Effects and arterial concentration of prostaglandin E1 during cardiopulmonary bypass

The effects an infusion prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on both haemodynamics and PGE1 arterial blood concentration during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were studied in 15 patients (eight patients received PGE1 30 ng kg-1 min-1; seven served as controls and did not receive PGE1 administration). Mean arterial blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance were significantly lower in the PGE1 group than in the control group during CPB. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to mean pulmonary-artery pressure, central venous pressure, and cardiac or perfusion index. The arterial blood concentration of PGE1 in the control group during CPB was about 50 pg ml-1. In the PGE1 group it increased rapidly after the beginning of CPB and reached a level of 1500 pg ml-1 at 60 min of CPB. After weaning off CPB, PGE1 concentration decreased rapidly to 70 pg ml-1 in spite of the continuous PGE1 infusion. It is concluded that the metabolism of PGE1 is strongly inhibited during CPB and the effects of PGE1 may be unexpectedly heightened. Therefore, the infusion rate of PGE1 during CPB should be 30 ng kg-1 min-1 or less in order to avoid severe hypotension.     

Evaluation of cerebral oxygen balance during normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass using jugular oxygen saturation

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) impairs cerebral oxygen balance. We studied the effect of normothermic CPB on cerebral oxygen balance evaluated by continuous measurement of oxygen saturation in the jugular vein (SjO2). METHODS: Eleven patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with normothermic CPB were studied. A 4 Fr oxymetry catheter was inserted into the internal jugular bulb for SjO2 monitoring. We measured mean arterial pressure (MAP), SjO2 and hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration at five time points-1) pre CPB, 2) 3) 4) 5, 30, 60 min after the onset of CPB, respectively, 5) 5 min after the end of CPB. RESULTS: MAP decreased significantly 30 min (47 +/- 9 mmHg) and 60 min (48 +/- 9 mmHg) after the onset of CPB compared with the pre CPB (80 +/- 14 mmHg) value. Hgb also decreased significantly 5 min (7.8 +/- 1.1 g x dl(-1)) and 30 min (7.1 +/- 1.0 g x dl(-1)) and 60 min (7.1 +/- 0.8 g x dl(-1)) after the onset of CPB compared with the pre CPB (11 +/- 1.0 g x dl(-1)) value. However, SjO2 showed no significant change throughout the study period. No significant correlation was observed between MAP and SjO2. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral oxygen balance assessed by SjO2 was not impaired during normothermic CPB, and was unaffected by hypotension and hemodilution.     

Pharmacokinetics of epidurally administered bupivacaine during prostaglandin E1- or trimetaphan-induced hypotension]

The effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and trimetaphan (TMP) on the plasma concentrations and derived pharmacokinetic parameters of bupivacaine were studied in 14 women after its epidural administration. Patients, whose ages ranging from 35 to 60 years for mastectomy, received 50 mg of bupivacaine without epinephrine injected into the cervical epidural space during PGE1- or TMP-induced hypotension (80-90 mmHg of the systolic arterial pressure) under general anesthesia with nitrous oxide, oxygen and isoflurane 0.3-0.5%. No significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters for the absorption and distribution of bupivacaine were found between the two groups. However, the mean elimination half-life of bupivacaine was significantly longer in patients with TMP [5.0 +/- 1.7 (SD) hr] compared with those with PGE1 (3.1 +/- 1.4 hr). The total clearance of bupivacaine was greater in patients with PGE1 (345 +/- 150 ml.min-1) compared with those with TMP (248 +/- 66 ml.min-1). The results of this pharmacokinetic study indicate that the plasma bupivacaine concentration decreases more rapidly during PGE1-induced hypotension than during TMP-induced hypotension.     

The role of prostaglandin E in the hemodynamic response to aortic clamping and declamping.

