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F Dapper

Publications and source records attributed to F Dapper.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Anesthesia for heart transplantation in newborn and suckling infants. Special aspects of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome].

Paediatric cardiac transplantation (pHTX) has gained widespread acceptance as a therapy in end-stage myocardial failure and some forms of congenital heart disease, particularly hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The major problems to the anaesthesiologist in these patients are induction of anaesthesia in infants with HLHS and treatment of pulmonary hypertension in the early post-bypass period. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Anaesthesia for pHTX was performed in 15 children < 1 year of age (4-237 days); 12 suffered from HLHS, 2 from endocardial fibroelastosis, and 1 from dilatative cardiomyopathy. Induction of anaesthesia in patients with HLHS IS a challenge to the anaesthesiologist, as he has to maintain the delicate balance between pulmonary and systemic blood flow. Anaesthesia was induced with fentanyl (10-15 micrograms/kg) and pancuronium (0.2-0.4 mg/kg) and maintained with fentanyl (total dosage 70-100 micrograms/kg). Modification of ventilatory parameters such as FiO2, PaCO2, and airway pressure (PEEP, I:E ratio) was used to influence systemic and pulmonary blood distribution in the pre-bypass period according to changes in haemodynamics (target: O2 saturation approximately 75%-80%, PaCO2 45-50 mmHg). Treatment of pulmonary hypertension in the weaning and early post-bypass period consisted of respiratory (PaCO2 < 30 mmHg) and metabolic alkalinisation (pH 7.45-7.55, BE > +3 mmol/l), the use of prostaglandin E1 (3-6-12 micrograms/kg.h), and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor enoximone (10-15 micrograms/kg.min). Additional positive inotropic support was achieved with dobutamine (5-10 micrograms/kg.min), adrenaline (0.1-0.5 micrograms/kg.min), and/or orciprenaline (0.1-0.2 micrograms/kg.min) and calcium chloride (25-100 mg/kg). RESULTS. Two children died intraoperatively and 1 on the 1st postoperative day from overwhelming pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular failure. Three children died between 3 and 4 weeks postoperatively, 1 from cytomegalovirus infection, 1 from sepsis, and 1 from acute rejection. Nine patients survived and are well up to 5.5 years after transplantation. CONCLUSION. Pulmonary hypertension in the weaning and early post-bypass period is the main anaesthesiological problem of pHTX, particularly in children with HLHS. A polypragmatic approach to this problem consisting of alkalinisation, pulmonary vasodilatation, and inotropic support is presented and seems to be effective. Further improvements in concepts of pHTX are limited by the lack of donor organs. Though the experience with pHTX in neonates and infants is growing slowly, it might be a routine procedure from the anaesthesiological point of view within a few years in some selected centres.

Anesthesia↗

Circulating adhesion molecules in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may be associated with the risk of a "whole body inflammation." Adhesion molecules, such as endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule (ELAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), seem to play a pivotal role in the inflammatory response. Soluble forms of these adhesion molecules may serve as markers of endothelial activation or damage. To elucidate whether plasma levels of soluble adhesion molecules differ between pediatric and adult cardiac surgery patients, 15 consecutive children younger than 5 yr undergoing CPB were prospectively studied and compared with adults scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting and valve replacement. Plasma levels of circulating (soluble) adhesion molecules (sELAM-1, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) were measured from arterial blood samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays after induction of anesthesia (= "baseline"), during CPB, at the end of surgery, and on postoperative days 1 and 2. At baseline, plasma levels of all three soluble adhesion molecules were significantly higher in children than in adults. sELAM-1 and sICAM-1 plasma concentrations were even beyond normal in the children (sELAM-1: 88.8 +/- 13.8 ng/mL; sICAM-1: 349 +/- 27 ng/mL). During CPB and until the end of surgery, plasma levels of all adhesion molecules decreased in the children and remained almost unchanged in the adults. In the children, sELAM-1 remained lower than baseline values until the second postoperative day (45.2 +/- 12.2 ng/mL), whereas sICAM-1 increased in the postbypass period without, however, reaching baseline values (254 +/- 40 ng/mL).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Influence of different flow modi during extracorporeal circulation on endothelial-derived vasoactive substances.

