GLUCOSE PRIMING SOLUTIONS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS

In conclusion, the advantages of glucose-containing CPB priming solutions are quite modest. In contrast, the weight of current evidence strongly supports the notion that hyperglycemia is far more likely to be detrimental than beneficial to a brain challenged by ischemia, especially when there is reperfusion (hypotension or circulatory arrest) or when the brain is normothermic. Because neurologic complications pose such a serious threat to cardiac surgery patients, avoidance of hyperglycemia during surgery and CPB seems prudent at this time. Hence, CPB priming solutions should not contain glucose. © 1995 W.B. Saunders Company.