The infrarenal aorta was occluded for one hour in 11 control dogs and in eight dogs in which biosynthesis of prostaglandin E (PGE) was inhibited by administration of indomethacin (2.5 mg. per kilogram). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the indomethacin group was significantly (p less than 0.001) higher than in the control group at the end of 60 minutes of aortic occlusion (187 +/- 3 vs. 137 +/- 4 mm. Hg, mean +/- S.E.M.) and remained higher (p less than 0.001) after declamping. However, the decline in MAP at the time of aortic declamping was essentially the same for both groups. Total peripheral resistance (TPR) was higher in the indomethacin group than in the control group at the end of one hour of occlusion (159 +/- 13 vs. 124 +/- 12%, p less than 0.001) and remainded higher throughout the period following occlusion. The plasma concentration of PGE in the control group increased significantly (p less than 0.05) above control (630 +/- 110 to 1,299 +/- 261 pg. per milliliter) during the 60 minute period of occlusion with further increases to 1,447 +/- 389 and 1,523 +/- 256 pg. per milliliter (p less than 0.001) at 10 and 60 seconds after declamping, respectively. In the indomethacin group, PGE remained essentially unchanged throughout the clamping and declamping period and therefore was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower than in the control group. A similar pattern was observed in the tissue levels of PGE. This study suggests that PGE is released during and after infrarenal aortic occlusion and may be responsible for maintaining reduced TPR and MAP. However, hypotension after declamping is not affected by inhibition of PGE biosynthesis.     

Hepatosplanchnic oxygenation is better preserved during mild hypothermic than during normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass

PURPOSE: To assess and compare the effects of normothermic and mild hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on hepatosplanchnic oxygenation. METHODS: We studied 14 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery who underwent normothermic (>35 degrees C; group I, n=7) or mild hypothermic (32 degrees C; group II, n=7) CPB. After induction of anesthesia, a hepatic venous catheter was inserted into the right hepatic vein to monitor hepatic venous oxygen saturation (ShvO(2)) and hepatosplanchnic blood flow by a constant infusion technique that uses indocyanine green. RESULTS: The ShvO(2) decreased from a baseline value in both groups during CPB and was significantly lower at ten minutes and 60 min after the onset of CPB in group I (39.5 +/- 16.2% and 40.1 +/- 9.8%, respectively) than in group II (61.1 +/- 16.2% and 61.0 +/- 17.9%, respectively; P <0.05). During CPB, the hepatosplanchnic oxygen extraction ratio was significantly higher in group I than in group II (44.0 +/- 7.2% vs 28.7 +/- 13.1%; P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Hepatosplanchnic oxygenation was better preserved during mild hypothermic CPB than during normothermic CPB.     

Effects of prostaglandin E1 and dibutyryl cyclic AMP on hemodynamics after cardiopulmonary bypass in valve replacement surgery]

In view of vasodilating action of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DBcAMP) we investigated the effect of each agent on hemodynamics after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) comparing with the effect in control group. PGE1 and DBcAMP were administered to patients who underwent valve replacement surgery with continuous low dose infusion at an average rate of 0.026 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 and 7.25 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 respectively. Following result was obtained. In PGE1 administered group, a significant reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) were observed during CBP, while there were no significant differences in other parameters, such as platelet counts, differences between core and peripheral temperature (delta T), urine output, systemic vascular resistance (SVR), cardiac index (CI), right-to-left shunt (Qs/Qt), oxygen delivery (DO2) and oxygen consumption (VO2). However, CI and platelet counts tended to increase but delta T and SVR tended to decrease. In DBcAMP administered group, there were no significant differences in all parameters compared with those of control group, showing a tendency of less improvement in hemodynamics than in PGE1 group. We have shown that the use of PGE1 rather than DBcAMP as vasodilator agent seems advantageous during open-heart surgery in patients especially with severe pulmonary hypertension, but it tends to cause severe hypotension during CPB.     

Prostaglandin el attenuates impairment of cellular immunity after cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVE: It is well documented that cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) severely impairs cellular immunity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on cellular immunity after CPB. METHODS: Patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery were randomly divided into the PGE1 group (n=12) and the control group (n=12). In the PGE1 group, PGE1 was administered at 20 ng/kg/min from just after the induction of anesthesia to the end of surgery. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were taken before anesthesia and on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7 (POD 1, POD 3 and POD 7). Proliferation responses of T cells to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pure protein derivative (PPD) antigen were measured as indicators of cellular immunity. RESULTS: PGE1 significantly attenuated the impairment of both PHA and PPD response after cardiac surgery on POD 1 (PHA response, 30 +/- 21% vs. 53 +/- 32%, control vs. PGE, p=0.048; PPD response, 18 +/- 21% vs. 39 +/- 27%, control vs. PGE, p=0.046). The reduced glutathione content of PBMCs in the control group was significantly decreased on POD 1. CONCLUSION: PGE1 attenuated the impairment of cellular immunity after cardiac surgery with CPB by reducing oxidative stress on PBMCs.     

