Effects of haemodilution in experimental cardiogenic shock

The effect of isovolaemic haemodilution with dextran has been studied in dogs in cardiogenic shock. Cardiac output in cardiogenic shock was increased by haemodilution. This increase, however, did not compensate the decrease of oxygen transport, due to the lowered oxygen binding capacity of blood. Lowering of haematocrit below 30% appears to be especially dangerous in cardiogenic shock.