The use of calcium antagonists such as nifedipine for myocardial protection during cardiac surgery has been advocated by several authors. During extracorporeal circulation many factors, such as light, interaction with circuit materials and haematocrit, may contribute to decrease plasma clearance of calcium antagonists
In an in vitro model of a heart-lung machine, plasma nifedipine and prime concentrations were detected with a series of samples at different temperatures (25 °C and 37 °C), haematocrits (0%, 20%, 30% and 40%) and light conditions (light and dark).
The results show a rapid drop of nifedipine concentration with a halflife of about 3-9 minutes and this situation is influenced with statistical significance by the presence of light and increased haematocrit.
The knowledge of this condition is useful when nifedipine is used before/ during cardiopulmonary bypass and during cardioplegia and reperfusion infusion with the use of extracorporeal devices.
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