Infusion of hypertonic saline/starch during cardiopulmonary bypass reduces fluid overload and may impact cardiac function.

OBJECTIVE: Peri-operative fluid accumulation resulting in myocardial and pulmonary tissue edema is one possible mechanism behind post-operative cardiopulmonary dysfunction. This study aimed to confirm an improvement of cardiopulmonary function by reducing fluid loading during an open-heart surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine elective CABG patients were randomized to an intraoperative infusion of hypertonic saline/hydroxyethyl starch (HSH group) or Ringer's solution (CT group). Both groups received 1 ml/kg/h of the study solution for 4 h after baseline values were obtained (PICCO transpulmonary thermodilution technique). Net fluid balance (NFB), hemodynamic and laboratory parameters were measured. RESULTS: NFB was four times higher in the CT group compared with the HSH group during the first 6 h post-operatively. The total fluid gain until the next morning was lower in the HSH group, 2993.9 (938.6) ml, compared with the CT group, 4298.7 (1059.3) ml (P<0.001). Normalized values (i.e., %-changes from the baseline) of the cardiac index and the global end diastolic volume index increased post-operatively in both groups. Both parameters were significantly higher at 6 h in the HSH group compared with CT group (P=0.002 and 0.005, respectively). Normalized values of the intrathoracic blood volume index were lower in the HSH group at 6 h post-operatively when compared with the CT group. The PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio decreased similarly in both groups early post-operatively, but recovery tended to be more rapid in the HSH group. Although serum-sodium and serum-chloride levels were significantly higher in the HSH group, the acid-base parameters remained similar and within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: An intraoperative infusion of HSH during cardiac surgery contributes to reduced fluid loading and an improvement in the post-operative cardiac performance. No adverse effects of the HSH infusion were observed.

[Deep accidental hypothermia with asystole. A successful treatment with heart-lung machine after prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation]. / Dyp aksidentell hypotermi med asystoli. Vellykket behandling med hjerte-lunge-maskin etter langvarig kardiopulmonal resuscitering.

Extracorporeal circulation can be utilized successfully to rewarm accidental hypothermia victims. This paper describes a 51 year-old man who had been immersed in cold sea water for about 45 minutes. At the time of rescue his ECG was isoelectric. The core temperature was 27 degrees C. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed for 190 minutes before extracorporeal circulation was established. Without active surface rewarming the temperature had dropped to 24 degrees C. Biventricular heart failure became evident during rewarming. Sternotomy and pericardiotomy were carried out to exclude cardiac tamponade, which was not found. After two hours of reperfusion the patient could be weaned from bypass supported by high-dose vasopressor infusion. He was extubated the following day. He was discharged after 12 days without any signs of permanent damage to organs.

Accidental hypothermia with cardiac arrest: complete recovery after prolonged resuscitation and rewarming by extracorporeal circulation.

A 51-year-old male remained immersed in sea water (6 degrees C) for 40 min. Brought ashore, the ECG showed asystole. Advanced life support was immediately commenced. On arrival in hospital his rectal temperature was 27 degrees C, but continued to fall to 24 degrees C. The ECG remained isoelectric. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was continued until extracorporeal circulation was established 190 min after rescue. Upon rewarming ventricular fibrillation occurred which was converted to sinus rhythm with a bolus of lignocaine followed by D.C. conversion at 31.5 degrees C. When rewarming was complete after 60 min, signs of severe heart failure became evident. Sternotomy and pericardiotomy were performed to exclude cardiac tamponade. After 60 min of re-perfusion the patient was be weaned from bypass supported by a high-dose vasopressor infusion and nitroglycerine. He was discharged after 13 days with no evidence of any permanent organ damage. Given the advantage of providing circulatory support, extracorporeal circulation may be useful when rewarming hypothermic victims with cardiac arrest.