To the Editor:— We read with interest the article of Conzen et al. 1demonstrating a reduction of cardiac troponin I release after coronary artery bypass grafting on the beating heart when sevoflurane was compared to propofol. Most previous studies identified peak postoperative troponin I as the major endpoint. 2,3It is not clear from the article of Conzen et al. which was the peak postoperative troponin I value in the two groups and whether this value was significantly different.
References
1.
Conzen PF, Fischer S, Detter C, Peter K: Sevoflurane provides greater protection of the myocardium than propofol in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Anesthesiology 2003; 99:826–33
2.
Fellahi JL, Gue X, Richomme X, Monier E, Guillou L, Riou B: Short- and long-term prognostic value of postoperative cardiac troponin I concentration in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Anesthesiology 2003; 99: 270–4
3.
Modi P, Imura H, Angelini GD, Pawade A, Parry AJ, Suleiman MS, Caputo M: Pathology related troponin I release and clinical outcome after pediatric open heart surgery. J Card Surg 2003; 18:295–300
