Protective effect of platelets transfusion during extracorporeal circulation

Abstract

Background: Extracorporeal Circulation (ECC) related pulmonary function injury plays an important role in the poor postoperative prognosis or even death in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Objective: To investigate whether perioperative administration of platelets can preserve pulmonary function or enhance the inflammatory response and vascular injury. Methods: Rats were divided into four groups, PreH group, MH group, PostH group and MP group. Neutrophil elastase and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) in rat plasma were detected by ELISA. Oxygenation index and lung water content were measured. Circulating endothelial cells were calculated by flow cytometry and lung tissue pathology was observed. Platelets in the level of systemic inflammatory response, levels of vascular endothelial injury, pulmonary edema and pulmonary function were evaluated. Results: The level of TNF-α and neutrophil elastase in plasmas were significantly lower in the group that platelets administrated during extracorporeal circulation than that of other groups. Conclusions: Platelets administrated during the extracorporeal circulation could achieve effect on lung protection and reduce the inflammatory response in plasma. Transfusion of platelets with normal function after rapid consumption might be able to reduce extracorporeal circulation related complications, providing a therapeutic strategy for organ protection during extracorporeal circulation.