Influences of shear stress on endothelin (ET) as well as prostacyclin (PGF) levels are common findings in different experimental settings. Thus, plasma levels of both substances seem to be a good tool to verify if different flow modi can be produced in blood vessels by generating pulsatile flow with a roller pump. In the present study, 20 patients scheduled for elective aortocoronary bypass operation were divided into two groups at random. One group was perfused with nonpulsatile (CON-group) and the other with pulsatile flow (PULS-group) during extracorporeal circulation. ET and PGF plasma levels were monitored perioperatively together with parameters of renal function and haemodynamic data. ET values were only slightly elevated at the end of extracorporeal circulation (mean baseline value; CON 3.1 pg/ml and PULS 3.2 pg/ml; mean maximal values at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) 4.0 pg/ml and 3.9 pg/ml respectively). Prostacylin values (median baseline values: CON 56.7 pg/ml and PULS 57.1 pg/ml) peaked at the end of operation (median CON 117.8 pg/ml and PULS 137.5 pg/ml respectively) with a subsequent small decrease. No differences between the groups could be observed at any time point with respect to vasoactive substances, urine output (CON 6.5 ml/min and PULS 6.2 ml/min) or haemodynamics during CPB. This confirms studies emphasizing that no effective microvascular pulsatile flow is generated by conventional pulsatile flow-generating devices. In the present study, normothermia and a constant flow rate were maintained during CPB. Aortic cannulae (body-surface-related not maximal large diameters) were inserted. Altering these procedures may have led to more pronounced differences between the groups. All patients had an uneventful course after the operation. Similar to other reports, the present study was not able to demonstrate any benefit of pulsatile perfusion during extracorporeal circulation.

Aged↗

Retracted: Influence of volume replacement with different HES-solutions on microcirculatory blood flow in cardiac surgery.

A variety of hydroxyethyl starch HES preparations with different molecular weight average (Mw) and molar substitution (MS) is available for volume replacement during acute normovolemic haemodilution (ANH). Particularly with regard to microcirculation, the ideal solution for volume therapy has not been found. The influence of four different HES preparations on macro- and microcirculation was investigated in 40 patients scheduled for elective aorto-coronary bypass grafting and undergoing ANH (preoperative withdrawn blood: 10 ml.kg-1): 1) 6% HES with Mw of 450,000 dalton and MS of 0.7; 2) 6% HES with Mw of 200,000 dalton and MS of 0.5; 3) 6% HES with Mw of 200,000 dalton and MS of 0.62; 4) 6% HES with Mw of 40,000 dalton and MS of 0.5. A 5th group without ANH served as a control (10 patients in each group). In addition to systemic haemodynamics and various laboratory parameters, skin capillary blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. Laser Doppler flow (LDF) was monitored simultaneously at the patient's forehead and forearm. Changes in systemic haemodynamics were similar in all ANH-patients. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was lowest after infusion of HES 200/0.5. The most pronounced increase in plasma viscosity was in patients of group 1 (450/0.7) (P < 0.05) and plasma viscosity remained highest during the entire investigation period in these patients. After ANH, skin capillary blood flow measured at the forehead decreased in all patients except in patients of group 2 (200/0.5: max. +18%). Group 3 (200/0.62) showed the highest decrease in forehead-LDF. During CPB, forehead-LDF decreased significantly in groups 3 (200/0.62) and 4 (40/0.5).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Circulation↗

Influence of aprotinin on the thrombomodulin/protein C system in pediatric cardiac operations.

