Monitoring of factor XII activity and granulocyte elastase release during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract

Monitoring of the influence of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on hematologic parameters is relevant to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology produced, as well as for the development of improved methods. The selection of suitable parameters is highly important. In this study, both contact phase activation and leukocyte response have been studied. Contact activation was determined by a novel assay for the measurement of Factor XII activity (FXIIA), and leukocyte response was measured by the release of granulocyte elastase. Five patients undergoing elective coronary artery surgery using a bubble oxygenator and pulsatile perfusion were studied. A notable feature of this study was the gradual increase of FXIIA during the study period, with granulocyte elastase levels following a similar pattern. Both FXIIA and granulocyte elastase are appropriate parameters for monitoring CPB, and could be useful in studying alternative bypass procedures and antithrombotic agents.