血友病患者全膝置换围手术期的凝血因子替代治疗

背景：世界血友病协会的治疗指南明确表示,关节置换应当在保证患者凝血因子活性的情况下进行。 目的：观察血友病关节炎患者行人工膝关节置换围手术期凝血因子替代治疗的安全性和有效性。 方法：1997/2006在血液内科的配合下,围手术期行凝血因子Ⅷ和Ⅸ活性水平监测,根据指南制定常规流程,进行因子Ⅷ(冻干人凝血因子Ⅷ)或因子Ⅸ(凝血酶原复合物)的替代治疗,对4例血友病关节炎患者共6个膝关节行人工膝关节置换治疗。 结果与结论：围手术期应用凝血因子进行常规替代治疗,血友病患者围手术期出血量与类风湿关节炎和骨关节炎患者差异无显著性意义(P=0.885)。置换后早期3个膝关节出现关节内血肿或肌肉出血,其中1例患者因凝血因子抑制性抗体形成,导致1侧膝关节置换后伤口裂开,行扩创清理后,伤口愈合良好。4例患者6个膝关节置换后没有晚期感染、假体松动、移位和断裂等并发症发生。所有4例患者置换前膝关节KSS评分平均28.2分,功能评分平均35分。置换后KSS评分85.2分,功能评分87分,与普通类风湿关节炎和骨关节炎膝关节置换后评分相似,但平均住院天数延长约3倍,住院费用为普通膝关节置换的2.5~3倍。结果显示凝血因子的替代治疗和凝血因子水平监测是保证血友病关节炎行人工膝关节置换最后成功的关键。     

骨关节炎患者全膝关节置换：多中心的随机对照

背景：年龄在60岁以上存在关节疼痛、功能障碍和关节畸形的骨关节炎患者均可以考虑行全膝关节置换。 目的：比较传统全膝关节置换、微创全膝置换和避开股四头肌的微创全膝置换后早期膝关节功能恢复情况的差异。 方法：选择北京301医院、山东省立医院、山东省交通医院获得随访的120例骨关节炎患者,其中42例接受常规全膝关节置换,42例接受微创全膝关节置换,36例接受避开股四头肌的微创全膝关节置换。所有患者置换后第2,6,12周进行膝关节HSS评分及关节活动度检测。 结果与结论：微创全膝关节置换组及避开股四头肌的微创全膝关节置换组较常规全膝关节置换组手术时间长(P < 0.01),出血量少(P < 0.01);两微创手术组间差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05)。置换后2周微创全膝关节置换组及避开股四头肌的微创全膝关节置换组关节活动度、HSS评分均优于常规全膝关节置换组(P < 0.01),两微创组间关节活动度差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05),但避开股四头肌的微创全膝关节置换组HSS评分优于微创全膝关节置换组(P < 0.01);置换后6,12周3组HSS评分及关节活动度差异无显著意义(P > 0.05)。提示避开股四头肌的微创全膝关节置换与微创全膝关节置换以及常规全膝关节置换相比,手术损伤较小,术后疼痛程度更轻,术后能早期进行康复锻炼。     

Inflammatory and prothrombotic biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockade

OBJECTIVE: Increased cardiovascular (CV) risk is a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) hallmark and it has been mainly related to chronic systemic inflammation. Since inflammation is linked to coagulation perturbation, both may play a role in increasing CV risk. Treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha blocking agents is effective in RA and reduces local and systemic inflammation but there is little information on its effect on coagulation. We therefore investigated inflammation and coagulation plasma biomarkers before and after infliximab treatment in RA patients. METHODS: We studied 20 patients with active RA and 40 healthy controls. Patients were treated with: a stable dose of methotrexate (10mg/week), and infliximab (3mg/kg) at weeks 0, 2, 6 and 14. At baseline and week 14, we determined: disease activity score (DAS-28), visual analogue scale pain, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) and D-dimer. The same inflammation and coagulation parameters were evaluated 1h after infliximab infusion in 10 patients. RESULTS: At baseline, ESR, CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6, F1+2 and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in RA patients than in controls (P=0.0001). After 14weeks of infliximab treatment, there was a significant clinical improvement and ESR and CRP, IL-6, F1+2 and D-dimer level decrease (P=0.001-P=0.008). The levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, F1+2 and D-dimer significantly decreased 1h after infliximab infusion (P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab decreases inflammation and coagulation biomarkers in RA patients. Such a combined effect may be pivotal in reducing the whole thrombotic risk in these patients.     

