Haemodynamic effects of R 80122 immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass; preliminary results

R 80122 is a new short-acting phosphodiesterase type III inhibitor. In a preliminary investigation, three patients, scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery, were given R 80122 after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Two patients received 10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 10 min as a loading infusion followed by a 5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 maintenance dose. One patient received a 20 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 10 min loading infusion followed by a 10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 maintenance infusion. After weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and during the administration period, no arrhythmias or cardiac ischaemia were detected. The administration of R 80122 improved the haemodynamic profile with an increase in cardiac output, a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and a stable heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. These preliminary results indicate that R 80122 possesses positive inotropic activity in combination with vasodilating properties.