Effects of hemofiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass in children undergoing intracardiac repair for tetralogy of Fallot

Introduction: This study was planned to compare postoperative hemodynamics, blood loss, platelet count, and coagulation parameters in patients undergoing intracardiac repair for tetralogy of Fallot with and without hemofiltration and, in addition, to determine whether hemofiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) reduces cytokines in children undergoing intracardiac repair for tetralogy of Fallot. Methods: Thirty children suffering from tetralogy of Fallot were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into two groups: one group had hemofiltration from beginning of rewarming till weaning off CPB, whereas in the other group, hemofiltration was not used during CPB. In the hemofiltration group, samples were taken for the comparison of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 levels, before and after hemofiltration. Platelet count, coagulation parameters, postoperative blood loss, extubation time, hemodynamic parameters were recorded for hemofiltration as well as non-hemofiltration group and analysed. Results: The extubation time in the hemofiltration group was 15.6 h (mean), whereas that in the control group was 28.6 h (mean), and the difference, when compared, was significant between the two groups (P = 0.05). The cumulative postoperative blood loss at 24 h was significantly less in the hemofiltration group compared to the control group, 97.4 ml (80–114 ml) versus 159 ml (100–210 ml), respectively, with P = 0.001. No other statistically significant difference could be appreciated in the parameters analyzed. Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in postoperative blood loss and extubation time in the hemofiltration group. There was no significant reduction in cytokines. No significant difference was observed in requirement of inotropic agents, hemodynamic status, and intensive care unit stay between the two groups. Small sample size and shorter ultrafiltration time during rewarming phase were limitations of the study.