Evaluation of the effect of seven acrylic bone cements on erythrocytes andplasmatic phase of coagulation

The haemolytic activity and the effect on the plasmatic phase of coagulatio n of seven bone cements were evaluated (Sulfix-60 from Sulzer Orthopedic In c., a bone cement at low viscosity from Zimmer, a bone cement dough-type fr om Zimmer, Palaces R from Merck, CMW1, CMW2 and CMW3 from DePuy Internation al Ltd.). Haemolytic activity was tested by adding the cement extracts in p hosphate buffered saline to a suspension of erythrocytes. After 4h incubati on at 37 degreesC, the haemoglobin concentration was determined on the supe rnatants by colorimetric method. The effect on the plasmatic phase of coagu lation was tested by adding the cement extracts in saline to human plasma. After 30 min incubation at room temperature activated partial thromboplasti n time (APTT) was determined. All extracts induced non-significant variatio ns of haemoglobin concentration and APTT. It was concluded that the tested cement extracts do not induce haemolysis and do not activate the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, at least in the tests that were performed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.