Modulating IL-6 and IL-10 levels by pharmacologic and ECC strategies during cardiac surgery

In this prospective randomized study, levels of cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 were determined by ELISA-technique in 4 groups of 40 patients with coronary artery disease. Simultaneously, 20 continuously registered parameters of ECC were analyzed regarding correlations with cytokine levels. Pharmacologic strategies to modulate the cytokine release comprise steroid and aprotinin application and modifying the artificial surface of extracorporeal circuits with heparine coating. Parameters of ECC like duration of cardio-pulmonary bypass, cross-clamp-time (ischemic time), mean arterial pressure, venous oxygen saturation, duration and extent of systemic hypothermia and amount of negative base excess influence the release of cytokines variously.