The kinetics of an i.v. infusion of 20 ml x kg(-1) of Ringer's solution over 60 min was studied in patients undergoing spinal (n=10) and general (n=10) anaesthesia. The induction resulted in similar changes in volume kinetic parameters in both groups. When a one-volume model was employed (n=8), however, the infusion expanded a smaller body fluid space in the four patients who had received preoperative enteric lavage (3.3 vs 8.3 litres), which is consistent with hypovolaemia. When a two-volume model was statistically justified (n=12), the induction reduced the rate of fluid equilibration between a fairly small central (V1, mean 1.4 litres) and a peripheral body fluid space by about 50% (P<0.01). The kinetic analysis suggested that a rapid fluid load of 350 ml given over 2 min just after the induction could possibly prevent arterial hypotension because of central hypovolaemia. This was confirmed in five additional patients.

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A brisk infusion of Ringer's solution or dextran 1 kDa over 3 min was followed by the same decrease in arterial pressure as a longer and 3-5-times larger infusion of Ringer's solution over 40 min during induction of spinal anesthesia.