Inflammatory Mediators and S-100β Protein Concentrations in Neonates and Infants With Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery experience an ab normal whole-body inflammatory response after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The inflam matory response to CPB may cause postoperative or gan dysfunction and morbidity, especially in the pedi atric population. The systemic inflammatory response may be initiated during CPB by blood contact with the foreign surface of the pump circuit, ischemia-reperfu sion injury, and endotoxemia. Although significant mortality is rare, most patients undergoing CPB expe rience some degree of organ dysfunction as a result of the inflammatory response.