Glucose, sodium and plasma protein levels during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest using a low volume, minimal glucose priming solution based on washed packed red cells

Abstract

The effect of a low volume, minimal glucose priming solution based on washed packed red cells on glucose, sodium and plasma protein levels during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) was studied in six patients of less than six months of age undergoing repair of congenital heart disease. Glucose levels during DHCA were not significantly different from prebypass values (6.2mmol/l±2.7 vs 7.1 mmol/l±2.8; p = 0.518), whereas plasma protein levels were significantly decreased (51.0g/l±0.7 vs 20.0g/l± 0.3; P = 0.0001) and sodium levels slightly but significantly increased (142mmol/l±3.8 vs 150mmol±3.8; p = 0.0026). In summary, the priming solution used in this study achieved good control of glucose levels during DHCA, although it needs some modification in regard to sodium and plasma protein content. A discussion of the choice of priming solution and a hypothesis for potential calcium-mediated reperfusion injury are also presented.