Evaluation of positive inotropic drug effects on thyroid hormone levels after open heart surgery

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of positive inotropic drugs, including adrenaline, dopamine, and dobutamine on thyroid hormone levels following open heart surgery.

We analyzed free thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) in 200 consecutive patients undergoing open heart surgery. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to the inotropic drug administration as follows: Group A (n = 46) received dopamine alone; Group B (n = 40), dopamine and dobutamine; Group C (n = 36), dopamine, dobutamine, and adrenaline; Group D (n = 32), adrenaline alone; and Group E (n = 46), placebo. Procedural factors affecting thyroid hormones were recorded and included cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, cross-clamping time, degree of hypothermia, and the duration and doses of positive inotropic drugs. Blood samples for hormone assays were collected before initiation of inotropic drug therapy (baseline) and postoperatively at 24, 72, and 120 hours after drug therapy.

FT3, FT4, and TSH levels at baseline were similar in all groups. Although there was a trend showing very slight increases in thyroid hormone levels from baseline to the 24th, 72nd, and 120th postoperative hours after drug therapy, these changes were not significant, and there were also no significant differences between the groups. There was also no significant statistical difference in CPB time, cross-clamping time, degree of hypothermia, and duration and doses of positive inotropic drugs between groups.

Although thyroid hormone levels were affected by positive inotropic drug usage after open heart surgery, this effect was not significant and thyroid hormone levels remained within normal ranges.