Beneficial Effects of Prostacyclin on Pulmonary Function During Heparin Reversal with Protamine

Abstract

This study was planned to show the beneficial effects of prostacyclin (PGI2) on pulmonary function after heparin reversal with protamine. Twenty-eight patients entered the study. Half of these patients received prostacyclin, whereas the other patients did not. N-acetyl glucosaminidase (NAG) level was 37.6 ± 4.7 pmoL/mL in the con trol group and 19.7 ± 3.8 pmoL/mL in the PGI2 group (p < 0.001) five minutes after protamine administration. Leukotriene B 4 (LTB4) level was 118 ±13.7 pmoL/mL in the control group and 56 ± 13.8 pmoL/mL in the PGI2 group (p < 0.001). Alveolar-arterial oxygen difference was 69± 15 mmHg in the con trol group and 58 ± 11 mmHg in the PGI2 group (p < 0.05). As a result of this study it was concluded that PGI2 reduced the toxic mani festations of heparin-protamine complex and improved the pulmonary gas ex change.