Effects of glucose-insulin-potassium infusion on chronic ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) infusion improves cardiac function and outcome during acute ischaemia. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether GIK infusion benefits patients with chronic ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction, and if so whether this is related to the presence and nature of viable myocardium. METHODS: 30 patients with chronic ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction had dobutamine echocardiography and were given a four hour infusion of GIK. Segmental responses were quantified by improvement in wall motion score index (WMSI) and peak systolic velocity using tissue Doppler. Global responses were assessed by left ventricular volume and ejection fraction, measured using a three..