Related Experiment Videos
Cytokine release during long-term extracorporeal circulation in an experimental model
K Adrian1, K Mellgren, M Skogby
1Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Artificial Organs
|October 28, 1998
Summary
Extracorporeal circulation activates leukocytes, releasing inflammatory cytokines like IL-1beta and IL-8. This immune response may worsen patient outcomes, necessitating research into counteracting methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Immunology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Extracorporeal circulation, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), is vital for supporting patients with severe organ failure.
- Leukocyte activation during extracorporeal circuits can lead to systemic inflammation and adverse patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify leukocyte activation by measuring cytokine release during experimental extracorporeal circulation.
- To assess the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on inflammatory markers in circulating blood.
Main Methods:
- Utilized complete in vitro extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits for 9 experiments.
- Collected blood samples before perfusion and at 24 hours of perfusion.
- Compared cytokine levels in perfusion circuits against control whole blood stored at 37°C.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated statistically significant release of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-8, and IL-1 receptor antagonist during perfusion.
- Observed non-significant increases in plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha and IL-6 after 24 hours of perfusion.
Conclusions:
- Extracorporeal circulation demonstrably induces leukocyte activation and cytokine release.
- This inflammatory response may act as an additional trauma, potentially worsening the condition of critically ill patients.
- Further investigation into methods to mitigate this immune activation is warranted.