Cardiopulmonary Bypass Induced Inflammation: Pathophysiology and Treatment. An Update

ABSTRACT

Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces an acute phase reaction that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several postoperative complications. Recent data indicate that a complex sequence of events leads to the final activation of leukocytes and endothelial cells (EC), which is responsible for cell dysfunction in different organs. Activation of the contact system, endotoxemia, ischemia and reperfusion injury and surgical trauma are all potential triggers of inflammation following CPB. Different pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators (cytokines, adhesion molecules) are involved and their release is mediated by intracellular transcription factors (nuclear factor-kB, NF-kB). In this review, we examine recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of the CPB-induced acute phase reaction and evaluate the different pharmacological, technical and surgical strategies used to reduce its effects. Emphasis is given to the central role of transcription factor NF-kB in the complex mechanism of the inflammatory reaction and to the effects of compounds such as heparin and glycosaminoglycans, phosphodiesterase inhibitors and protease inhibitors whose role as anti-inflammatory agent has only recently been recognized.

Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Eaton North 13-222, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C4

Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton Civic Hospital Research Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Received 29 March 2001; received in revised form 27 August 2001; accepted 12 November 2001.

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +1-416-340-3451; fax: +1-416-340-3803
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