Cardiopulmonary bypass temperature and brain function.
A debate has emerged in recently published studies about the optimum cardiopulmonary bypass temperature for good neurological outcome - warm vs. cold, i.e. normothermic vs. hypothermic. Although many comparative studies have been performed, the results of these studies are inconclusive and are difficult to interpret. Brain function has been studied in terms of neurological and neuropsychological outcome, protein S100beta levels as a marker of brain damage, and cerebral oxygenation using jugular bulb oximetry and near-infrared spectroscopy. The studies produce no conclusive proof of the superiority of warm or cold cardiopulmonary bypass. However, it appears that any degree of bypass hypothermia (< 35 degrees C) may protect the brain. On the other hand, even a slight increase in bypass temperature to > 37 degrees C may cause marked brain injury.
Shaaban Ali
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M
Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, BO Box 71111, Egypt. msali58@hotmail.com
Harmer
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M
Kirkham
F
F
D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013696:Temperature; D016896:Treatment Outcome