Critical care nurse
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Critical care nurse · Dec 1996
Review Case ReportsPreoperative antioxidant and allopurinol therapy for reducing reperfusion-induced injury in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery.
Administration of vitamin E, vitamin C, and allopurinol to reduce reperfusion-induced injury remains controversial. Clinical trials are being conducted, and the results are promising. ⋯ The ability of nurses to be effective advocates of patients receiving these drugs is vital. What appears to be a trivial medication regimen may save myocardial cells and promote an uncomplicated postoperative period.