Effect of milrinone on short-term outcome of patients with myocardial dysfunction undergoing coronary artery bypass graft: A randomized controlled trial.

Author(s): Jebeli M, Ghazinoor M, Mandegar MH, Rasouli MR, Eghtesadi-Araghi P, Goodarzynejad H, Mohammadzadeh R, Darehzereshki A, Dianat S

Affiliation(s): Cardiac Surgery Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

Publication date & source: 2010, Cardiol J., 17(1):73-8.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Myocardial dysfunction needing inotropic support is a typical complication after on-pump cardiac surgery. In this study, we evaluate the effect of milrinone on patients with ventricular dysfunction undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). METHODS: Seventy patients with impaired left ventricular function [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 35%] undergoing on-pump CABG were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive either an intraoperative bolus of milrinone (50 microg/kg) or saline as placebo followed by a 24-hour infusion of each agent (0.5 microg/kg/min). Hemodynamic parameters and transthoracic echocardiographic measurement of systolic and diastolic functions were the variables evaluated. RESULTS: Serum levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), the MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB), occurrence of myocardial ischemia or infarction, and mean duration of using inotropic agents were significantly lower in the milrinone group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the development of ventricular arrhythmia, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, intra-aortic balloon pump and inotropic support requirement, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of intensive care unit stay and mortality rate. Although mean pre-operative LVEF was significantly lower in the milrinone group, there was no significant difference between post-operative LVEFs. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that perioperative administration of milrinone in patients undergoing on-pump CABG, especially those with low LVEF, is beneficial.