Preservation of myocardial functions by pentoxyphylline cardioplegia during and after cardiopulmonary bypass

Background. The aim of the presented study was to evaluate the preservation effect of the pentoxyphylline-blood cardioplegia on myocardial functions d uring and after the cardiopulmonary bypass in an experimental dog model. Methods. Central hemodynamics and metabolic variables such as creatine phos phokinase, myocardial oxygen extraction and myocardial lactate extraction w ere obtained during and following 4 hours after the cardiopulmonary bypass after the baseline scores were recorded. Twelve mongrel dogs were divided i nto two equal groups. The first group of animals served as controls. The se cond group of animals was treated with pentoxyphylline cardioplegia that wa s added to each blood cardioplegia as 15 mg/100 ml, Results. After bypass, the hemodynamic parameters were better in the pentox yphylline group. Cardiac index fell in all animals, but it was significantl y less in the control group. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was lower i n the pentoxyphylline group as an index of better preservation of ventricul ar filling pressure. CPK-MB was significantly higher in the control group b oth at 2 and 4 hours after the bypass. It was 79+/-13 iu/L in the control g roup and 41+/-9 iu/L in the pentoxyphylline group 4 hours after cardiopulmo nary bypass. MLE was also higher both on bypass and following bypass in the control group. Conclusions, In conclusion, pentoxyphylline usage may reduce the risks of i schemic-reperfusion injury during and following cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-damping. It can be an administered drug during cardioplegia.