Use of hypophysin in hypotensive patients with low systemic vascular resistance following cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective: This study aimed to test the effects of hypophysin on hemodynamics and coronary artery caliber of patients with hypotension and decreased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: Twenty-four patients with mean arterial pressure (MAP) <60 mmHg, mean aorta pressure < 70 mmHg, SVR < 800 dynes.sec.cm(-5), cardiac index (CI) > 2.5 1.min(-1).m(-2), central venous pressure > 8 mmHg and refractory to dopamine, norepinephrine, and fluid resuscitation were treated with hypophysin at an initial dose of 0.6 IU and a continuous infusion rate of 1 - 4 IU/h till the end of operation. The hemodynamics and the diameter of proximal left main coronary artery were evaluated before incision, before hypophysin administration, 5 min after hypophysin administration, and at the end of operation. Results: MAP, SVR, and the diameter of proximal left main coronary artery increased whereas heart rate, CI, stroke volume index, and mean pulmonary artery pressure had no significant changes after hypophysin administration compared with before hypophysin administration. All hypophysin-treated patients successfully recovered. Conclusion: Hypophysin may improve the hemodynamics and dilate the proximal left main coronary artery in hypotensive patients with low SVR following CPB.