Measurement of Central Venous Pressure

Abstract

Measurement of central venous pressure (CVP) was carried out in 142 patients with massive gastroduodenal haemorrhage.

Phlebitis occurred in 13 patients. Pulmonary embolism occurred in 8 patients, but the CVP measurement was not a likely cause of any of these embolisms.

Despite CVP measurement 7 patients developed pulmonary congestion. In 6 patients the CVP gave ample warning, but in 1 patient placement of the catheter in a peripheral vein gave a misleading underestimation of the venous pressure.

Despite CVP measurement 6 patients died from exsanguination. In all 6 patients the CVP correctly indicated the circulatory condition.

It is concluded 1) that the CVP measurement was not accompanied by complications that made its use precarious, and 2) it did not fail in its aim of warning against overtransfusion and exsanguination.

Key-words:

• Hemorrhage
• peptic ulcer hemorrhage
• shock, hemorrhagic