RELATION OF O2 CONSUMPTION TO CIRCULATION IN DIFFERENT STAGES OF INFANTILE MALNUTRITION

[摘要] The relation of O2 consumption to circulation was studied in varying stages of infantile malnutrition. In severe "dystrophy" O2 consumption and circulation are somewhat increased. In severe "atrophy" both cardiac output and O2 consumption fall to lower values, the lowered metabolic need of the tissues, however, being met by even a slower circulation. The condition is similar to that found in hypothyreotic patients. In athrepsia circulation collapses far below the metabolic need of the wasted organism; anoxia of the stagnating type ensues. Anoxia is, however, milder than in severe anhydremic circulatory shock, because the metabolic need of the tissues has decreased during the long atrophic and inanition period that preceded the terminal, athreptic stage of malnutrition. The poor circulation of the severely marantic infant may be an important factor in the high mortality rate when such patients suffer intercurrent infections, especially in pneumonia and diarrheal disease.

[学科分类] 儿科学