Antithrombin administration in patients with low antithrombin values after cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Antithrombin (AT) concentrations are reduced after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass compared with the preoperative levels. Low postoperative AT is associated with worse short- and mid-term clinical outcomes. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of AT administration on activation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, platelet function, and the inflammatory response in patients with low postoperative AT levels.

Association between endotoxin activity and acute kidney injury in cardiac patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background/aims: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been thought to promote endotoxin translocation from the gut. Increased endotoxin activity (EA) has been related to a worsening of organ dysfunction, particularly acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aims to determine if CPB could influence EA after cardiac surgery, and if EA variations are associated with renal dysfunction following CPB.