Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2015

Department

Pharmacy

Abstract

Objective: Glutamate-aspartate cardioplegia additive solution (GACAS) is used to enhance myocardial preservation and left ventricular function during some cardiac surgeries. This study was designed to evaluate the stability of compounded GACAS stored in sterile polyolefin intravenous (IV) bags. The goal is to extend the default USP beyond-use date (BUD) and reduce unnecessary inventory waste.

Methods: GACAS was compounded and packaged in sterile polyolefin 250 mL IV bags. The concentration was 232 mM for each amino acid. The samples were stored under refrigeration (2°C-8°C) and analyzed at 0, 1, and 2 months. At each time point, the samples were evaluated by pH measurement and visual inspection for color, clarity, and particulates. The samples were also analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for potency and degradation products. Due to the lack of ultraviolet (UV) chromophores of glutamate and aspartate, the samples were derivatized by ortho-phthalaldehyde prior to HPLC analysis.

Results: The time zero samples of GACAS passed the physical, chemical, and microbiological tests. Over 2 months of storage, there was no significant change in pH or visual appearance for any of the stability samples. The HPLC results also indicated that the samples retained 101% to 103% of the label claim strengths for both amino acids.

Conclusion: The physical and chemical stability of extemporaneously prepared GACAS has been confirmed for up to 2 months in polyolefin IV bags stored under refrigeration. With proper sterile compounding practice and microbiology testing, the BUD of this product can be extended to 2 months.

DOI

10.1310/hpj5006-522

Comments

This is the accepted version of the article. The final published version is available through the publisher: https://doi.org/10.1310/hpj5006-522

Steven D. Rush, Stephanie E. Kim, Susan E. Hughes, Justine M. Gilbert, Peter P. Ciancaglini, and Fang Zhao, Stability of Glutamate-Aspartate Cardioplegia Additive Solution in Polyolefin IV Bags. Hospital Pharmacy: Vol. 50, No. 6, pp. 522-525. Copyright © 2015 Sage. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications.

Additional Files

COinS