Central venous pressure in humans during microgravity.
Foldager, N., T. A. E. Andersen, F. B. Jessen, P. Ellegaard, C.
Stadeager, R. Videbaek, and P. Norsk.
Danish Aerospace Medical Centre of Research, Rigshospitalet 7522,
Tagensvej 20, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
APStracts 3:0107A, 1996.
Based on results of head-down simulation studies and on results of
parabolic flights, the hypothesis was tested that central venous
pressure (CVP) in humans increases during microgravity
(weightlessness) compared to during the groundbased supine position.
CVP was recorded with an intravascular pressure transducer in 7
healthy humans during short (20?s) periods of microgravity created by
parabolic flight manoeuvres, and in one astronaut before, during, and
up to 3 hrs after launch of the Spacelab-D2 mission (STS-55). When
the subjects were supine during the parabolic manoeuvre, CVP
decreased during microgravity from 6.5?+/-?1.3 to 5.0?+/-?1.4?mm Hg
(p<0.05). During the Spacelab-D2 mission, CVP was 6.2 mmHg
during the initial minutes of microgravity which was very similar to
the value of 6.5 mmHg in the supine position, 3.5 hrs before launch
of the Space Shuttle. During the subsequent 3?hrs of weightlessness,
CVP during rest varied between 2.0 and 6.2?mmHg. We conclude that CVP
during short (20?s) and longer (3?hrs) periods of microgravity is
close to or below that of the supine position on the ground.
Received 1 November 1995; accepted in final form 9 February 1996.
APS Manuscript Number A1153-5.
Article publication pending Journal of Applied Physiology.
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1996 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 13 March 96