Archer S. Gordon

Postural Hypotension Induced by Atropine Sulfate

Previous tests on the use of large doses of atropine for the treatment of anticholinesterase poisoning have revealed postural hypotension following the administration of 2 mg. of this drug. In this study on 78 normal adult males, the cardiovascular responses to positional change after 2 mg. atropine have been measured and the mechanisms elucidated. Blood pressure response to tilting was normal during control and placebo phases, but showed a profound alteration after atropine.

Measurement of Atropine-Induced Vascular Pooling

Postural hypotension resulting from 2 mg. of intramuscular atropine appears to be due to peripheral vascular pooling. Controlled studies on 31 normal adult males are reported here and reveal that external compression of the abdomen and lower extremities allows partial cardiovascular compensation. Simultaneous compression of both legs and abdomen is even more effective in preventing postural hypotension. The effects of 2 mg. of atropine appear to be due to partial vagal block, partial ganglionic block and central excitation.

A comparison of mouth-to-mouth and manual artificial respiration techniques

Chemical, industrial, and mechanical progress have increased the incidence of cases requiring artificial respiration in industrial, military, and civilian spheres. The danger from electricity is a potent factor in all of these situations.

Comparative studies of new push-pull methods for pole-top resuscitation

All push-pull pole-top methods of resuscitation, evaluated on five apneic subjects, proved 1½ times as effective for pulmonary ventilation as the standard pole-top method. The double-rock push-pull seems best for several reasons. A discussion by E. W. Oesterreich questions the advisability of adopting this new system unless it can be proved conclusively either that the present method is inadequate or the new method more effective and that it does not sacrifice any advantages now obtained.

Evaluation of Manual Methods of Resuscitation

Six methods of resuscitation are described, and the results are compared with respect to lung ventilation, circulatory effects, rate of performance, and performance aspects.