The impact of anti-endotoxin core antibodies on endotoxin and cytokine release and ventilation time after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that a temporary cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)-induced reduction of endotoxin antibody levels contributes to elevated endotoxin levels and the associated inflammatory consequences, with a significant influence on the postoperative ventilation time period. BACKGROUND Cardiac surgery using CPB induces a systemic inflammatory response syndrome with an associated risk of increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS A total of 100 consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery using CPB were prospectively investigated. Endotoxin core antibodies (immunoglobulin [Ig] M/IgG against lipid A and lipopolysaccharide), endotoxin, interleukin (IL)-1-beta, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured serially from 24 h preoperatively until 72 h postoperatively. RESULTS Eighty-five patients had no complications (group 1), whereas 15 patients required prolonged ventilation (group 2). In both groups, there was a decrease of all antibodies 5 min after CPB onset, compared with baseline values (p < 0.001), an increase of endotoxin and IL-8 peaking at 30 min postoperatively (p < 0.001) and an increase of IL-6 peaking 3 h postoperatively (p < 0.001). In group 2, preoperative antibody levels were lower (p < 0.01)—specifically, the decrease in IgM was significantly stronger and of longer duration (p < 0.002)—and levels of endotoxin (p < 0.001) and IL-8 (p < 0.001) were higher at 30 min postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that an CPB-associated temporary reduction of anti-endotoxin core antibody levels contributes to elevated endotoxin and IL-8 release. Furthermore, lower levels of IgM anti-endotoxin core antibodies were associated with a greater rise in endotoxin and IL-8, as well as prolonged respirator dependence.