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Ann Thorac Surg 2005;79:2032-2038
© 2005 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

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Original article: Cardiovascular

Total Leukocyte Control for Elective Coronary Bypass Surgery Does Not Improve Short-Term Outcome

^a Department of Intensive Care, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
^b Department of Cardiac Surgery, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
^c Department of Haematology Unit, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
^d Departments of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
^e Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

Accepted for publication November 19, 2004.

^_* Address reprint requests to Dr Salamonsen, Intensive Care Unit, Alfred Hospital, Prahran Vic 3181, Australia (E-mail: r.salamonsen{at}alfred.org.au).

BACKGROUND: Despite early promise as a means of reducing the inflammatory response to surgery and subsequent organ damage, the evidence of the clinical value of leukocyte filtration remains equivocal.

METHODS: Three hundred patients presenting for routine coronary artery bypass surgery were randomized to a total leukocyte filtration group (filters in five different locations) and a control group with a standard 40-µm filter in the bypass return line only. Data on efficacy and safety of leukocyte filtration were collected by research and postoperative care staff who were blinded to the mode of filtration.

RESULTS: Leukofiltration achieved a transient fall in white cells immediately after surgery (p = 0.07) and a sustained fall in platelets, which was still significant on the second postoperative day (p = 0.0001). However, there were no significant differences in postoperative hospital stay, the primary outcome variable (p = 0.35), in ICU stay (p = 0.92), or mortality (p = 1.0). There were no differences in postoperative cardiac status including cardiac output (p = 0.16), inotrope (p = 0.93) or balloon pump (p = 0.48) requirement, or 24-hour troponin (p = 0.60). Similarly there were no differences in pulmonary or renal function (intubation time (p = 0.83), respiratory index (p = 0.19) rise in creatinine (p = 0.13) or hemofiltration (1.0)). Leukofitration was not associated with a statistically significant increase in bleeding or requirement for blood or blood products. It was associated with a decrease approaching significance (p = 0.1) in number and severity of postoperative wound infections. Three filters were blocked during use but were changed without incident or compromise to patient safety.

CONCLUSIONS: Leukocyte filtration is safe but not efficacious in improving short-term outcome.

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