Three cases of acquired factor VIII: C inhibitors in non-hemophilic patients

Summary During the last ten years we observed three non-hemophilic patients with factor(F) VIII: C inhibitors (2 women aged 68 and 80 and a man aged 51).In all three cases, a sudden bleeding tendency was observed shortly after an injury or surgery. Coagulation tests showed a prolonged aPTT and a decreased F VIII: C level. Other deficiencies of blood-clotting factors and acquired or hereditary von Willebrand's disease could be excluded. Therapy with F VIII: C concentrate, cryoprecipitate, or fresh-frozen plasma did not produce the expected increase in F VIII: C. Measurement of F VIII: C inhibitor levels (Bethesda Units, BU) revealed values in the range between 9 and 64 BU. The two patients subjected to long-term therapy with a combination of prednisone (initially 2–3 mg/kg BW) and azathioprine (2–3 mg/kg BW) responded positively; the F VIII: C concentration increased. The third patient, treated only with a low dose of prednisone (30 mg/day), did not show any reaction at all. Since hereditary hemophilia A could be excluded, the inhibitors apparently were acquired. Malignant tumors did not appear. In conclusion, long-term therapy of an acquired F VIII: C inhibitor with a combination of prednisone and azathioprine may lead to complete disappearance of the inhibitor, normalization of the coagulation tests, and complete remission of the bleeding tendency.Abbreviations aPCC activated prothrombin complex concentrate - aPTT activated partial thromboplastin time - BU Bethesda Units - BW body weight - CP cryoprecipitate - DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation - F III: C factor VIII procoagulant activity - FEIBA factor eight inhibitor bypassing activity - FFP fresh-frozen plasma     

腔隙性脑梗塞患者的高粘血症与高凝状态

研究腔隙性脑梗塞病人是否并发高粘血症和高凝血症。方法：检测３２例腔隙性脑梗塞患者的血液流变性和血液凝固性。结果：血液流变性指标加、Ｐ、ＥＰＴ、ＨＣＴ、ＥＳＲ和Ｆｉｂ腔隙性脑梗塞病人较对照组有非常显著的差异（Ｐ＜０．０５～０．０１），另外其ＰＡｇＴ、ＶＷＦ：ＡＧ、Ｆｎ增高，ＡＴⅢ：Ａ和ＰＬＧ降低均表现血液有高凝状态。结论：腔隙性脑梗塞患者多伴有高粘血症与高凝血症，因此组织灌注不足，这在腔隙性脑梗塞发病和进程中是一个危险因素。     

Gout in primary total knee arthroplasty: Prevalent but not independently associated with complications

BackgroundGout is a common synovial pathology, but its prevalence in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and potential association with complications such as periprosthetic infection (PJI) and revision are unknown.MethodsMedicare data from 2009 to 2013 was retrospectively reviewed using PearlDiver. All patients 65 years of age or older and undergoing primary TKA with at least 3 years of pre-TKA records were included. The prevalence of gout was based on ICD-9 codes. Univariable associations of gout with PJI and revision at 1 year were assessed using odds ratios with 95% confidence intrervals (C.I.). To control for potential confounding, patients with a history of gout were matched on age, gender, smoking history, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) to patients without gout and associations reassessed.ResultsThe prevalence of gout in Medicare patients undergoing primary TKA was 5.7%. On univariable analysis, patients with a history of gout were more likely to develop PJI (O.R., 1.58; 95% C.I., 1.45–1.72) and undergo revision (O.R., 1.33; 95% C.I., 1.25–1.41) at 1 year. After matching for confounders, a history of gout was no longer associated with developing PJI (O.R., 0.98; 95% C.I., 0.90–1.06) or undergoing revision (O.R., 0.94; 95% C.I., 0.89–1.00) at 1 year.ConclusionsGout is a relatively common pathology in patients undergoing TKA. While gout is associated with increased complications, this appears to be driven by confounding through its association with other medical comorbidities. Gout does not appear to be an independent risk factor for complications following TKA.     

