Liver Function Tests Following Open Cardiac Surgery

The cardiopulmonary bypass may have multiple systemic effects on the body organs as liver. This prospective study was planned to explore further the incidence and significance of this change.

Two hundred patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), were randomly selected for the study. Total and indirect bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase were measured preoperatively and at 24, 48 and 72 hours, following coronary artery bypass grafting. Postoperative value of the liver function tests with respect to hypothermia or hypotension were compared by one way analysis of variance for repeated measure and compared with t test. Patient's characteristics with bilirubin value (≤1.5 mg or >1.5 mg) were compared with t test.

A significant increase of total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were noted in the third postoperative day. Significant relation was seen between hypotension and alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase change but hypothermia had not affected alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin change. Pump time, alanine aminotransferase in third postoperative day and direct bilirubin in first and second day of postoperative period had significant relation with pre and post-operative bilirubin change.

Transient but not permanent alterations of hepatic enzymes after coronary artery bypass grafting presumably attributed to the decreased hepatic flow, hypoxia, or pump-induced inflammation.