Plasma volume estimation in severely ill infants and children using a simplified Evans blue method

Abstract

Plasma volume was measured using Evans blue dye and ¹²⁵iodinated human serum albumin (RIHSA) simultaneously in order to evaluate the accuracy of a simplified Evans blue method recommended by Nielsen and Nielsen (1962). 9 studies were performed in 8 newborn infants weighing 1.07 to 2.85 kg and 16 studies in 14 patients aged 6 months to 14 years suffering from severe circulatory disturbances. In 20 studies, plasma volumes measured by Evans blue and by RIHSA agreed within ±5%, and in all the studies within ±10%. The Evans blue method yielded higher plasma volumes than the RIHSA method in 19 instances. The mean difference (paired t-test) was only significant in newborn infants (+4.0±3.6%; PP<0.05).