Effects of nimodipine on cerebral blood flow and neuropsychological outcome after cardiac surgery.
Thirty-five patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were allocated randomly in a prospective double-blind study to receive either nimodipine 0.5 micrograms kg-1 min-1 or placebo. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured during and immediately after CPB. Neuropsychological tests were performed 6 months after surgery to determine any relationship between ischaemic damage and CBF and administration of nimodipine. There were no differences in CBF between the nimodipine (n = 18) and placebo groups (n = 17). Significant changes in neuropsychological tests were found in six patients tested 6 months after surgery but there were no conclusive signs of ischaemic damage. The nimodipine-treated group performed better in tests of verbal fluency and visual retention, suggesting that some memory functions were preserved better in this group.
Forsman
M
M
Department of Anesthesiology, Ullevaal Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway.
Olsnes
B T
BT
Semb
G
G
Steen
P A
PA
D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009553:Nimodipine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies
D009553:Nimodipine