rhythm management device between 2005 and 2011. This analysis is based on the 5580 (65%) that were implanted with an IPG, of which 782 patients were enrolled from the ME (Kuwait n = 361 and Saudi Arabia n = 421). Results: Compared to the other regions patients from the ME were more likely to present with diabetes (20% vs 37%, p < 0.001) and less likely to have NYHA class II, III or IV (34% vs 7%, p < 0.001) or atrial fibrillation (33% vs 17%, p < 0.001). The ME region had the highest proportion

more »

... of patients implanted with a single chamber device and AV block indication. Conclusion: The Panorama IPG cohort provides a unique opportunity to examine the implant practices and clinical profiles of patients implanted with an IPG in the Middle East region. We found significant differences in patient characteristics, type of IPG, and choice of programming. Further work is needed to understand how these differences might contribute to differences in patient management and outcomes. http://dx. Background: This prospective double-blind randomized study aims to study the hemodynamic changes following fluid preloading with Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 6% (130/0.4) compared with normal saline (NS) in cardiac surgery patients. ABSTRACTS ORAL AND POSTER ABSTRACTS