Fisiopatologia dello scompenso cronico di circolo.

This work digests thoroughly the majority of the recent European and American articles on the pathogenesis of cardiac and circulatory decompensation. The results of studies carried out in the authors' clinic are presented in essence, but no quantitative data are offered. Most of their work has been concerned with the biochemical features of circulatory failure. Much significance is attached by them to the defects of lactic acid metabolism, the oxygen debt and the increased basal metabolic rate of decompensated patients. The authors revel in the paradoxes which are apparent on comparing the theories and facts relating to decompensation. They argue that the majority of the data are complementary, not contradictory. They think that decompensation of the circulation occurs when the cardiac output is inadequate for the tissue needs. The decreased blood supply causes capillary stasis, tissue hypoxia and the formation of acid metabolites. Concurrently with the diminution in output, there