Effects of asphyxia on cardiac output and organ blood flow in the newborn piglet

Abstract

Experiments were performed on newborn piglets 6-96 hr of age. When the respiratory dead space was increased arterial pO2 decreased and pCO2 increased. During this time cardiac output was unchanged (Fig. 1), while heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure increased (Figs. 2 and 3). After 90 min of asphyxia blood flow to the stomach and small and large intestines decreased. Changes in blood flow were associated with dilatation of segments of the small and large intestine with scattered areas of hemorrhage. Pathologic examination revealed scattered areas of mucosal necrosis (Fig. 6). Speculation: Asphyxia causes both physiologic and pathologic changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Asphyxia appears to be one of the factors involved in the genesis of necrotizing enterocolitis. © 1978 International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.