Preoperative antioxidant and allopurinol therapy for reducing reperfusion-induced injury in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery.
Administration of vitamin E, vitamin C, and allopurinol to reduce reperfusion-induced injury remains controversial. Clinical trials are being conducted, and the results are promising. No adverse side effects have been reported with the short-term use of these drugs. The cost of the pre-operative medication is approximately $5 per week, which favors its use. The ability of nurses to be effective advocates of patients receiving these drugs is vital. What appears to be a trivial medication regimen may save myocardial cells and promote an uncomplicated postoperative period.
Simko
L C
LC
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa, USA.
Walker
J H
JH
D000368:Aged; D000493:Allopurinol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015428:Myocardial Reperfusion Injury / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011292:Premedication; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000975:Antioxidants; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D014810:Vitamin E; D000493:Allopurinol; D001205:Ascorbic Acid