Efficacy of FK633, an ultra-short acting glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist on platelet preservation during and after cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Temporary pharmacologic inhibition of platelet function during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (platelet anesthesia) is an attractive strategy for preserving platelets during CPB. We examined the efficacy of FK633, an ultra-short acting glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist. METHODS: The study was carried out in six mongrel dogs that received an intravenous bolus of 0.1 mg/kg of FK633 at the time of administration of heparin (group F), and six control dogs (group C). All animals underwent 60 min of normothermic CPB followed by a 2-h observation period. Blood samples for platelet count, platelet aggregation to adenosine diphosphate and parameters concerning the coagulation system were obtained at eight time points. Hemodynamics, bleeding time, and postoperative blood loss were assessed serially. Scanning electron micrograph of the oxygenator's membrane was investigated. RESULTS: FK633 significantly protected platelet number (group F, 59+/-10% versus group C, 38+/-15% of the pre-CPB value; P < 0.01), and inhibited platelet aggregation to adenosine diphosphate (group F, 13+/-12% versus group C, 35+/-9% of the pre-CPB value; P < 0.01) during CPB. Postoperative blood loss did not significantly differ between the two groups, but there was a tendency of less bleeding in group F (group F, 73+/-23 ml versus group C, 111+/-44 ml; P = 0.09). In group F, scanning electron micrograph of the oxygenator's membrane showed that its surface was free from platelets. There were no significant differences between the groups in hemodynamics. CONCLUSIONS: An ultra-short acting glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist, FK633, is effective in preventing both platelet aggregation and thrombocytopenia during CPB, and may be effective for minimizing postoperative bleeding.     

Effects of prostaglandin E1 infusion during cardiopulmonary bypass

Effects of continuous prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) infusion 0.03 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 on hemodynamics, body temperature and urine output during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were studied. Systemic vascular resistance was kept significantly lower in PGE1 administration group than control group. Differences between core and peripheral temperature decreased faster in the PGE1 administration group than the control group. Mean arterial pressure was stable at 40mmHg during CPB in the PGE1 group and 60mmHg in the control group. However, there were no significant differences in urine output between the PGE1 administration group (10.8ml.kg-1.h-1) and the control group (9.4ml.kg-1.h-1). This study indicates that continuous PGE1 infusion (0.03 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) is a method of choice for vasodilation and improvement of peripheral perfusion during hypothermia of CPB.     

Cerebral oxygenation is better during mild hypothermic than normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass

PURPOSE: Normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been recently used in cardiac surgery. However, there is a controversy whether there is a difference in incidence of neurological disorder after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery between normothermic CPB and mild hypothermic CPB. In this study, we assessed the effects of normothermia and mild hypothermia (32 degrees C) during CPB on jugular oxygen saturation (SjvO2). METHODS: Twenty patients scheduled for elective CABG surgery were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 10) underwent normothermic (>35 degrees C) CPB, and Group 2 (n = 10) underwent mild hypothermic (32 degrees C) CPB. Alpha-stat blood gas regulation was applied. After inducing anesthesia, a 4.0 French fibre optic oximetry oxygen saturation catheter was inserted into the right jugular bulb to monitor SjvO2 continuously throughout anesthesia and surgery. RESULTS: The SjvO2 in the normothermic group was decreased at 20 (41.5+/-2.4%) and 40 min (43.8+/-2.8%) after the onset of CPB compared with control (53.9+/-5.4%, P<0.05). However, there was no change in SjvO2 in the mild hypothermic group during the study. No changes in jugular venous-arterial differences of lactate or creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme BB were observed in two groups during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral oxygenation, as assessed by SjvO2 was increased during mild hypothermic CPB than during normothermic CPB.     

Time course of changes in jugular venous oxygen saturation during hypothermic or normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Preexisting diabetic mellitus is a risk factor determining postoperative neurological disorders. The present study assesses the effects of normothermic and hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2)in patients with preexisting diabetic mellitus. METHODS: Sixteen diabetic patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were randomly divided into two groups: Group DN (n=8, diabetic patients) underwent normothermic CPB (>35 degrees C), and group DH (n=8, diabetic patients) underwent hypothermic CPB (32 degrees C). Controls were 16 age-matched non-diabetic patients (normothemic group, CN: n=8; hypothemic group, CH: n=8). A 4.0 F fiberoptic oximetry oxygen saturation catheter was inserted into the right jugular bulb to continuously monitor SjvO2 values. Hemodynamic parameters and arterial and jugular venous blood gases were measured seven times. RESULTS: Cerebral desaturation, which was defined as SjvO2 values below 50%, was observed during normothermic CPB in diabetic patients (at the onset of CPB: 46+/-3%, at 20 min after onset of CPB: 49+/-3%, means+/-SD, respectively). No cerebral desaturation occurred in diabetic and control patients during hypothermic CPB. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with preexisting diabetes mellitus experienced cerebral desaturation during normothermic CPB.     

