The effects of pentoxyphiline on neurocognitive functions and neurobiochemical markers in coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Aim: Neurocognitive dysfunction is a complication of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100ß protein are markers of cerebral injury. With its beneficial rheological and anti-inflammatory properties, pentoxyphiline (PTX) is an interesting agent in cardiac surgery patients. The study was designed to evaluate the influence of prophylactic use of PTX on cognitive function and S100ß and NSE in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients.Method: In this prospective study, 40 patients undergoing on-pump CABG and received either PTX (bolus of 5 mg kg-1) after induction of anesthesia or saline are included. Neurological examination and neuropsychologic tests, including the mini-mental state examination test (MMSET) and Benton visual retention test (BVRT), were obtained preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day. Blood samples for analysis of S100ß and NSE were collected before anesthesia, at the end of CPB, at the 3rd hour and 24th hour postoperatively.Results: Demographic and perioperative data were similar for the two groups. Mean cross-clamping times were 67.86±22.22 and 66.32±27.84 min, respectively. In both groups, S100ß and NSE increased significantly (p<0.01) at the end of the CPB and remained slightly increased at T2 (at the CPB exit), and T3 (at the 3rd hour after surgery) than preoperative levels (p>0.05). MMSET and BVRT performances of the two groups were similar and did not change compared to preoperative scores.Conclusions: Coronary artery bypass surgery caused a significant increase in NSE and S100ß serum levels but with no deterioration in neuropsychological outcome assessed in the first postoperative week. Although it was reported that PTX could be a promising agent to prevent post-CPB organ dysfunction in elderly cardiac surgery patients, prophylactic use of PTX appeared to offer no advantage for cerebral protection in the age group involved in this study.