异丙肾上腺素ISP致心肌微血管阻塞的机理探讨

本实验通过对血浆凝固性的动态变化和自由基系统有关指标的变化的监测以及心肌组织病理学观察发现,大鼠皮下注射大剂量异丙肾上腺素(ISP)(85mg/kg)后早期(4h以前)即有明显的血浆高凝状态、内源性凝血系统激活和心肌微血管内血栓形成,且心肌缺血损伤程度与血浆凝固性紊乱程度之间呈正直线相关;心、肝、肾和脑以及血清MDA含量显著增加(P<0.01),心肌的SOD和GSH—Px活性均显著增高。提示ISP引起的膜脂质过氧化、血浆高凝状态以及由此而引发的血管内皮受损和微血栓形成是ISP致心肌微血管阻塞的重要机理。     

Monoclonal antibodies to human factor VII: production of immunodepleted plasma for VII:C assays.

A high affinity monoclonal antibody to factor VII (RFF-VII/1), coupled to sepharose, was used to immunodeplete factor VII from normal plasma. The plasma could be used as a substrate in a one stage coagulation assay and performed as well as, or better than, commercially available factor VII deficient plasma or plasma from congenitally deficient factor VII patients. Plasma from normal donors (n = 20), patients with liver disease (n = 20), and patients receiving warfarin (n = 20), or congenitally factor VII deficient patients (n = 7) was assayed for VII:C concentration in a one stage coagulation assay. The concentration of VII:C detected with the immunodepleted plasma substrate was comparable in all cases with that seen with a commercially available substrate (r = 0.95).     

Coagulopathy of massive transfusion: pathophysiology and monitoring

Coagulopathy associated with massive transfusion (MT) remains an important clinical problem. The author attempted to identify the causes of coagulopathy in massively transfused, adult and previously haemostatically competent patients and to differentiate between the elective surgical and the emergency settings. A MEDLINE search was conducted for articles published on ‘massive transfusion’, ‘transfusion’, ‘trauma’, ‘surgery’, ‘coagulopathy’ and ‘haemostatic defects’. A narrative format was adopted. Coagulopathy associated with MT is an intricate, multifactorial and multicellular event. In patients undergoing elective surgery, a decrease in fibrinogen concentration is observed initially while thrombocytopenia is a late occurrence. Critically low levels of coagulation factors were seldom reported when whole blood was in common use. With the use of packed red blood cells (PRBC), dilution or consumption of coagulation factors has become a significant issue requiring specific treatment with, primarily, fresh frozen plasma (FFP). In the emergency setting (e.g., trauma, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm), tissue trauma, shock, tissue anoxia and hypothermia contribute to the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation and microvascular bleeding. It has been shown that the proactive administration of platelets and FFP improves coagulation, decreases haemorrhage and improves survival in these massively bleeding patients. We can only speculate that in this specific context, the benefits of early and aggressive platelet and coagulation factor replacement are related to the ongoing consumption coagulopathy at the time of surgery.     

Experience-optimised fast track improves outcomes and decreases complications in total knee arthroplasty