Thirty consecutive children scheduled for pediatric cardiac operation with cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. Before the operation, the patients were randomly divided into two groups: with aprotinin (n = 15, 30,000 U/kg after induction of anesthesia, 30,000 U/kg added to the prime of the cardiopulmonary bypass or without aprotinin (n = 15). Thrombomodulin, (free) protein S, protein C, and thrombin/antithrombin III complex were measured from arterial blood samples taken after induction of anesthesia (at baseline, before aprotinin) and before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass until the first postoperative day. Standard coagulation parameters (antithrombin III, fibrinogen, platelet count, and partial thromboplastin time) were without differences between the groups. Thrombomodulin plasma concentrations were within normal range ( < 40 micrograms/L) and were similar in both groups at baseline. During cardiopulmonary bypass and until 5 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass, however, thrombomodulin plasma levels were significantly lower in the children treated with aprotinin. No further differences were observed on the first postoperative day. Protein C and protein S plasma levels did not differ between the two groups. Thrombin/antithrombin III-complex plasma concentrations increased significantly during cardiopulmonary bypass, however, without showing differences between children with (225 +/- 49 micrograms/L) and without (149 +/- 31 micrograms/L) aprotinin treatment. Blood loss and the need for homologous blood and blood products did not differ significantly between the two groups. We concluded that administration of aprotinin resulted in reduced thrombomodulin plasma levels in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac operation without altering protein C/protein S plasma concentration. The exact role of aprotinin in endothelium-derived coagulation should be further studied.

Antithrombin III↗

[Topographic electroencephalometry following anesthesia induction with ketamine-midazolam].

The neurophysiological action of ketamine has attracted increasing interest in recent years, with special interest in receptor action and in neurophysiological differences between and psychomimetic side effects of the two enantiomorphs. Most of the neurophysiological examinations published deal with ketamine as a single anaesthetic agent, although it has been suggested to that psychomimetic side-effects and haemodynamic deterioration could be avoided by combining ketamine with a sedative drug. The primary aim of our study was to examine the combined ketamine-midazolam action on cerebral activity; secondly, we planned to look at these interactions topographically at different points of the cortex to evaluate topographical differences in the combination's action; thirdly, the cerebral and haemodynamic reactions to anaesthesiological stimuli (intubation, gastric tube) were evaluated and compared. METHODS. Sixteen patients scheduled for elective aortocoronary bypass surgery were examined. Topographical electroencephalometric data were obtained by processed EEG with a CATEEM system at 17 recording points over the cortex and compared with heart rate and arterial blood pressure during the induction period. After documentation of the baseline data ketamine (3 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.15 mg/kg) were applied within 10 min by means of an automatic device. At the end of the infusion period patients were intubated, and after a further 10 min a gastric tube was placed. RESULTS. Induction resulted in increases in delta and beta 2 output (P < 0.05) in the early induction period and in significant decreases (P < 0.05) in alpha 1, alpha 2 and beta 1 activity. No significant change in theta activity was observed throughout the observation period. Intubation led to significant increases of power particularly in the temporal and parietal leads of all frequency bands, but not in the frontal area. Insertion of the gastric tube did not alter cerebral function. CONCLUSION. The interaction of ketamine and midazolam leads to increases in beta 2 and delta power and to significant decreases in the alpha bands and beta 1. Increases of theta activity, a typical effect of single-agent anaesthesia with ketamine, were not observed. Thus, the action of combined ketamine and midazolam on cerebral function is not an additive, but an interactive process. Despite a relatively high induction dosage, haemodynamic changes during intubation occurred and were accompanied by changes in cerebral activity. This can be regarded as incomplete cerebral suppression even by these induction dosages.

Adult↗

[Heart rhythm after conversion of ventricular tachyarrhythmia by internal shock delivery].

The purpose of this retrospective study is the analysis of dysrhythmias following internal cardioversion/defibrillation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or fibrillation (VF) and to discuss their relevance to the therapy with automatic implantable devices. Therefore, 304 internal conversions of VT/VF during and/or after implantation of automatic defibrillators were evaluated in 51 patients. Significant post-shock arrhythmias (bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, non-sustained VT of > or = 10 cycles) were absent after 89% of internal shocks. Pauses of > 2 s were observed in 2/9 patients without VVI-back-up pacing. The heart rate was > or = 50 bpm in 10/51 patients. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 7 patients. Non-sustained, mostly polymorphic VT consisting of > or = 10 cycles followed 18/304 (6%) internal shocks in 13 patients. The VT rate was > or = 200/min in 17/18 episodes and triggered an inadequate shock once. The incidence of non-sustained VT post-shock was unrelated to shock energy, type, and duration of the converted arrhythmia. In conclusion, automatic implantable devices should provide back-up pacing. Tachycardic rhythms can mislead automatic interpretation of the effect of internal shocks.

