Prophylactic use of the phospodiesterase III inhibitor enoximone in elderly cardiac surgery patients: effect on hemodynamics, inflammation, and markers of organ function.

Objective: Elderly patients appear prone to develop overwhelming post-bypass inflammation and organ dysfunction. We assessed the effect of prophylactic administration of the phosphodiesterase III inhibitor enoximone on inflammation and organ function.

Design: Prospective, blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study.