[Effects of clonidine on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems after cardiac surgery]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of clonidine on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems after cardiac surgery. Ninety-six patients who had undergone scheduled myocardial revascularization were examined. According to the type of used anesthesia, the examinees were divided into 2 groups: 1) 60 patients who received standard anesthesia (a control group) and 2) 36 patients in whom the anesthesia was supplemented by clonidine. In Group 2, the total dose of the narcotic analgesic phentanyl was 14.15 +/- 6 microg/kg while in Group 1, the dose of opiod was 18.13 +/- 4.75 microg/kg (p < 0.05). Statistically significant minimum doses of catecholamines were more frequently used in Group 2 (27% versus 15% in the control group) (p < 0.05). The duration of artificial ventilation was 9.6 +/- 7.5 and 9.2 +/- 5.5 hours in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). Positive fluid balance within the first 24 postoperative hours was 2324 +/- 1450 and 1587 +/- 1019 ml in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.001).