CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF DESFERRIOXAMINE

Cardiopulmonary bypass and the superimposed period of ischemia-reperfu sion are situations in cardiac surgery that promote free radical gener ation. In these conditions, most animal and clinical studies have demo nstrated the role of desferrioxamine, an iron chelator, in reducing ge neration of these highly cytotoxic radical species. However, this biol ogical demonstration has not been translated into improved postoperati ve patient outcome.