occurred before that time, which were related directly to the glucose and lactate contents of the prime. Very high concentrations of both glucose and lactate were observed at the end of bypass if they were induced in the prime. Given the known dangers of hyperglycemia in cerebral ischemia and the potential gluconeogenic effects of infused lactate, we suggest that glucose-free and lactate-free primes be employed in the extracorporeal circuit.     

Superiority of icodextrin compared with 4.25% dextrose for peritoneal ultrafiltration

Several clinical observations suggest the superiority of icodextrin compared with 4.25% dextrose in optimizing peritoneal ultrafiltration (UF), but no rigorous controlled evaluation has hitherto been performed. For comparing icodextrin and 4.25% dextrose during the long dwell of automated peritoneal dialysis, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted in 92 patients (control, 45; icodextrin, 47) with 4-h dialysate to plasma ratio creatinine >0.70 and D/D(0) glucose <0.34. Long-dwell net UF and the UF efficiency ratio (net UF volume per gram of dialysate carbohydrate absorbed) were determined at baseline, week 1, and week 2. The control and treatment groups were comparable at baseline (all patients using 4.25% dextrose for the long dwell) with regard to mean (+/-SEM) net UF (201.7 +/- 103.1 versus 141.6 +/- 75.4 ml, respectively; P = 0.637) and the percentage of patients with negative net UF (control, 37.8%; treatment, 42.6%; P = 0.641). During the study period, net UF was unchanged from baseline in the control group but increased significantly (P < 0.001) in the icodextrin group from 141.6 +/- 75.4 to 505.8 +/- 46.8 ml at week 1 and 540.2 +/- 46.8 ml at week 2. In the icodextrin group, the incidence of negative net UF was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than in the control group. Findings were similar for UF efficiency ratio. Rash was reported significantly more often in the icodextrin group. This study showed that in high-average and high transporters, icodextrin is superior to 4.25% dextrose for long-dwell fluid and solute removal.     

Short-term effect of 4% hypertonic glucose as compared to 4% mixed hypertonic mannitol solution in conventional peritoneal dialysis

16 peritoneal dialyses were performed in 14 end-stage kidney disease patients; 6 had diabetic nephropathy, and, of the nondiabetic group, 7 had chronic glomerulonephritis, and 1 had polycystic kidney disease. The peritoneal dialysis performed with conventional 1.5% glucose solution, intervened by four consecutive exchanges using 4% hypertonic glucose solution, was compared to 4% mixed hypertonic mannitol solution in the diabetic and nondiabetic group. There was no significant change of serum glucose, when postdialysis with 1.5% glucose solution was compared to 4% mixed hypertonic mannitol solution; however there was a significant change of serum osmolality in both groups. Postdialysis with both 4% hypertonic solutions showed that there was no significant difference of ultrafiltration volume in both groups of patients, but there was a significant difference in serum glucose in the diabetic group. The transport mechanism of mixed hypertonic mannitol solution as compared to hypertonic glucose solution is discussed. The application of hypertonic mannitol solution for clinical use is not advised.     

Comparative effect of 6% hydroxyethyl starch (containing 1% dextrose) and lactated Ringer's solution for cesarean section under spinal anesthesia

Purpose. This study aimed to compare low-molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch containing 1% dextrose (HES) infusion and lactated Ringer's solution (LR) in the prevention of hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. Methods. Sixty-seven patients scheduled for cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive either LR (n= 35) or HES (n= 32) infusion before cesarean delivery. Infusion of the fluid was started immediately after arrival at the operating room, through two fully open i.v. routes of 18 or 16 gauge. The two groups were compared in terms of the incidence of hypotension; ephedrine dose; cord and maternal blood gas, hemoglobin, and glucose; and Apgar scores. Results. Intravenous fluid volume until delivery in the LR group was significantly greater than that in the HES group (1298 ± 503 and 973 ± 339 ml, respectively) in spite of the similar periods of intravenous infusion (18.1 ± 3.9 and 18.2 ± 4.1 min). The incidence of hypotension, and the ephedrine dose, blood gas analyses, and Apgar scores were not significantly different between the groups. The ephedrine dose correlated with the anesthesia level by spinal anesthesia (P < 0.05). Conclusion. This study did not show an advantage of HES compared with LR in the prevention of hypotension or in the reduction of ephedrine dose during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The anesthesia level, rather than the choice of intravenous fluid solution, might be related to the ephedrine dose. Received: January 25, 1999 / Accepted: April 7, 2002     

Comparison of crystalloids and hydroxyethyl starch during normovolemic hemodilution. A study of hemodynamics and saturation measurement]

Normovolemic hemodilution at two different hematocrit values was performed in ten patients undergoing major surgery to evaluate changes of DO2, VO2 and CI. A Hct of 38% (low hemodilution) was reached by plasma replacement with ringer lactate infusion. A further hemodilution, a Hct of 30% (high hemodilution), was obtained by hydroxyethyl starch plus ringer lactate (1:2 ratio) infusion. A significant VO2 increase (p less than 0.01) occurred when hydroxyethyl starch plus ringer lactate infusions were employed as compared to ringer lactate alone. No changes in DO2 and CI were observed, the increase in VO2 measured during colloid infusion could suggest a better tissue perfusion and metabolic activity.     

