Pulmonary Response to Hemorrhagic Shock.

Abstract : Positive end expiratory pressure has been found to (1) alter pulmonary metabolism activity because of increased lung stretch; (2) cause the release of a humoral agent which gains access to the systemic and coronary circulation; (3) produce a decrease in left ventricular contractility and cardiac output. These findings are reported in both dogs and patients suffering acute respiratory failure. The entrapment of granulocytes and platelets has been demonstrated in animals and man with respiratory failure. (Author)