Negative effects of dihydroergotamine (Orstanorm) on central haemodynamics and aorto-coronary bypass blood flow. An intraoperative study.

Dihydroergotamine (DHE), Orstanorm, because of its strong constrictor action on capacitance vessels, is used in the treatment of hypotension caused by orthostatism or spinal or epidural anaesthesia. Lately Orstanorm has also been used in combination with heparin as prophylaxis against postoperative thromboembolism. In the present study, Orstanorm (0.01 mg/kg b.w.) was given intravenously to 20 patients after coronary bypass surgery. Coronary bypass blood flow, heart rate, systemic mean and systolic blood pressures, right and left atrial pressures, pulmonary artery pressure and cardiac output were measured. Stroke volume, cardiac index, stroke index, systemic and regional myocardial vascular resistance and cardiac work index were then calculated. The results showed that despite increased filling pressures there was no rise in cardiac output, and despite increased cardiac work the bypass flow significantly decreased. The significant increase in regional myocardial vascular resistance found after administration of DHE may explain the absence of expected increase of cardiac output and coronary bypass flow.