Distribution of crystalloid fluid infused during onset of anesthesia-induced hypotension: a retrospective population kinetic analysis

BACKGROUND: Induction of anesthesia causes a drop in arterial pressure that might change the kinetics of infused crystalloid fluid. The aim of this report is to provide a mathematical view of how fluid distributes in this setting. METHODS: Data were retrieved from three studies where 76 patients (mean age 63 years, mean body weight 66 kg) had received approximately 1.1 L of Ringer’s solution over 60 min by intravenous infusion before and during induction of spinal, epidural, or general anesthesia. A population kinetic model was used to analyze the fluid distribution and its relationship to individual-specific factors. Frequent measurements of blood hemoglobin and the urinary excretion served as dependent variables. RESULTS: Before anesthesia induction, distribution to the extravascular space was threefold faster than elimination by urinary excretion. Both distribution and elimination of infused fluid were retarded in an exponential fashion due to the anesthesia-induced decrease in the mean arterial pressure (MAP). A decrease in MAP from 110 to 60 mmHg reduced the rate of distribution by 75% and the rate of elimination by 90%. These adaptations cause most of the infused fluid to remain in the bloodstream. Age, gender, type of anesthesia, and the use of ephedrine had no statistically significant effect on plasma volume expansion, apart from their possible influence on MAP. CONCLUSION: The decrease in MAP that accompanies anesthesia induction depresses the blood hemoglobin concentration by inhibiting both the distribution and elimination of infused crystalloid fluid. The report provides mathematical information about the degree of these changes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13741-021-00204-5.