Systemic Inflammatory Response to Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Pediatric Patients and Related Strategies for Prevention

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric patients is associated with generalized activation of both innate and acquired immunity. The systemic inflammatory response occurs in response to multiple nonphysiologic stimuli. Activation of the inflammatory response involves an intricate cascade which results in pronounced amplification that affects nearly every end-organ system. These processes have a direct role in commonly encountered postoperative complications and can lead to significant morbidity following repair of congenital heart defects. This chapter will discuss the systemic inflammatory response related to cardiopulmonary bypass and measures that attempt to modulate this phenomenon.