Effects of preoperative magnesium therapy on arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia during off-pump coronary surgery

BACKGROUND: Heart manipulation during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery may cause hemodynamic instability, and temporary coronary arterial occlusion may lead to myocardial ischemia. To reduce this, perioperative β-blocking agents or calcium antagonists can be administrated. The effects of perioperative administration of magnesium on myocardial function were studied in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative magnesium administration on perioperative hemodynamia, ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial protection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 2 groups of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery – 24 patients (control group) that had not received preoperative intravenous infusion of magnesium and 23 patients (treatment group) that had received preoperative intravenous magnesium sulfate. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that it had reduced the heart rate, changes of ST segments, the need of β-blocking agents and the use of intra-operative intra-aortic balloon pump and the inotropic usage. CONCLUSION: This treatment may provide hemodynamic optimization during off-pump coronary artery bypass.