Adult↗

[Treatment of acute low cardiac output syndrome after surgery of congenital heart defects: value of enoximone].

Children undergoing cardiac surgery are at additional risk for postoperative low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). Anticipation of the syndrome from preoperative hemodynamic condition, surgical procedure, and adverse intraoperative events is a key to successful postoperative management. Inotropic support is primarily based on catecholamines. However, uncoupling of human cardiac beta-adrenoceptors during cardiopulmonary bypass with cardioplegic cardiac arrest may be the reason why many patients respond only weakly to beta-adrenoceptor agonists. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors act by reducing intracellular breakdown of cAMP, which is elevated independently from beta-receptors. The use of PDE-inhibitors might be advantageous in patients with uncoupled beta-adrenoceptors, as occurs after cardiopulmonary bypass. In addition, PDE-inhibitors can prevent further downregulation of the adrenoceptors due to avoiding prolonged therapy by beta-agonists. In this context, the addition of enoximone, a PDE-inhibitor, to adrenergic agents has been found useful in increasing cardiac output in children with catecholamine-resistant LCO, as well as in children with compensated hemodynamics during catecholamine therapy.

Cardiac Output, Low↗

Does platelet size correlate with function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery?

OBJECTIVE: Platelet dysfunction secondary to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is one of the major reasons for nonsurgical post-operative bleeding in cardiac surgery. Whether platelet size is an indicator for platelet function was investigated in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Intra-operative, cardiac surgery operations. PATIENTS: 80 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Excluding criteria were pre-operative coagulation disorders and medication with anticoagulants within the last 10 days before the operation day. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Platelet function was assessed by aggregometry using a turbidimetric method (inductors: ADP 2.0 mumol/l, collagen 4 micrograms/l, epinephrine 25 mumol/l). Mean platelet volume (MPV) was measured by an electrical conductivity method. Measurements were carried out before, during, and after CPB until the 1st post-operative day on intensive care unit (ICU). Platelet size decreased significantly during CPB (max. -25% after weaning from bypass) and returned to baseline values on the 1st post-operative day. Platelet count (ranging from 93 - 304 x 10(9)/l) did not correlate significantly with MPV or aggregation variables. Maximum aggregation and maximum gradient of aggregation induced by ADP and collagen were significantly decreased by CPB with the most pronounced reduction at the end of CPB (ranging from -25% to -45%). Analyses of co-variance revealed a significant correlation between changes in MPV and changes in aggregation variables (ADP, collagen). CONCLUSIONS: Platelet volume is easy to measure even in the operation room or in ICU and may indicate abnormalities in platelet function in the post-bypass period of cardiac surgery patients.

Adult↗

Platelet function in cardiac surgery: influence of temperature and aprotinin.

Hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been associated with both coagulation defects and hemorrhage. The influence of temperature on platelet function and the benefits of aprotinin in this situation were studied in 60 patients undergoing elective aortocoronary bypass grafting. The patients were randomly divided into four groups (15 patients per group): group 1, normothermic CPB (nasopharyngeal temperature > 34 degrees C); group 2, normothermic bypass and administration of high-dose aprotinin (2 million IU before CPB, 500,000 IU/h until the end of the operation, and 2 million IU added to the prime); group 3, hypothermic CPB (nasopharyngeal temperature < 28 degrees C); and group 4, hypothermic CPB and aprotinin. Platelet function was evaluated by aggregometry (turbidimetric technique), and aggregation was induced by adenosine diphosphate (1 and 2 mumol/L), collagen (4 micrograms/L), and epinephrine (25 mumol/L) before, during, and after CPB into the first postoperative day. Starting from comparable baseline values, maximum platelet aggregation and maximum gradient of platelet aggregation were significantly most reduced after CPB in group 3 (hypothermic CPB without aprotinin) (ranging from -30% to -53% relative to baseline values). In comparison with the other groups, platelet function in this group also recovered less quickly in the later post-bypass period. Hypothermic CPB with aprotinin resulted in less-altered platelet function than hypothermic CPB without aprotinin. Platelet aggregation in aprotinin-treated patients was comparable overall with that in patients undergoing normothermic CPB. On the first postoperative day, aggregation variables had returned to or exceeded baseline values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aprotinin↗

