CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF KETAMINE IN YOUNG ANIMALS

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the cardiovascular (CV) effects of Ketamine (K) in unsedated young animals. Four lambs and 4 piglets were instrumented under general anesthesia and not studied before the third postoperative day. Pulmonary flow (Qp), systemic (Pao) and pulmonary (Ppa) arterial, and left atrial (Pla) pressures were monitored before and after K was given at doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg IV. In each lamb the Qp rose, usually within 2, but always within 4 minutes, and in each piglet the Qp remained unchanged or fell. In only one lamb did the Pao rise >10%, and in the others it remained unchanged or increased <10%. The Ppa remained the same or fell slightly. The systemic (Rs) and pulmonary (Rp) resistances fell slightly in each lamb. In the piglets the fall in Qp was associated with a rise in Pla and a rise in Rs. The Rp increased slightly in 3 and fell in one. Tachypnea was a consistent finding most marked within 2 minutes. Heart rate increased in 3 of 4 lambs and was not affected in the piglets. There is considerable species variability in the CV effects of K which may be related to variations in sympathetic responses. In piglets less sympathetic response allows more apparent myocardial depression to be manifest. Importantly, and in contrast to reports in adults, no consistent rise in Rp was noted in these young animals.

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