K. Yokoyama et al., DO SUPEROXIDE RADICALS IN BLOOD INDICATE ANASTOMOTIC PATENCY AFTER MICROVASCULAR TISSUE REPERFUSION, Journal of reconstructive microsurgery, 11(6), 1995, pp. 467-471
Superoxide radicals were measured in the blood of six patients who und
enwent vascular reconstruction after ischemic injury in an attempt to
Predict prognosis following surgery. Three free-tissue transfers (two
free latissimus dorsi flaps, one free vascularized fibular osteocutane
ous graft) were performed on patients with skin or bone defects associ
ated with open tibial fractures. Vascular reconstructions were perform
ed on two patients with popliteal vascular injuries. in one case with
an open femoral fracture and in another with an open knee dislocation;
A third vascular reconstruction was performed on a patient with a sub
clavian artery injury associated with a clavicular fracture. Superoxid
e levels in the blood were quantified by a chemiluminescence method us
ing a derivative of luciferin. Blood was obtained prior to reperfusion
and periodically to 72 hr postoperatively. In patients who underwent
successful reconstructions, superoxide levels increased after reperfus
ion. Vascular insufficiency was associated with acute drops in superox
ide concentrations. Superoxide levels are a promising clinical marker
which can predict insufficiency during reperfusion following tissue is
chemia.