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[Procalcitonin after extracorporeal circulation. Synthesis in the hepatosplanchnic region]
1Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar. aimsil@med-rz.uni-sb.de
Unlabelled:
Procalcitonin (PCT) is an inflammatory peptide of still unknown origin. In this study we investigated a potential source for circulating PCT in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
Methods:
To determine PCT concentrations, arterial, liver-venous and mixed-venous blood samples were collected time matched perioperatively in 20 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
Results:
PCT concentrations significantly increased 4 hours postoperatively compared to baseline values (0.74 +/- 0.45 vs. 0.16 +/- 0.04 ng/ml). The highest concentrations were measured 18 hours postoperatively (1.44 +/- 1.01 ng/ml). PCT concentrations in liver venous samples were significantly higher (1.67 +/- 1.29 ng/ml) than in time matched collected arterial samples (1.44 +/- 1.01 ng/ml).
Conclusion:
These results provide evidence, that hepatosplanchnicus is a source for PCT synthesis in patients following CPB. The mechanism of PCT induction remains unclear. A loss of gut mucosal barrier function with translocation of endotoxins and the inflammatory response with release of cytokines following cardiopulmonary bypass has to be discussed.