Pentoxifylline (Trental ®), vasodilator with rheologic action, was administered to patients with acquired valvopathies (7 pt - 2 reoperations) before (1,200 mg p/day/3 days) and during the surgery (1 mg/kg/90 min, i.v.) to evaluate its effects on the platelets and hemodynamic. Bubble oxygenators, moderate hypothermia and intermittent cold blood cardioplegia were used. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, circulating platelets and aggregate platelets index, blood loss and transfusion and cardiac output were followed among other variables till the 12th post-op. hour. They were compared with a control group (6 pt - 1 reoperation) by non parametric tests of Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney. Pentoxifylline, protecting the platelets, has determined better conditions of coagulation and small post-op bleeding. However, its vasodilator effect was reduced or absent, without any benefit on the periferic circulation, systemic vascular resistance and cardiac output.
Heart valve diseases; Extracorporeal circulation; Pentoxifylline; Platelet aggregation; Hemodynamic