Methods
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study we included 120 patients undergoing double/triple valve repair/replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass in the cardiac surgery department of a tertiary hospital.The treatment group received: intravenous administration of 2 g of PCr after anesthesia induction; 2.5 g of PCr in every 1 L of cardioplegic solution (concentration = 10 mmol/L); intravenous administration of 2 g of PCr immediately after heart recovery following aorta declamping; 4 g of PCr at intensive care unit admission. The control group received an equivolume dose of normosaline.