Antioxidant response after the operations for congenital heart diseases

Background: In this study, we investigated total antioxidant response and plasma levels of albumin, total bilirubin, uric acid and high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with congenital heart disease treated with surgery using on-pump and off-pump techniques. Methods: Thirty-five patients with congenital heart diseases undergoing surgical treatment were divided into two groups: 20 patients were operated with using cardiopulmonary bypass (group 1, on-pump) and 15 patients were operated without cardiopulmonary bypass (group 2, off-pump). Blood samples were collected before surgery and at 1, 24 and 72 hours following surgery. Results: Total antioxidant response was prompt and drew a peak within the first hour following surgery in group I. After 24 hours, it showed a sustained increase (p=0.009). In the group 2, total antioxidant response decreased significantly within the first hour, and then increased to a peak level within the 24 hours (p=0.04). Thereafter, it was gradually reduced. Total antioxidant response, albumin, bilirubin and hsCRP levels remained high in group 1, after 24 hours. Total antioxidant response levels were positively associated with the albumin levels at 24 hours following surgery in group 2 (r=0.669, p=0.01). Conclusion: The plasma levels of albumin may be considered in the assessment of global antioxidant response in patients treated with CPB technique.