Arterial Tone Influence on Cardiac Output Measured by PRAM

Influence of Arterial Tone Changes on Cardiac Output Measurement by Pressure Recording Analytical Method

This study evaluates the role of arterial tone in the accuracy of cardiac output (CO) measurement by Pressure Recording Analytical Method (PRAM). Patients receiving noradrenaline who need for clinical reason to change the noradrenaline dose will be enrolled. We use echocardiography as reference method of CO measurement.

Pressure Recording Analytical Method (PRAM) is an arterial pulse contour analysis method for CO measurement. As it is an uncalibrated method, one possible reason for its inaccuracy is rapid changes in arterial tone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• invasive blood pressure monitoring on site
• need to start or change the dose of noradrenaline infusion for clinical reason

Exclusion Criteria:

• age <18
• arrhythmia
• severe valvular insufficiency
• pregnancy
• low quality arterial signal