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

Abstract

Background: The aim of the presented study was to evaluate the preservation effect of the pentoxyphylline-blood cardioplegia on myocardial functions during and after the cardiopulmonary bypass in an experimental dog model.

Methods: Central hemodynamics and metabolic variables such as creatine phosphokinase, myocardial oxygen extraction and myocardial lactate extraction were obtained during and following 4 hours after the cardiopulmonary bypass after the baseline scores were recorded. Twelve mongrel dogs were divided into two equal groups. The first group of animals served as controls. The second group of animals was treated with pentoxyphylline cardioplegia that was added to each blood cardioplegia as 15 mg/100 ml.

Results: After bypass, the hemodynamic parameters were better in the pentoxyphylline group. Cardiac index fell in all animals, but it was significantly less in the control group. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was lower in the pentoxyphylline group as an index of better preservation of ventricular filling pressure. CPK-MB was significantly higher in the control group both at 2 and 4 hours after the bypass. It was 79 +/- 13 iu/L in the control group and 41 +/- 9 iu/L in the pentoxyphylline group 4 hours after cardiopulmonary 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 ischemic-reperfusion injury during and following cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping. It can be an administered drug during cardioplegia.