冠心病患者围手术期炎症反应的研究

目的　探讨体外循环或非体外循环下冠状动脉搭桥和激光心肌打孔治疗冠心病时围手术期炎症因子变化的特点 ,为冠心病围手术期的临床治疗提供参考。　方法　测定 37例冠心病患者及 10例瓣膜病患者术前 ,搭桥或打孔前 ,主动脉开放时 (搭桥结束时或打孔后 )及术后 3、6、2 4h的血浆肿瘤坏死因子 (TNF α)、白介素 6 (IL 6 )、C反应蛋白 (CRP)的水平。　结果　术后患者血浆TNF α、IL 6、CRP水平均有一定程度升高 ,使用体外循环患者TNF α为 (4 10± 0 71)pg/ml,显著高于不使用者的 (1 34± 0 2 9)pg/ml,差异有显著性意义 (P <0 0 5 ) ;两者IL 6差异无显著性意义 (P >0 0 5 )。冠状动脉搭桥患者术后CRP为 (12 89± 0 2 9) μg/ml,高于瓣膜病患者的 (12 0± 0 31) μg/ml,差异有显著性意义 (P <0 0 5 )。　结论　冠心病患者 ,冠状动脉搭桥、激光打孔手术后 ,围手术期均有一定程度的炎症反应 ,体外循环者反应较重     

前列腺素E1不同给药时机治疗围术期先天性心脏病肺动脉高压的观察

目的　观察先天性心脏病合并重度肺动脉高压（ＰＨ）患者围术期血液动力学的变化。方法　２０ 例先天性心脏病合并重度肺动脉高压患者以前列腺素Ｅ１ 应用不同时机分对照组和试验组,每组１０例。试验组在体外循环开始后从中心静脉持续泵注前列腺素Ｅ１２０ｎｇ·ｋｇ－ １ ·ｍ ｉｎ－ １;对照组在体外循环中,开放升主动脉后开始用前列腺素Ｅ１ 。观察围术期平均动脉压（ＭＡＰ）、平均肺动脉压（ＰＡＰ）、动脉压与肺动脉压之比（ＰＰ／ＰＳ）、心脏指数（ＣＩ）、肺阻力指数（ＰＶＲＩ）、体循环阻力指数（ＳＶＲＩ）的动态变化。结果　体外循环后各时点的肺动脉压力与主动脉压力之比较术前显著降低,（Ｐ＜ ０．０１）。肺阻力指数和体循环阻力指数在体外循环后逐渐升高,试验组肺阻力指数在升主动脉开放后６ 小时显著低于对照组,（Ｐ＜ ０．０１）。试验组心指数在开放循环后２～４ 小时高于对照组,（Ｐ＜０．０５）。结论　重度肺动脉高压心内畸形矫正手术中,体外循环开始即应用前列泉素Ｅ１ 的效果优于传统的开放升主动脉后给药的效果。     

Effects of deliberate hypotension on the ischemic heart during isoflurane anesthesia--a comparison of prostaglandin E1 and sodium nitroprusside]

The effects of hypotension induced by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on regional myocardial function and metabolism were studied in a canine heart with coronary artery stenosis. Ultrasonic dimension technique was used to assess left ventricular performance. Fourteen open-chest mongrel dogs were anesthetized with isoflurane and mean aortic pressure was maintained at approximately 80 mmHg. The left circumflex coronary artery blood flow was reduced by 40% using a screw flow regulator without affecting global and regional myocardial function. The severity of stenosis was considered almost critical. PGE1 (n = 7) or SNP (n = 7) was administered to reduce mean aortic pressure to 50 mmHg. There were no significant differences between PGE1 and SNP regarding their effect on systemic hemodynamics. Nevertheless SNP decreased percent segment shortening in the stenosed area from the pre-hypotension value more significantly than PGE1 (55.0 +/- 10.8% versus 24.2 +/- 7.3%). This suggests that regional myocardial ischemia is more deteriorated during SNP-induced hypotension. It seems that PGE1-induced hypotension is safer when it is applied to patients with coronary artery disease.     

