PX-18 Protects Human Saphenous Vein Endothelial Cells under Arterial Blood Pressure.

Background: Arterial blood pressure-induced shear stress causes endothelial cell apoptosis and inflammation in vein grafts after coronary artery bypass grafting. As the inflammatory protein type IIA secretory phospholipase A (sPLA-IIA) has been shown to progress atherosclerosis, we hypothesized a role for sPLA-IIA herein.

Methods: The effects of PX-18, an inhibitor of both sPLA-IIA and apoptosis, on residual endothelium and the presence of sPLA-IIA were studied in human saphenous vein segments (n = 6) perfused at arterial blood pressure with autologous blood for 6 hrs.

Arterial Blood Pressure Induces Transient C4b-Binding Protein in Human Saphenous Vein Grafts.

Background: Complement is an important mediator in arterial blood pressure-induced vein graft failure. Previously, we noted activation of cell protective mechanisms in human saphenous veins too. Here we have analyzed whether C4b-binding protein (C4bp), an endogenous complement inhibitor, is present in the vein wall.

Ten-year patterns in blood product utilization during cardiothoracic surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in a tertiary hospital.

Background: This retrospective analysis describes blood conservation strategies and overall consumption of red blood cells (RBCs), fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet (PLT) concentrates during nonaortic cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in a tertiary hospital over a 10-year period.

Study Design And Methods: Study variables of 6026 patients that underwent cardiac surgery between 2002 and 2011 were incorporated in the database and included hemoglobin (Hb), lowest temperature, CPB duration, 24-hour blood loss, fluid balance, and overall transfusion requirements.

Results: Between 2002 and 2011, the lowest intraoperative Hb levels and temperature increased from 8.

C1-esterase inhibitor protects against early vein graft remodeling under arterial blood pressure.

Objectives: Arterial pressure induced vein graft injury can result in endothelial loss, accelerated atherosclerosis and vein graft failure. Inflammation, including complement activation, is assumed to play a pivotal role herein. Here, we analyzed the effects of C1-esterase inhibitor (C1inh) on early vein graft remodeling.

Degeneration and atherosclerosis inducing increased deposition of type IIA secretory phospholipase A2, C-reactive protein and complement in aortic valves cause neutrophilic granulocyte influx.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Recent studies have indicated that atherosclerosis-like changes are involved in the pathogenesis of aortic valve stenosis. Increased blood and valve tissue levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) have been reported in patients with aortic valve disease, although the different pathological conditions involved were not analyzed. The study aim was to monitor the deposition of CRP, its activator sPLA2-IIA and its effector complement, and the subsequent influx of neutrophilic granulocytes in degenerative and atherosclerotic aortic valves.

Glycine does not add to the beneficial effects of perioperative oral immune-enhancing nutrition supplements in high-risk cardiac surgery patients.

Background: Elderly patients and patients with a poor cardiac function have increased morbidity rates when undergoing cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether addition of glycine to a standard preoperative oral immune-enhancing nutrition supplement (OIENS) improves outcome. Glycine-enriched OIENS was compared with 2 formulas: standard OIENS and control.

Retransfusion of pericardial blood does not trigger systemic coagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objective: During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), systemic coagulation is believed to become activated by blood contact with the extracorporeal circuit and by retransfusion of pericardial blood. To which extent retransfusion activates systemic coagulation, however, is unknown. We investigated to which extent retransfusion of pericardial blood triggers systemic coagulation during CPB.

Adhesion of thrombotic components to the surface of a clinically used oxygenator is not affected by Trillium coating.

The Trillium coating is designed to minimize adsorption of protein and the attachment of cells and other particles. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of surface coating on the adhesion of thrombotic components (activated platelets, white blood cells and fibrin) to the surface of a clinically used oxygenator. Twenty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomized to one of the two oxygenator groups: non-coated (NC, n = 10) or Trillium-coated (TC, n = 10).

The impact of heparin-coated circuits on hemodynamics during and after cardiopulmonary bypass.

This study was performed to investigate if heparin-coated extracorporeal circuits can reduce the systemic inflammatory reaction with the subsequent release of vasoactive substances during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Fifty-one patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting were perfused with either a heparin-coated or an uncoated circuit. During bypass the mean arterial pressure was maintained as near as possible to 60 mm Hg.

The impact of heparin coated circuits upon metabolism in vital organs: effect upon cerebral and renal function during and after cardiopulmonary bypass.

During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the brain and the kidneys may be damaged because of microemboli, ischemia, and inflammation. The latter has been reduced by the use of heparin coated circuits. We questioned whether heparin coated circuits could also reduce cerebral and renal damage and whether inflammatory markers correlate with damage to the brain and the kidneys.

N(omega)-(carboxymethyl)lysine depositions in human aortic heart valves: similarities with atherosclerotic blood vessels.

Recent studies indicate a role of atherosclerosis-like changes involved in the pathogenesis of aortic valve stenosis. Interestingly, one of the major advanced glycation end products (AGEs), N(omega)-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) has been related to the process of atherosclerosis in blood vessels. In the present study, we have analyzed the presence of CML in degenerative altered aortic valves with atherosclerosis-like changes, and in degenerated mitral valves without atherosclerosis-like changes, derived from patients suffering from acute rheumatism during childhood.

Effectiveness of lactulose syrup after cardiac surgery.

Dutch cardiac surgery centers lack consistency in management with respect to the prevention of postoperative constipation. Although not based on any evidence, the administration of lactulose syrup is widely used. Because it often causes intestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain, bowel cramps, and feelings of distention, a study was performed in postoperative cardiac surgery patients who were given either standard care (routine administration of lactulose syrup twice daily) or laxative on indication.

Pressure-diameter relationship in the human greater saphenous vein.

Background: Compliance of artificial and autologous vascular grafts is related to future patency. We investigated whether differences in compliance exist between saphenous vein grafts derived from the upper or lower leg, which might indicate upper or lower leg saphenous vein preference in coronary artery bypass surgery. Furthermore, the effect of perivenous application of fibrin glue on mechanical vein wall properties was studied to evaluate its possible use as perivenous graft support.

Generation of platelet-derived microparticles in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is not affected by complement activation.

Objective: The mechanisms causing the presence of platelet-derived microparticles in the circulation are unknown. In vitro platelets release platelet-derived microparticles in response to complement activation. This study evaluates the relationship between complement activation and levels of circulating platelet-derived microparticles in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.