Introduction: Adverse effects of protamine administration after CPB: fall in arterial blood pressure and pulmonary hypertension are still a source of problems. CPB and protamine administration are both accompanied by increased histamine levels in blood. The aim of this study was to examine if clemastine can accelerate the normalisation of arterial blood pressure during the protamine administration after CPB during CABG operations.
Material and methods: Fifty three patients subjected to CABG operations were studied. Control group (n=27) did not receive clemastine, Clemastine group (n=26) received 2 mg i.v. clemastine, before CPB. After CPB were completed, patients were given protamine (heparin to protamine ratio - 1:1.5) within 7 minutes, through peripheral vein. Changes in arterial blood pressure from the beginning of protamine administration to 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes thereafter, as well as heart rate, CVP, doses of inotropic drugs and vasodilators were compared between the groups.
Results: No difference in heart rate, CVP, doses of inotropic drugs and vasodilators between the group was noted. An increase in arterial blood pressure 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 minutes after the beginning of the protamine administration were greater in clemastine group than in control group. Groups were comparable with regard to surgical procedures and doses of anaesthetic drugs. It is now known that protamine exerts a negative effect on cardiac contractility either through a decrease in coronary perfusion pressure (vasodilatation), or through a direct toxic effect on cardiac muscle. The administration of clemastine before CPB can reduce peripheral vasodilatation and capillary leak related to histamine release during CPB. In the clemastine group, faster increase in arterial blood pressure toward a physiologic range was observed. We conclude that administration of clemastine is connected with the normalization of ABP during and after protamine reversal of heparin coagulation during CABG operations.

Keywords: coronary surgery, H-1 blockers, Extracorporeal Circulation, protamine-reactions