TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY OEDEMA IN AN INTENSIVE THERAPY DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Fifty-three patients with pulmonary oedema were treated in an intensive therapy department. The treatment consisted of decrease in transmural pressure in the pulmonary capillaries by means of vasodilators, chlorpromazine, and in some patients intermittent positive pressure ventilation. The mortality rate of thirteen patients with coronary occlusion in connection with the pulmonary oedema, was 88 per cent. Of thirty-six patients with pulmonary oedema in association with progressive heart failure none died in the department but four patients died within the next thirty days after transfer to the ward, giving a total mortality of 11 per cent. Of four patients with pulmonary oedema from other causes three died within 24 hours. The total primary mortality was 20 per cent.