Cardioprotective effect of pump prime aprotinin in coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: Several studies have reported that high-dose aprotinin is cardioprotective in coronary surgery. The cardioprotective efficacy of low-dose aprotinin is less well defined. The present randomised study evaluated the cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of pump prime aprotinin in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Methods: Sixty-four male patients admitted for first-time elective coronary artery bypass surgery were randomised into control or aprotinin groups. Patients in the aprotinin group received 280 mg of aprotinin in the pump prime. Postoperative CK-MB release, leukocyte counts and hemodynamics were recorded. Perioperative myeloperoxidase, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 levels were measured in a subgroup of patients (15 patients in each group). Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in mechanical ventilation time and ICU and hospital stay. Postoperative bleeding was less serious in the aprotinin group than in the controls (742.0 +/- 361.1 versus 885.2 +/- 335.1 ml, p = 0.12) and CK-MB values were significantly lower (6 hrs, 35.5 +/- 11.8 versus 44.5 +/- 24.0 U/L; 24 hrs, 32.3 +/- 25.0 versus 40.2 +/- 26.8 U/L; 48 hrs, 15.9 +/- 7.0 versus 24.7 +/- 21.1 U/L; p = 0.041). Perioperative hemodynamics was similar in both groups. There was a tendency towards less vasopressor and inotropes use in the pump prime aprotinin group. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of perioperative myeloperoxidase, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 levels. Conclusions: Pump prime aprotinin marginally limits myocardial enzyme release, but fails to limit inflammatory responses after elective coronary surgery.