Effects of Pulsatile CPB on Interleukin-8 and Endothelin-1 Levels

Background: Studies on pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion have long been performed. However, investigators have not reached a conclusion on which is more effective. In the present study, pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was investigated in terms of the effects on cytokines, endothelin, catecholamine, and pulmonary and renal functions.

Methods: Twenty-four patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting were divided into a pulsatile CPB group and a nonpulsatile CPB group. Parameters examined were hemodynamics, interleukin-8 (IL-8), endothelin-1 (ET-1), epinephrine, norepinephrine, lactate, arterial ketone body ratio, urine volume, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, renin activity, angiotensin-II, lactate dehydrogenase, plasma-free hemoglobin, tracheal intubation time, and respiratory index.

Results and Conclusion: The IL-8 at 0.5, 3, and 6 h after CPB, and ET-1 at 3, 6, 9, and 18 h after CPB were significantly lower in the pulsatile group. Both epinephrine and norepinephrine were significantly lower in the pulsatile group. The respiratory index was significantly higher in the pulsatile group. In the present study, inhibitory effects on cytokine activity, edema in pulmonary alveoli, and endothelial damage were shown in addition to the favorable effects on catecholamine level, renal function, and peripheral circulation that have already been documented.