Phase II, randomized, controlled trial of high-dose N-acetylcysteine in high-risk cardiac surgery patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of high-dose N-acetylcysteine on renal function in cardiac surgery patients at higher risk of postoperative renal failure. DESIGN: Multiblind, placebo-controlled, randomized, phase II clinical trial. SETTING: Operating rooms and intensive care units of two tertiary referral hospitals. PATIENTS: A total of 60 cardiac surgery patients at higher risk of postoperative renal failure. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated to either 24 hrs of high-dose N-acetylcysteine infusion (300 mg/kg body weight in 5% glucose, 1.7 L) or placebo (5% glucose, 1.7 L). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome measure was the absolute change in serum creatinine from baseli..