Studies on fluid extravasation related to induced hypothermia during cardiopulmonary bypass in piglets

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia, commonly used for organ protection during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), has been associated with changes in plasma volume, hemoconcentration and microvascular fluid shifts. Fluid pathophysiology secondary to hypothermia and the mechanisms behind these changes are still largely unknown. In a recent study we found increased fluid needs during hypothermic compared to normothermic CPB. The aim of the present study was to characterize the distribution of the fluid given to maintain normovolemia. In addition, we wanted to investigate the quantity and quality of the fluid extravasated during hypothermic compared to normothermic CPB. METHODS: Two groups of anesthetized piglets were studied during 2 h of hypothermic (28 degrees C) (n=7) or normothermic (38 degrees C) (n=7) CPB. Net fluid balance (input-output) was recorded. Changes in colloid osmotic pressures of plasma (COPp) and interstitial fluid (COPi), plasma volume (PV), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), s-osmolality, s-albumin and s-total protein was followed throughout the experiments. Fluid extravasation rate was calculated. In addition, total tissue water content was measured and compared with a control group (n=6) (no CPB). RESULTS: During hypothermic compared with normothermic CPB, the average net positive fluid balance from 10-120 min of extracorporeal circulation was 1.35+/-0.06 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) and 0.33+/-0.03 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) respectively (P<0.0001). We found a marked increase in fluid extravasation during hypothermic CPB. The extravasation rate during hypothermia was 1.8+/-0.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), (1st hour) and 1.1+/-0.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (2nd hour) compared with 0.8+/-0.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), and 0.1+/-(0.1) ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) during normothermia, respectively (P<0.01). The total intravascular protein and albumin masses remained constant in both groups. Following hypothermic CPB, the water content increased significantly in all tissues and organs. CONCLUSION: During hypothermic CPB an increased extravasation of fluid from the intravascular to the interstitial space was found. As no leakage of proteins could be demonstrated, based on stable values for albumin and protein masses throughout the experiments, the extravasated fluid contained mainly water and small solutes.     

Influence of temperature on tracheal tube cuff pressure during cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND: Lateral wall pressure may cause tracheal injury by affecting tracheal capillary blood flow. Damage to the trachea is less severe when lateral wall pressure exerted by the endotracheal tube cuff does not exceed the mean capillary perfusion pressure of the mucosa. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hypothermic and normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on tracheal tube cuff pressure dynamics. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were studied during normothermic CPB (pulmonary artery blood temperature in the CPB period between 36 and 35 degrees C), and 22 patients during hypothermic CPB (pulmonary artery temperature in the CPB period between 32 and 28 degrees C). A Mallinckrodt Medical Lo-Contour Murphy tracheal tube, with high-volume, low-pressure cuff was used without lubricant. Intracuff pressure (ITCP) was recorded at end-expiration before, during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: ITCP measurements were different between groups during CPB at aortic cross-clamping (13.9 +/- 0.8 mmHg in the normothermic group versus 11.3 +/- 0.4 mmHg in the hypothermic group, P < 0.05), and respectively during CPB after aortic declamping (15.3 +/- 0.8 mmHg and 12.6 +/- 0.8 mmHg, P < 0.05) and after CPB at the end of surgery (16.8 +/- 0.7 mmHg and 18.6 +/- 0.3 mmHg, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the ITCP is higher in normothermic CPB than in hypothermic CPB; however, the clinical significance of this observation needs further investigation.     

Reduction of neutrophil activation by prostaglandin E1 in open heart surgery]

This study was designed to demonstrate the effect of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on neutrophil activation in open heart surgery. Twenty adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for various cardiac operations were divided into 2 groups. PGE1 group consisted of 10 patients (7 males and 3 females) and the control group consisted of 10 patients (6 males and 4 females). In PGE1 group patients, 20-50 ng/kg/min of PGE1 was administered intravenously from the induction of anesthesia to the completion of CPB. Blood samples were taken before, during, after CPB, and in the morning of the first postoperative day. Differential counts of white blood cells, plasma neutrophil elastase (PNEL) activity, serum complements activity (C3a, CH50) and superoxide production of neutrophils were measured. Superoxide production by isolated neutrophils was evaluated utilizing luminol dependent chemiluminescence. After the initiation of CPB complements were activated markedly, and PNEL activity increased significantly in both groups. Although after CPB PNEL activity turned to decrease, it was still significantly higher on the first postoperative day than the preoperative value. There were no significant differences between two groups as for complements activation and PNEL activity. The total number of white blood cells unchanged during CPB and neutrophilia appeared after CPB, but no significant difference between two groups. Superoxide production of neutrophils relatively decreased during CPB and significantly increased after CPB in the control group. However, in PGE1 group superoxide production was reduced after CPB, especially on the first postoperative day. These results showed that PGE1 reduced neutrophil-mediated superoxide production in open heart surgery. In conclusions, PGE1 is useful agent to reduce the hazardous effects of neutrophils after CPB.     