Aprotinin in pediatric cardiac operations: platelet function, blood loss, and use of homologous blood.

Excessive hemorrhage secondary to cardiopulmonary bypass may be encountered after pediatric cardiac operations. Platelet dysfunction appears to be especially responsible for this problem. The proteinase inhibitor aprotinin is suggested to possess platelet preservation properties and reduce blood loss in this situation. The effects of aprotinin (25,000 U/kg after induction of anesthesia, 25,000 U/kg added to the prime, 25,000 U/kg every hour of cardiopulmonary bypass) on platelet function were randomly studied in 12 children with a weight of less than 10 kg (group 2) and 12 children weighing more than 10 kg (group 4), who were compared with two groups of children without aprotinin (group 1, < 10 kg; group 3, > 10 kg). Twelve children undergoing major vessel operations without cardiopulmonary bypass and aprotinin served as a control. Platelet function was assessed using aggregometry (turbidometric technique with adenosine diphosphate, 2.0 mumol/L; collagen, 4 micrograms/mL; epinephrine, 25 mumol/L; NaCl [control]). Platelet function was not altered in the control patients within the entire investigation period. Maximum aggregation in the small children was already lower at baseline in comparison with that of the children > 10 kg. Cardiopulmonary bypass was followed by a significant reduction in platelet aggregation in all groups. Treatment with aprotinin did not improve platelet function (maximum aggregation and maximum gradient of aggregation) in any group. On the first postoperative day, maximum aggregation in the small children exceeded baseline values, whereas in both groups of children > 10 kg baseline values had almost been established. Postoperative blood loss was not reduced by treatment with aprotinin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aprotinin↗

Volume replacement with hydroxyethyl starch solution in children.

In 30 consecutive children undergoing cardiac surgery, two different types of fluid were given randomly for volume replacement in the pre-bypass period. In group 1 (n = 15), low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch solution (LMW-HES) (6% HES; mean molecular weight 200,000 Da, molar substitution 0.5) and in group 2 (n = 15) 20% albumin (HA) was infused from the induction of anaesthesia until the start of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In addition to haemodynamic values, various laboratory variables were measured before and after CPB until the morning of the 1st day after operation. The patients did not differ in diagnosis and conduct of CPB (lowest rectal temperatures: group 1 29.0 (SD 1.1) degrees C; group 2 29.4 (1.0) degrees C). Haemodynamic data (MAP, HR, CVP), anti-thrombin-III, fibrinogen, platelet count and coagulation variables were comparable between the groups until the 1st day after operation. Postoperative blood loss and the use of homologous blood or blood products were similar in all children. Albumin concentration increased after infusion of albumin (35-47 g litre-1) and was significantly greater until the end of the operation compared with the LMW-HES-treated children. Colloid osmotic pressure, however, was similar in the two groups and returned to baseline values on the 1st day after operation (LMW-HES group 19.31 (1.2) mm Hg; HA group 18.0 (1.3) mm Hg). Post-bypass urine output and creatinine values also did not differ between the groups. Anaphylactic reactions were not observed in any of the patients. It can be concluded that LMW-HES solution can be used effectively and safely for volume replacement in the pre-bypass period in small children undergoing cardiac surgery.

Antithrombin III↗

In-hospital experience with multiprogrammable implantable antitachycardia/antifibrillation devices.

