BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF HEPARIN-COATED CIRCUITS IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS

In this study, we evaluated the biocompatibility of heparin-coated cir cuits in pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Eight patients were d ivided into 2 groups: the control group (Group C) and heparin-coated g roup (Group H). In Group H, CPB circuits, including the arterial pump, oxygenator, and cannulas were heparin-coated. Before, during, and aft er CPB, blood samples were obtained to assess the platelet counts (Fla t), alpha 2-plasmin plasminogen inhibitor complex (PIG), thrombin-anti thrombin III complex (TAT), C3 activation products (C3a), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte (PMN) elastas e. There was no significant difference in Flat, PIG, or TAT between gr oups. Group H showed significantly low levels of C3a (during and after CPB), PMN elastase (during CPB), and IL-6 (after CPB). These data dem onstrated that in pediatric CPB, heparin-coated CPB circuits reduced t he activation of complements and the production of PMN elastase and IL -6, suggesting the superior biocompatibility of the heparin-coated cir cuits.