Biocompatibility of heparin-coated circuits in pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass

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