EFFECTS OF AMRINONE ON LEFT AND RIGHT-VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH IMPAIRED MYOCARDIAL PERFORMANCE DURING GENERAL-ANESTHESIA

We have studied the effects of amrinone on left and right ventricular haemodynamics in patients with impaired ventricular performance caused by coronary artery disease. Anaesthesia was achieved with fentanyl, f lunitrazepam and pancuronium. After reaching steady state, a bolus dos e of amrinone 0.5 mg kg(-1) was administered followed by an infusion o f 1 mg kg(-1) h(-1). Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and ot her haemodynamic variables were evaluated at six times: before, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min after bolus administration of amrinone. Amrinone le d to a 23% increase in cardiac index resulting mainly from reduction i n afterload. While central venous pressure and mean pulmonary artery p ressure remained unchanged, RVEF increased by 28%. This effect may be interpreted as an improvement in right ventricular performance.