Multiprogrammable, automatic internal defibrillators with (n = 45) and without (n = 15) antitachycardia pacing features were implanted in 60 consecutive patients with refractory, malignant ventricular tachycardia (VT) (n = 42) or fibrillation (VF) (n = 18). Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was reduced to 39% +/- 12% as a result of structural heart disease in 56 patients. The complexity of the systems caused no additional risks to the surgical procedure or postoperative management. VT/VF detection parameters were individually adjusted to the arrhythmia type (detection cycle length 323 +/- 40 ms in patients with VF vs 405 +/- 40 ms for VT patients, P < 0.05) and incidence (longer detection periods if frequent nonsustained VT was also present). Shock energy was reduced in patients with VT as compared to VF (11J vs 24J, P < 0.05). Antitachycardia pacing was activated in 19/28 (68%) patients with well tolerated VT. Signal, telemetry, as detected by the device, combined with programmability allowed the device to be checked for correct decisions (these were inappropriate in four patients in three of whom corrections were non-invasive) prior to discharge. In conclusion, in the automatic tachyarrhythmia control devices we studied, programmability and flexibility appeared to be clinically safe and useful. Prolonged observation periods are required, however, to evaluate the true clinical safety and persistent efficacy of device programmability and flexibility.

Algorithms↗

Influence of different glucose-insulin-potassium regimes on glucose homeostasis and hormonal response in cardiac surgery patients .

Intravenous infusion of glucose/insulin in combination with potassium (GIK) is an often used technique to improve myocardial preservation in cardiac surgery. In a randomized study in 50 patients undergoing elective aortocoronary bypass grafting with good ventricular function, the influence on glucose homeostasis and hormonal response to four different glucose/insulin regimes were compared to an untreated control: 1) 50 g of glucose mixed with 100 U of human insulin (HI/100); 2) 50 g of glucose mixed with 100 U of bovine insulin (BI/100); 3) 50 g of glucose mixed with 50 U of human insulin (HI/50); and 4) 50 g of glucose mixed with 50 U of bovine insulin (BI/50) [corrected]. Glucose/insulin were given in combination with 70 mmol of potassium 40 min before beginning the operation. In addition to blood glucose concentrations various endocrine variables were studied before, during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Hemodynamic data (arterial blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance) were similar in all five groups. Inotropic support after CPB was necessary in none of the patients. Blood glucose levels showed no differences among all GIK groups (groups 1-4) but were significantly higher than in the control patients. The incidence of severely reduced (< 50 mg/dL) or elevated blood glucose level (> 300 mg/dL) did not differ between HI- and BI-treated patients but was significantly lower in the untreated control. Insulin plasma level increased significantly after infusion of GIK with higher levels in HI- than BI-treated patients (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Influence of different intravascular volume therapies on platelet function in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

The influence of four different kinds of intravascular volume replacement on platelet function was investigated in 60 patients undergoing elective aortocoronary bypass grafting using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In a randomized sequence, high-molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch solution (HMW-HES, mean molecular weight [Mw] 450,000 d), low-molecular weight HES (LMW-HES, Mw 200,000 d), 3.5% gelatin or 5% albumin were infused preoperatively to double reduced filling pressure (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP] < 5 mm Hg). Fifteen untreated patients served as a control. Platelet function was assessed by aggregometry using turbidometric technique (inductors: ADP, epinephrine, collagen). Maximum aggregation, maximum gradient of aggregation, and platelet volume were measured before, during, and after CPB until the first postoperative day. HMW-HES 840 +/- 90 mL, LMW 850 +/- 100 mL, gelatin 950 +/- 110 mL, and albumin 810 +/- 100 mL were given preoperatively. Maximum platelet aggregation (ranging from -23% to -44% relative from baseline value) and maximum gradient of platelet aggregation (ranging from -26% to -45% relative from baseline values) were reduced only in the HMW-HES patients. After CPB, aggregometry also was impaired most markedly in these patients. The other volume groups showed less reduction in platelet aggregation and were similar to the untreated control. On the first postoperative day, aggregation variables had returned almost to baseline in all patients. Platelet volume was the same among the groups within the investigation period. Postbypass blood loss was highest in the HMW-HES group (890 +/- 180 mL). There was significant (P < 0.04) correlation in this group between blood loss and change in platelet aggregation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

Comparison of two aprotinin dosage regimens in pediatric patients having cardiac operations. Influence on platelet function and blood loss.