PurposeThe aim of this study was to describe an advanced total knee arthroplasty (TKA) fast-track programme and determine discharge parameters during hospitalisation, as well as patient satisfaction, outcomes and complications within the first 12 months after surgery.MethodsThis prospective study was based on patients selected consecutively for primary elective TKA, undergoing surgery between 2014 and 2017 in an established fast-track setting.Hospitalisation-related parameters were collected: demographics, body mass index (BMI), surgical time, ischaemia time, haemoglobin values, blood transfusions, length of stay, weight-bearing and stair-climbing time, opioid administration, preoperative and discharge loss of extension and maximum active flexion of the knee, visual analogue scale (VAS), 12-month follow-up satisfaction rate and range of motion, any complications, hospital re-admission and re-operation within the first 12 months. Differences were determined using t-tests.ResultsA total of 704 total knee replacements implanted in 481 patients were included in the study and 223 patients had a bilateral TKA. Their mean age was 69.8 years (range 57–88 years).At the 12-month follow-up, 623 patients (88.5%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied and 15 (2.1%) were dissatisfied with their TKA, mean active flexion and loss of extension were 104.4° and 2.3°, respectively. A total of 15 complications occurred (two percent): five painful knees, three knee stiffness, three haematomas, two infections, one hospital re-admission and one deep venous thrombosis. No cases of pulmonary embolism and death related to surgery were reported.ConclusionThe study reports on an advanced fast-track programme for TKA with a low incidence of surgery- and hospitalisation-related issues and complications and without any severe adverse events during the first year.On average, the fast-track programme had a short length of stay, an early recovery of weight-bearing, knee mobility, pain control and a high satisfaction rate, accompanied with an acceptable 12 month range of motion.     

Immunoglobulin subclass distribution of synovial plasma cells in rheumatoid arthritis determined by use of monoclonal anti-subclass antibodies

The distribution of IgG and IgA subclass plasma cells among dissociated synovial cells from 14 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovia was examined by immunofluorescence using mouse monoclonal anti-human subclass antibodies. Of the IgG plasma cells 81 +/- 9% were IgG1, 4 +/- 2% IgG2, 14 +/- 9% IgG3, and 0.9 +/- 0.6% IgG4. While IgG1 predominated in all 14 synovia (which is similar to what is seen in normal tissues), in 5/14 20% or greater of IgG plasma cells were IgG3, suggesting a selective increase in IgG3 production in the synovia of certain RA patients. Among IgA plasma cells 89 +/- 5% were IgA1 and 8 +/- 3% were IgA2. This distribution is similar to the distribution in normal serum.     

Preoperative proprioceptive training in patients with total knee arthroplasty

Proprioceptive deficiencies due to osteoarthritis and arthroplasty have been repeatedly reported. Proprioceptive training, which leads to an economisation of movements and supports energy-saving movement patterns, has become popular in athletes, but not in rehabilitation yet. The aim of this randomised phase IIb study was to evaluate whether preoperative proprioceptive training would influence postoperative balance and function in activities of daily life in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Subjects with severe osteoarthritis of the knee scheduled for TKA were randomised to either a control group (CG) or a training group (TG). All patients were examined 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after TKA, patients of the TG also one day before surgery, i.e. after six weeks of preoperative proprioceptive training, in order to evaluate the influence of training without TKA. Evaluation included balance assessment using the Biodex Stability System, as well as measurements of gait speed and clinical outcome using the WOMAC and Knee Society Score. As opposed to the CG, stance stability improved significantly in the TG (Biodex OSI (p = 0.045), APSI (p = 0.029)) 6 weeks after TKA. There was a significant improvement in KSS, WOMAC pain and stiffness in both groups after TKA. Preoperative proprioceptive training in patients undergoing TKA resulted in improved standing balance, but no difference in clinical outcome was observed between the two groups.     

Epsilon aminocaproic acid reduces blood transfusion and improves the coagulation test after pediatric open-heart surgery: a meta-analysis of 5 clinical trials

