Improved Hemodynamic Outcomes With Glycopyrrolate Over Atropine in Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting

OBJECTIVE: Prophylactic atropine traditionally has been used to prevent CAS-associated hemodynamic depression. Glycopyrrolate may serve as an alternative with decreased cardiac effects. This study aims to compare the efficacy of prophylactic glycopyrrolate to atropine in preventing CAS-induced hemodynamic instability and cardiac complications. METHODS: 115 consecutive CAS patients from 2004-2010 were evaluated. Primary endpoints were stroke, MI, bradycardia (HR<60 beats/min), and hypotension (systolic BP <90 mm Hg). Additional outcomes included tachycardia (HR >100 beats/min), hypertension (systolic BP >160 mm Hg), pre- and postoperative systolic BP difference, vasopressor use, arrhythmias, cardiac enzyme elevations, and access site complications. RESULTS: Of 115 patients, 65 (56.5%) patients who received atropine or glycopyrrolate prior to CAS were analyzed [40 (61.5%) patients received glycopyrrolate, 25 (38.5%) received atropine]. Mean age was 70.0 ± 8.5 years (range, 48-86 years). Mean stenosis was 86.2 ± 7.4% (range, 70-99%). No MI, major stroke, or death was observed in the 30-day postoperative period. Baseline systolic BP and HR were equivalent between groups. Postoperative bradycardia and hypotension were significantly lower in glycopyrrolate patients compared with atropine patients (30% vs 72%, P = .002; 2.5% vs 36%, P < .001, respectively). Postoperative hypertension was also significantly lower in the glycopyrrolate cohort (2.5% vs 16%, P = .047), whereas tachycardia, pressure changes, vasopressor use, and cardiac complications did not differ significantly. No significant differences in neurologic and access site complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic glycopyrrolate, compared with atropine, reduces hemodynamic instability during CAS. The authors recommend glycopyrrolate use to prevent CAS-induced bradycardia and hypotension.