Intraoperative magnesium administration does not improve neurocognitive function after cardiac surgery.

Background And Purpose: Neurocognitive decline occurs frequently after cardiac surgery and persists in a significant number of patients. Magnesium is thought to provide neuroprotection by preservation of cellular energy metabolism, blockade of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, diminution of the inflammatory response, and inhibition of platelet activation. We therefore hypothesized that intraoperative magnesium administration would decrease postoperative cognitive impairment.

Predictors of inotrope use during separation from cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objective: To identify the demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic features that predict the use of inotropic support at separation from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Design: Retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Setting: Referral center for cardiothoracic surgery at a university hospital.