Terbutaline improves efficiency of oxygenation after coronary artery bypass surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the therapeutic role of the betareceptor agonist terbutaline in reducing postoperative pulmonary dysfunction following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, open controlled study.


METHODS
Cardiac surgical intensive care unit. PATIENTS. 22 consecutive patients undergoing elective CABG.


METHODS
11 were randomized to receive terbutaline 0.5 mg subcutaneously 6 hourly for 48 hours following extubation (group T) while 11 controls did not (group C).


METHODS
FVC, FEV1 and PEFR measured pre-operatively and at 30 min, 12 hrs, 36 hrs and 5 days post-extubation. A-aDO2 calculated from arterial blood gas analysis during the first 24 hrs post-CABG.


RESULTS
Terbutaline had no effect on spirometric variables which decreased by over 50% after extubation in both groups and increased in similar fashion over the next 5 days. A-aDO2 increased significantly (p<0.01) after extubation in both groups. Treatment with terbutaline eliminated this change in group T at 6 hrs after extubation.


CONCLUSIONS
Terbutaline has little effect on the restrictive ventilatory deficit after CABG but does improve the efficiency of oxygenation in the early postoperative period.
Waller
D A
DA
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Killingbeck Hospital, Leeds, UK.
Saunders
N R
NR
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013147:Spirometry; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D014797:Vital Capacity
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D013726:Terbutaline; D010100:Oxygen