[Intensive care in acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Hemodynamic aspects]

Hemodynamic monitoring by a balloon flotation catheter was done in eight patients suffering from acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. This syndrome associates hypovolemia and circulatory failure. These two factors are enhanced by the "pulmonary pancreatic syndrome" which produces hypoxemia. Thus positive end expiratory pressure ventilation must be employed and could worsen circulation failure. Dobutamine may help to better hemodynamic conditions.