Intravenous loading of nitroglycerin during rewarming of cardiopulmonary bypass improves metabolic homeostasis in cardiac surgery: a retrospective analysis.

This retrospective study evaluated the effects of high-dose nitroglycerine (NTG) on glucose metabolism, tissue oxygenation and postoperative recovery in cardiac surgical patients. Two groups were classified: NTG group (iv loading of NTG starting at rewarming of cardiopulmonary bypass; n=101), NON-NTG group (n=151). Authors found that the the plasma glucose was significantly lower in the NTG group during and after CPB, the total consumption of regular insulin was significantly lower in the NTG group, there was a significantly lower incidence of hyperlactatemia in the NTG group during CPB, and the mixed venous oxygen saturation in the intensive care unit was higher in the NTG group.