Glucose-insulin potassium solutions enhance recovery after coronary artery byoass grafting

ABSTRACT

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