Copper and ceruloplasmin in children undergoing heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Trace Element Metabolism

Background:

• Cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is common but can induce oxidative stress.
• Copper (Cu) is implicated in free radical formation, a key component of oxidative stress.
• Limited data exists on copper kinetics in pediatric cardiac surgery patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamics of copper and ceruloplasmin (Cp) during cardiac surgery with CPB in pediatric patients.
• To understand the role of copper as a trace element in this surgical context.
• To explore the relationship between copper and ceruloplasmin levels post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Study involved 21 pediatric patients with congenital heart conditions undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB in Campo Grande, Brazil.
• Blood samples were collected pre-surgery, during, and 24 hours post-surgery.
• Serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels were measured, and the impact of hemodilution was assessed.

Main Results:

• Serum copper dynamics during cardiopulmonary bypass were observed to reflect the protective effects of this trace element.
• A positive correlation was found between ceruloplasmin levels and copper concentrations.
• Hemodilution's influence on measured levels was considered.

Conclusions:

• Copper plays a significant role during pediatric cardiac surgery with CPB, likely offering protective effects.
• Ceruloplasmin serves as a reliable indicator, correlating positively with copper levels.
• Further research into trace element management during pediatric cardiac surgery is warranted.