The effect of systemic arterial-line leukocyte filtration on the outcome of adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Abstract EN

Background : It is known that cardiopulmonary bypass causes an inflammatory reaction with associated morbidity and mortality.

Several anti-inflammatory strategies have been implemented to reduce this response, including leukocyte removal from the circulation using specialized filters.

Objectives : The aim of this randomized clinical study was to assess the impact of arterial-line systemic leukocyte filtration on the postoperative outcome of adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Patients and Methods : 114 patients undergoing CABG or valve replacement in Baqiyatallah hospital, Tehran, Iran from May to August 2011 were randomly assigned to two groups : with and without leukocyte filtration and their outcomes were compared.

Results : The postoperative intubation time was significantly shorter in patients with leukocyte filters (0.014).

There was no significant difference between two groups regarding other outcome related variables.

Conclusions : Systemic arterial leukocyte filtration reduces the intubation time but has no other beneficial effect on the outcome of patients undergoing CABG or valve surgery.