Aggressive re-warming at 38.5 °C following deep hypothermia at 21 °C increases neutrophil membrane bound elastase activity and pro-inflammatory factor release.

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is often performed under hypothermic condition. The effects of hypothermia and re-warming on neutrophil activity are unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of different hypothermia and re-warming regimens on neutrophil membrane bound elastase (MBE) activity and the release of pro-inflammatory factors from neutrophils.