Background-This study sought to determine whether tight glycemic control with a modified glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) solution in diabetic coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients would improve perioperative outcomes. Methods and Results-One hundred forty-one diabetic patients undergoing CABG were prospectively randomized to tight glycemic control (serum glucose, 125 to 200 mg/dL) with GIK or standard therapy (serum glucose Ͻ250 mg/dL) using intermittent subcutaneous insulin beginning before anesthesia and continuing for 12 hours after surgery. GIK patients had lower serum glucose levels (138Ϯ4 versus 260Ϯ6 mg/dL; PϽ0.0001), a lower incidence of atrial fibrillation (16.6% versus 42%; Pϭ0.0017), and a shorter postoperative length of stay (6.5Ϯ0.1 versus 9.2Ϯ0.3 days; Pϭ0.003). GIK patients also showed a survival advantage over the initial 2 years after surgery (Pϭ0.04) and decreased episodes of recurrent ischemia (5% versus 19%; Pϭ0.01) and developed fewer recurrent wound infections (1% versus 10%, Pϭ0.03). Conclusions-Tight glycemic control with GIK in diabetic CABG patients improves perioperative outcomes, enhances survival, and decreases the incidence of ischemic events and wound complications.

In diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery, aggressive glycemic control increases the incidence of hypoglycemic events and does not result in any significant improvement in clinical outcomes that can be achieved with moderate control. Clinical Trials.gov (ID #NCT00460499).

We conclude that glucose insulin-potassium therapy enhances myocardial performance and results in faster recovery from urgent coronary artery bypass grafting.

The presence of certain preoperative and post-operative risk factors can be predicted to prolong LOS after CABG surgery. This should be taken into consideration when defining reimbursement policies.

the TP10 Cardiac Surgery Study GroupBackground-This study was undertaken to determine whether soluble human complement receptor type 1 (TP10), a potent inhibitor of complement activation, would reduce morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods-This was a randomized multicenter, prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in which 564 high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery on CPB received an intravenous bolus of TP10 (1, 3, 5, 10 mg/kg) or placebo immediately before CPB. The primary endpoint was the composite events of death, myocardial infarction (MI), prolonged (Ն24 hours) intra-aortic balloon pump support (IABP), and prolonged intubation. Results-TP10 significantly inhibited complement activity after 10 to 15 minutes of CPB and this inhibition persisted for 3 days postoperatively. However, there was no difference in the primary endpoint between the 2 groups (33.7% placebo versus 31.4% TP10; Pϭ0.31). The primary composite endpoint was, however, reduced in all male TP10 patients by 30% (Pϭ0.025). TP10 reduced the incidence of death or MI in males by 36% (Pϭ0.026), the incidence of death or MI in CABG males by 43% (Pϭ0.043) and the need for prolonged IABP support in male CABG and valve patients by 100% (Pϭ0.019). There was, however, no improvement seen in female TP10 patients. There were no significant differences in adverse events between the groups. Conclusion-TP10 effectively inhibits complement activation during CPB; however, this was not associated with an improvement in the primary endpoint of the study. Nevertheless, TP10 did significantly decrease the incidence of mortality and MI in male patients.

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Early extubation and fast track protocols have resulted in earlier discharge from acute care facilities. However, the anticipated earlier return to home has been offset by the increased use of outpatient nursing services, discharges to extended care facilities, and hospital readmissions.

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