Protective effect of esmolol on myocardial ischemic injury during open heart surgery in children

Ping Gui1, Qingping Wu, Jing Wu

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|February 7, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Esmolol effectively protects children's hearts from ischemia during cardiac surgery. This beta-blocker reduces cardiac enzyme release and the need for inotropic drugs post-operation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Esmolol, a beta-1 adrenoceptor blocker, is known to reduce myocardial injury in adult cardiac surgery.
  • Its use in pediatric cardiac surgery is less common.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the myocardial protective effects of esmolol during pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • To assess esmolol's efficacy in reducing ischemia-related injury in children undergoing cardiac procedures.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 30 children with ventricular septal defect.
  • Patients were assigned to receive either intravenous esmolol or a placebo during surgery.
  • Esmolol was administered at specific doses during induction, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and until surgery completion.

Main Results:

  • Significantly lower plasma levels of creatine kinase-MB and cardiac troponin I were observed in the esmolol group.
  • Heart rate was significantly lower in the esmolol group post-induction and during CPB.
  • The esmolol group required significantly less postoperative dopamine compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

  • Esmolol demonstrates significant myocardial protection against ischemic injury during cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric patients.
  • Esmolol administration can lead to a notable reduction in the requirement for inotropic drug support post-surgery.
Abstract

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