Table 1

General characteristics of the patients studied

Parameter
Group A
Group B

Age (years)
63 ± 7
64 ± 8
Weight (kg)
77 ± 9
77 ± 12
LVEF (%)
55 ± 12
50 ± 13
Preoperative therapy (n)


     β-blocker
11
17
     Trinitroglycerin
16
26
     Calcium channel blocker
4
7
     Digoxin
0
2
     ACE inhibitors
4
10

No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of age, weight, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), or preoperative therapy. ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Bertolissi et al. Critical Care 2002 6:234   doi:10.1186/cc1495