Abstract

This study deals with the changes in the concentrations of blood glucose and electrolytes during open heart surgery. Blood glucose and electrolytes in connection with age, disease and anesthetic period were measured in 25 patients about to undergo heart surgery which were performed between June 1986 and August 1986 in Yeungnam University Hospital. Because glucose solution is commonly used as priming solution, and the priming solution is hyperglycemic and hyperosmolar, glucose level of priming solution in this study was adjusted to 100-200 mg% level to minimize hyperglycemic and hyperosmolar effect. The following results were obtained. 1. Glucose level of priming solution before extracorporeal circulation was 151.6+31.3 mg%. 2. With body cooing, blood glucose level was elevated. As duration of extracorporeal circulation is prolonged, blood glucose level was elevated more, but no difference between age and diseases were observed. On warning, blood glucose level was progressively lowered. 3. Despite the low serum potassium level during by-pass, the potassium level was progressively elevated following by pass, cut the serum potassium level was low compared to control values. Elevated calcium level was maintained during by pass.