Only a few studies have reported on the effects of aprotinin in pediatric cardiac surgery, and the correct dose is controversial. In a prospective, randomized study, three groups of children weighing less than 20 kg were investigated. In group 1 (n = 14): aprotinin 20,000 U/kg was given after induction of anesthesia, 20,000 U/kg was added to the prime, and another 20,000 U/kg was given every hour of cardiopulmonary bypass (low-dose regimen). In group 2 (n = 14) aprotinin 35,000 U/kg was given after induction followed by an infusion of 10,000 U/kg.min until the end of the operation and 35,000 U/kg was added to the prime (high-dose regimen). In group 3 (n = 14) no aprotinin was used (control). Platelet function was evaluated by aggregometry (maximum platelet aggregation, maximum gradient of platelet aggregation) by means of turbidometric technique (inductors: adenosine diphosphate, collagen, and epinephrine) before and after cardiopulmonary bypass until the first postoperative day. Platelet aggregation was significantly reduced during and after bypass, values ranging from -29% to -54% (maximum aggregation) and -25% to -75% (maximum gradient of aggregation) with regard to baseline values. In the further postoperative course, platelet function recovered and mostly exceeded baseline values on the first postoperative day. Platelet aggregation variables were without any differences among aprotinin-treated and control patients. Blood loss was similar for all three groups and added up to approximately 28 ml/kg until the first postoperative day. The use of packed red cells was also comparable for the three groups, whereas the use of fresh frozen plasma was highest in group 1 (1680 ml until the first postoperative day). We conclude from this study that aprotinin did not improve platelet function and did nor reduce blood loss or the need for homologous blood transfusion in pediatric cardiac surgery, regardless of whether a low-dose or a high-dose regimen was used.

Aprotinin↗

Experimental studies of the influence of priming solutions on the systemic activation of complement during cardiopulmonary bypass: comparison between the use of albumin, hydroxyethyl starch and HWA-138.

Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery may be complicated by a systemic inflammatory reaction, which has been ascribed to activation of complement. For such activation, the choice of priming solution for the heart-lung machine may be of importance. The peripheral blood of three groups of eight donors was exposed to albumin, hydroxyethyl starch (HES) or to HWA-138 (pentoxifylline analogue) in addition to the priming solutions. The study confirmed that activation of complement is a consistent phenomenon during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The concentration of the C3 activation product C3a in the plasma was significantly increased after simulated extracorporeal circulation. However there were no differences within the increase of C3a concentrations between the various priming solutions.

Albumins↗

Influence of 4 different membrane oxygenators on inflammation-like processes during extracorporeal circulation with pulsatile and non-pulsatile flow.

The influence of four different membrane oxygenators (HF 4000, BOS-CM 50, CML 2, Maxima) on leucocyte count, concentrations of PMN-elastase, clotting factor XII, AT-III, C1-INH, alpha 2-antiplasmin and C3a was registered before, during and after CPB with pulsatile and nonpulsatile flow in 80 male patients aged between 36 and 67 years. With all systems tested, there was a drop in the concentrations of clotting factor XII, AT-III, C1-INH and alpha 2-antiplasmin in the early extracorporeal circulation (ECC) phase, exceeding the average hematocrit reduction accounted for by dilution. This drop was the least distinct with CML 2 systems, both with pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion, indicating system-inherent influences. Leucocyte cound and PMN-elastase concentration rose significantly during ECC irrespective of oxygenator tested of flow type applied. The rise in leucocyte count even continued for about 4 h after ECC. During the first 40 min of ECC, these changes were paralleled by a significant rise in C3a concentration, suggesting complement activation as a main cause for PMN activation. However, there is reason to suppose involvement of further mechanisms operating in PMN activation, since the elevated C3a-concentrations began to fall off while leucocyte count and PMN-elastase concentrations were still increasing.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