Comparative effects of propofol and nitroglycerine on efficacy of rewarming in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of propofol and nitroglycerine (NTG) on the efficacy of rewarming, extra volume added during cardiopulmonary bypass and extravascular lung water (EVLW) in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, blinded trial, twenty adult patients were randomly assigned to receive either NTG infusion (NTG group) or propofol infusion (propofol group) during rewarming. RESULTS: After drop in temperature at the end of surgery and till 24 h were significantly less in propofol group compare to NTG group (P < 0.025). Extra volume added during cardiopulmonary bypass and net crystalloid balance till 24 h was less in the propofol group (P < 0.003). There was no difference in EVLW and postoperative outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol use during moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with less after drop in temperature and less requirement of extra fluid during the perioperative period.