Effect of hypothermic hemodilutional cardiopulmonary bypass on plasma sufentanil and catecholamine concentrations in humans

The effect of hypothermic hemodilutional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on plasma sufentanil and catecholamine concentrations was studied in four groups of ten patients each, receiving four different doses of sufentanil. Samples for measurement of sufentanil were obtained before CPB, at 15, 30, and 45 minutes of CPB, during rewarming, immediately after and 15, 60, and 240 minutes after CPB. In addition, in groups III and IV, which received the highest dose of sufentanil, blood samples were also obtained for measurement of plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Sufentanil concentration decreased in all groups with the start of CPB (group I, 2.92 +/- 0.2 to 2.04 +/- 0.2; group II, 3.30 +/- 0.3 to 1.51 +/- 0.2; group III, 7.08 +/- 0.7 to 3.45 +/- 0.3; group IV, 10.33 +/- 0.5 to 4.59 +/- 0.5 ng/ml). No further decreases occurred during CPB but increases occurred with rewarming. The first measurement after CPB approached the concentration before CPB (group I, 2.82 +/- 0.3; group II, 2.56 +/- 0.5; group III, 4.42 +/- 0.4; group IV, 6.10 +/- 0.4 ng/ml). Norepinephrine concentrations demonstrated a wide variability with no significant changes. Epinephrine levels increased significantly during rewarming in both groups (group III, 141 +/- 23 to 279 +/- 79 pg/ml; P less than 0.05; group IV, 105 +/- 24 to 267 +/- 68 pg/ml, P less than 0.05). The stability of plasma sufentanil concentrations during CPB suggest that no measurable metabolism or excretion occurred. The increase with rewarming and after CPB suggest significant sequestration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of hypothermic and normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass on brain oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we assessed the effects of normothermia and hypothermia during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) both on internal jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2) and the regional cerebral oxygenation state (rSO2) estimated by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). METHODS: Thirty patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 15) underwent surgery for normothermic (> 35 degrees C) CPB, and group 2 (n = 15) underwent surgery for hypothermic (30 degrees C) CPB, and alpha-stat regulation was applied. A 4.0-French fiberoptic oximetry oxygen saturation catheter was inserted into the right jugular bulb to continuously monitor the SjvO2 value. To estimate the rSO2 state, a spectrophotometer probe was attached to the mid-forehead. SjvO2 and rSO2 values were then collected simultaneously using a computer. RESULTS: Neither the cerebral desaturation time (duration during SjvO2 value below 50%), nor the ratio of the cerebral desaturation time to the total CPB time significantly differed (normothermic group: 18+/-6 min, 15+/-6%; hypothermic group: 17+/-6 min, 13+/-6%, respectively). The rSO2 value in the normothermic group decreased during the CPB period compared with the pre-CPB period. The rSO2 value in the hypothermic group did not change throughout the perioperative period. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that near infrared spectroscopy might be sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in regional cerebral oxygenation.     

Effect of hypocapnia on arterial oxygenation during induced hypotension]

We evaluated the effects of hypocapnia on arterial oxygenation during induced hypotension with nitroglycerin (TNG) or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in patients undergoing mastectomy. Of the 20 patients studied, 10 belonged to TNG group and 10 belonged to PGE1 group. Mean arterial pressure during induced hypotension was maintained at 70% of the values observed before hypotension. A significant decrease in PaO2 was observed during hypotension under normocapnia (PaCO2 35-40 mmHg) in both groups. In addition, small but significant reduction in PaO2 from 128.5 +/- 23.7 mmHg to 122.5 +/- 25.5 mmHg in TNG group and from 129.9 +/- 11.9 mmHG to 116.7 +/- 15.6 mmHg in PGE1 group were induced by hypocapnia (PaCO2 27-30 mmHg) during hypotension. These findings suggest that usual dose of TNG and PGE1 might not or might partially inhibit hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.