Evaluation of three experimental in vitro models for the assessment of the mechanical cleansing efficacy of wound irrigation solutions

The aim of this study was to compare different wound‐rinsing solutions to determine differences in the efficiency and to evaluate three different in vitro models for wound cleansing. Different wound‐rinsing solutions (physiological saline solution, ringer lactate solution for wound irrigation, water and a solution containing polihexanide and the surfactant undecylenamidopropyl‐betain) were applied on standardised test models (one‐ and three‐chamber model, flow‐cell method and a biofilm model), each challenged with three different standardised wound test soils. In the one‐chamber model saline showed a better effect on decontaminating proteins than the ringer lactate solution. In the flow‐cell method, water performed better than physiological saline solution, whereas ringer lactate solution demonstrated the lowest cleansing effect. No obvious superiority between the two electrolyte‐containing solutions was detectable in the biofilm model. Unfortunately, it was not possible to assess the protein decontamination qualities of the surfactant‐containing solution because of the interference with the protein measurement. The flow‐cell method was able to detect differences between different rinse solutions because it works at constant flow mechanics, imitating a wound‐rinsing procedure. The three‐chamber and the less‐pronounced modified one‐chamber method as well as the biofilm model had generated inhomogeneous results.     

Effect of intraoperative acetated Ringer’s solution with 1% glucose on glucose and protein metabolism

Purpose  

To investigate the effects of the intraoperative administration of Ringer’s solution with 1% glucose on the metabolism of glucose, lipid and muscle protein during surgery.     

Epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine 0.75% in comparison with bupivacaine 0.5% and mepivacaine 1.5% with adrenaline (author's transl)

147 patients undergoing low laparotomies, perineal operations and operations on the lower limbs were given bupivacaine 0.75%, bupivacaine 0.5% or mepivacain-adrenaline 1.5% for epidural anaesthesia. The anaesthesia was most effective after bupivacaine 0.75%. In this group the intensity and duration of both sensory analgesia and motor block were more prolonged. No serious complications occurred. No increase in toxicity, when using bupivacaine 0.75% (total dose of 128 mg) for epidural anaesthesia, has been shown in this clinical trial.     

混合糖电解质注射液在腹部中等以上手术病人术后补液中的应用

目的探讨混合糖电解质注射液在腹部中等以上手术病人术后补液中的应用。方法2006年12月至2007年5月中国人民解放军南京军区南京总医院全军普通外科研究所将63例胃肠外科中等以上手术后病人随机分为治疗组(混合糖电解质注射液,31例)和对照组(复方电解质葡萄糖注射液,32例),术后连续输注3d,1500mL/d,其他不足的液体及电解质按病人需要再补充。监测病人术后输液前、输液后0h、2h血糖变化,输液前和连续输液3d后血葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶、锌、肝肾功能、尿糖和尿酮体的变化,观察生命体征及不良反应情况。结果由于较快恢复进食等原因对照组有3例拒绝输液脱落、治疗组有1例脱落,均未出现相关不良反应和肝肾功能损害。两组病人术后血糖均较术前有所升高,输液后连续3d治疗组血糖增加幅度均低于对照组,术后第1天输液后2h和术后第2天输液时血糖与入院时差值治疗组小于对照组,差异有显著性意义(P=0.009,0.043)。输液后第3天两组病人血葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶均有所下降,其中治疗组下降幅度低于对照组,差异无显著性意义。治疗组输液后血锌明显增加,与对照组相比差异有显著性意义(P=0.021)。结论腹部中等以上手术后成年病人术后应用混合糖电解质注射液,既可以有效补充血容量和能量,又能补充微量元素锌,同时对血糖水平影响较小。     

Massive Ringer's lactate infusion: comparison with dextrose 5% and whole blood.

The objectives of this study were to compare in dogs the effects of massive infusion of Ringer's lactate, 5% dextrose in water, and whole blood. Special interest centered upon lung function, central venous pressure, and dilutional effects upon the blood components. Three groups of 5 healthy dogs each received respectively Ringer's lactate, 5% dextrose, or whole blood over 60 minutes in the amount of 135 ml/kg. Arterial blood gases and pH, right atrial and systemic arterial pressures, hemoglobin and hematocrit values, and plasma sodium, chloride, potassium and protein levels were determined. Coagulograms and serum osmolality were examined in the early experiments. The purpose of the whole blood infusion was primarily to serve for comparison in the study of dilutional effects upon blood components. There was no statistically significant change in the arterial blood gas values or pH following Ringer's lactate infusion. The infusion of 5% dextrose in water produced moderate decline in arterial Pco2 and a temporary, slight fall in blood pH. Ringer's lactate infusion produced a prompt and statistically significant rise in central venous pressure. The infusion of 5% dextrose was followed by a late moderate decline in arterial blood pressure, possibly due to marked dilution of plasma sodium, chloride and potassium. It is concluded that massive Ringer's lactate infusion is capable of increasing right atrial pressure and presumably cardiac output. In healthy dogs, lung function was not impaired sufficiently to alter arterial blood gas values. However, where other previous or concomitant factors have diminished pulmonary reserve, fluid overload may impose a serious additional burden upon cardiopulmonary function.