Background: Excessive postoperative blood loss after cardiopulmonary bypass is a common problem, especially in patients suffering from congenital heart diseases. The efficacy of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) as a prophylactic treatment for postoperative bleeding after pediatric open-heart surgery has not been determined. This meta-analysis investigates the efficacy of EACA in the minimization of bleeding and blood transfusion and the maintenance of coagulation tests after pediatric open-heart surgery. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify all randomized clinical trials on the subject. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Chinese Medical Journal Network were screened. The primary outcome used for the analysis was postoperative blood loss. Secondary outcomes included postoperative blood transfusion, re-exploration rate and postoperative coagulation tests. The mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as summary statistics. Results: Five trials were included in this meta-analysis of 515 patients. Prophylactic EACA was associated with a reduction in postoperative blood loss, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (MD: -7.08; 95% CI: -16.11 to 1.95; P = 0.12). Patients treated with EACA received fewer postoperative blood transfusions, including packed red blood cells (MD: -8.36; 95% CI: -12.63 to -4.09; P = 0.0001), fresh frozen plasma (MD: -3.85; 95% CI: -5.63 to -2.08; P < 0.0001), and platelet concentrate (MD: -10.66; 95% CI: -18.45 to -2.87; P = 0.007), and had a lower re-exploration rate (RR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.92; P = 0.03). Prophylactic EACA also improved coagulation tests 6 hours after open-heart surgery. Conclusions: Prophylactic EACA minimizes postoperative blood transfusion and helps maintain coagulation in pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that adjunctive EACA is a good choice for the prevention of postoperative blood transfusion following pediatric cardiac surgery.     

Effect of thymoptin on hemostasis and fibrinolysis in rats with experimental nephritis

Immune nephritis in rats was induced by administration of nephrotoxic rabbit antiserum. The development of severe renal inflammation (proteinuria, edema, lipemia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and 30% mortality) was accompanied by hypercoagulation and inhibition of fibrinolysis. Repeated subcutaneous injections of thymoptin in a low dose of 0.1 μg/200 g (5 injections every other day) increased the severity of inflammation and prethrombotic state of the blood. Lengthening the period between injections (5 injections at 5-day intervals) was followed by a tendency toward attenuation of nephritis and correction of hypercoagulation. In healthy rats, thymoptin produced an opposite effect on hemostasis, which was manifested in moderate stimulation of fibrinolysis and hypocoagulation. Translated from Byulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 146, No. 7, pp. 8–12, July, 2008     

Preoperative methylprednisolone increases plasma Pentraxin 3 early after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled trial

Preoperative glucocorticoid administration reduces the systemic inflammatory response. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a novel inflammatory marker belonging to the humoral arm of innate immunity exerting a potentially protective host response. This study evaluated PTX3 and other complement marker changes after preoperative methylprednisolone (MP) early after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Seventy patients were randomized (1 : 1) to preoperative intravenous (i.v.) MP 125 mg (group MP) or isotonic saline i.v. (group C). The outcomes included change in plasma PTX3, mannose‐binding lectin (MBL), ficolins (ficolin‐1, ?2 and ?3), complement components (C4 and C3), terminal complement complex (TCC) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Blood samples were analysed at baseline and 2, 6, 24 and 48 h after surgery with complete sampling from 63 patients for analyses. MP resulted in an increase in circulating PTX3 compared to saline from baseline to 24 h postoperatively (P < 0·001), while MP reduced the systemic inflammatory response (CRP) 24 and 48 h postoperatively (P < 0·001). However, the small postoperative changes in MBL, ficolin‐1, ?2 and ?3, C4, C3 and TCC concentrations did not differ between groups (P > 0·05). In conclusion, preoperative MP 125 mg increased circulating PTX3 and reduced the general inflammatory response (CRP) early after TKA, but did not affect other complement markers.     

Conversion total knee arthroplasty: A case complexity between primary and revision total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundConversion total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may represent a more complex procedure compared with primary TKA. The purpose of this study was to compare 30-day complications between conversion TKA and primary, non-conversion TKA as well as between conversion TKA and revision TKA on a national scale using a multi-center surgical registry.MethodsAdult patients undergoing conversion TKA from 2006 to 2018 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and were compared with patients who underwent primary TKA and aseptic revision TKA. In this analysis, 30-day complications were assessed. Bivariate analyses, including chi-squared and analysis of variance, and multivariate logistic regressions were performed.ResultsOf 299,065 total patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, 1,310 (0.4%) underwent conversion TKA, 275,470 (92.1%) underwent primary TKA, and 22,285 (7.5%) underwent revision TKA. Following adjustment, patients who underwent conversion TKA were more likely to have increased risks of any complications (P < 0.001), mortality (P = 0.021), wound complications (P < 0.001), cardiac issues (P = 0.018), bleeding requiring transfusion (P < 0.001), and reoperation (P = 0.002) relative to primary TKA patients. Compared with patients who underwent revision TKA, conversion TKA patients were less likely to have septic complications (P = 0.009).ConclusionConversion TKA is associated with significantly higher rates of complications compared with primary, non-conversion TKA, but less risk of sepsis compared with revision TKA. Because current reimbursement classifications do not account for the case complexity of a conversion TKA, new classifications should be implemented with reimbursements for conversion TKA approximating reimbursements for revision TKA.     

