The influence of oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass on the incidence of delirium in CABG patients; a retrospective study.

Introduction: Postoperative delirium is the most common neurological complication of cardiac surgery. Hypoxia has been shown to increase the risk of postoperative delirium. The possibility to continuously monitor oxygen delivery (DO) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) offers an adequate approximation of the oxygen status in a patient.

Clinical outcome and blood transfusion after infant cardiac surgery with a routine use of conventional ultrafiltration.

Objective: Priming-related hemodilution is the culprit behind excessive body water accumulation, postoperative coagulopathy and enhanced blood transfusion in infant cardiac surgery patients. In this retrospective, observational study, clinical data were analyzed to assess the effect of conventional ultrafiltration on allogenic blood transfusion and patient clinical outcome.

Methods: All infants with a bodyweight up to 10 kg who underwent consequent cardiac surgery in 2011 and 2012 were eligible for the audit.

Does pharmacotherapy influence the inflammatory responses during cardiopulmonary bypass in children?

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) by factors such as contact of the blood with the foreign surface of the extracorporeal circuit, hypothermia, reduction of pulmonary blood flow during CPB and endotoxemia. SIRS is maintained in the postoperative phase, co-occurring with a counter anti-inflammatory response syndrome. Research on the effects of drugs administered before the surgery, especially in the induction phase of anesthesia, as well as drugs used during extracorporeal circulation, has revealed that they greatly influence these postoperative inflammatory responses.

Washing of irradiated red blood cells in paediatric cardiopulmonary bypass: is it clinically useful? A retrospective audit.

Objective: Despite the introduction of smaller cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits for paediatrics, it is frequently necessary to add irradiated red blood cell concentrate (IRBC) to maintain adequate haemoglobin levels and the oxygen carrying capacity. Irradiation of blood weakens the cell membranes and results in an increase of lactate and potassium concentration. In addition, prolonged shelf time of IRBC may enhance its lactate level.

Intraoperative glycemic control without insulin infusion during pediatric cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease.

Background: Many studies are reporting that the occurrence of hyperglycemia in the postoperative period is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates in children after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. This study sought to determine blood glucose levels in standard pediatric cardiac anesthesiological management without insulin infusions.

Methods: The study population consisted of 204 consecutive pediatric patients aged from 3 days to 15.