Hemodynamic effects of the novel selective cAMP-phosphodiesterase III inhibitor R 80122 in anesthetized patients with...

To investigate the hemodynamic effects and safety of R 80122, a novel selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) III inhibitor, and its solvent hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin.

Prospective, randomized study.

Operating theater of a university hospital in the Netherlands.

Twelve patients with impaired left ventricular function scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting after induction of anesthesia were included.

R 80122 (n = 6) or its solvent (n = 6) was administered using the same infusion regimen. A bolus of 0.1 mL/kg (= 0.1 mg/kg R 80122) was infused over 10 minutes followed by a maintenance infusion of 5 microliters/kg/min (5 micrograms/kg/min R 80122) over 20 minutes.

Compared with the solvent, patients receiving R 80122 did not show any significant changes in heart rate, arterial blood pressure, or pulmonary artery pressures. However, R 80122 produced a marked increase (P < 0.05) in cardiac output (thermodilution) and echocardiographically obtained percentage area reduction. No arrhythmias or ischemic episodes occurred during the infusion period. The plasma half-life of R 80122 was 10.6 +/- 1.9 minutes.

R 80122 appears to be a potent positive inotropic agent in these patients. Its use is not associated with marked vasodilation, it is devoid of positive chronotropic effects, and it can be administered safely in patients with impaired left ventricular function.