The role of fibronectin in the pathogenesis of antigen-induced arthritis in the rabbit

Fibronectin (FN), a high molecular weight glycoprotein, is present in plasma and is a normal structural component of the synovium in the rabbit, as it is in man. FN is also involved in the sequence of changes seen in synovium in experimental antigen-induced arthritis. Its widespread distribution in inflamed synovia in the initial acute phase of induced arthritis probably merely reflects the presence of FN of plasma origin in serous exudates. In established experimental arthritis, FN co-distributes with fibrin, while in synovia undergoing organisation, FN is present intracellularly in several types of mesenchymal cells (suggesting local synthesis) and is deposited on immature collagen fibrils. However, it is no longer present when mature collagen is formed. The persistence of FN, along with fibrin, in inflamed joints, and its involvement in fibrosis, suggest that it may play a significant part in determining the chronicity of this form of experimental arthritis.     

Comparison of peripheral nerve block with periarticular injection analgesia after total knee arthroplasty: A randomized,controlled study

BackgroundPain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is usually severe. Recently, the usefulness of local periarticular injection analgesia (PAI) and peripheral nerve block (PNB) has been reported. We report a prospective blinded randomized trial of PAI versus PNB in patients undergoing primary TKA, in accordance with the CONSORT statement 2010.MethodsA total of 210 patients undergoing TKA under spinal anesthesia were randomized to receive PNB group or PAI group. In the PNB group, femoral nerve block and sciatic nerve block were performed. In the PAI group, a special mixture containing ropivacaine, saline, epinephrine, morphine hydrochloride, and dexamethasone was injected into the periarticular soft tissue. Pain intensity at rest was assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS: 0–10) after surgery. Use of a diclofenac sodium suppository (25 mg) was allowed for all patients at any time after surgery, and the diclofenac sodium suppository usage was assessed. The NRS for patient satisfaction at 48 hours after surgery was examined.ResultsThe average NRS for pain at rest up to 48 hours after surgery was low in both groups. Within 48 hours after surgery, the diclofenac sodium suppository usage was similar in both groups. There were no significant differences in the NRS for patient satisfaction in both groups.ConclusionsThe analgesic effects of PAI and PNB are similar. PAI may be considered superior to PNB because it is easier to perform.Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level 1.     

Effects of unprocessed and processed cardiopulmonary bypass blood retransfused into patients after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the effect of autologous unprocessed to processed residual cardiopulmonary bypass blood (CPB) on patients' laboratory and clinical parameters and outcome. METHODS: 20 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery were randomized to receive either unprocessed CPB blood (control group) or processed CPB blood employing the Continuous AutoTransfusion System (CATS; Fresenius, Bad Homburg, Germany). We have shown that this method eliminated >93% of activated mediators. Serial laboratory parameters including complement activation, coagulation factors and the stimulation of IL-6 and IL-8 were compared with clinical side effects and patients' outcome. RESULTS: Compared to control patients, retransfusion of unprocessed CBP blood significantly increased heparin, free plasma hemoglobin and D-Dimers. Postoperatively, three patients in the control group and two patients in the CATS group required prolonged mechanical ventilation or developed infections associated respectively with elevated C3a (desArg) or IL-6 concentration. CONCLUSIONS: CATS-processing of CPB blood provided a high-quality red blood cell concentrate, resulting in a reduced load of retransfused activated mediators.