Colloid versus crystalloid cardioplegia: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Study

Abstract

The effects of adding colloid (dextran 40, Rheomacrodex®) to cardioplegic solution were studied in 55 men undergoing bypass grafting for uncomplicated coronary artery disease. The patients were randomly allocated to group I (n=27), in which 35 g dextran 40 was added to the St Thomas II cardioplegic solution, or group II (n=28), which received a standard crystalloid cardioplegic solution. The groups were comparable in regard to preoperative and intraoperative data. In group I the pulmonary vascular resistance index was transiently elevated after extracorporeal circulation and both oxygen consumption and arteriovenous oxygen content difference 2 hours postoperatively were greater than in group II, suggesting better microcirculation. Postoperative normalization of the chest X-rays was more rapid in group I. The clinical course was similar in the two groups.

Key Words:

• cardiopulmonary bypass
• cardioplegia
• colloid
• oxygen consumption
• CO₂ production