RESUMO
The study group consisted of 50 patients with unstable angina who required coronary artery bypass grafting. In 25 patients, glucose- insulin-potassium solution [25% dextrose in water, K+, 60 mEq.L; regular insulin, 50 units] was given intravenously at 1 ml/kg per hour after induction of anesthesia and administration continued for 12 hours after aortic declamping. 25 patients in a separate group received 5% dextrose in water intravenously at 50 ml/hr. Patients treated with glucose-insulin-potassium solution had higher cardiac indices, lower inotrope scores, and less weight gain and had shorter times of ventilator support. They had a significantly lower incidence of atrial fibrillation and had shorter stays in the intensive care unit and in the hospital