Leukodepletion Improves Renal Function in Patients with Renal Dysfunction Undergoing On-Pump Coronary Bypass Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study

Abstract

We aimed to show the impact of leukodepletion on renal function in patients undergoing on-pump coronary revascularization. Fifty patients awaiting elective on-pump coronary revascularization with normal preoperative cardiac functions and with plasma creatinine levels ranging between 1.5 and 2.0 mg/dL were prospectively randomized into two groups: on-pump CABG with (group A: n = 25) and without leukodepletion (group B, n = 25). Renal glomerular and tubular injury were assessed by urinary alpha glutathione s-transferase (GST), plasma creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The patients consisted of 14 females and 36 males with a mean age of 57.6 +/- 5.3 years. In the leukodepletion group, the mean levels of creatinine, BUN and urinary GST were found to be decreased on the first, third and fifth postoperative days compared with the control group. There was no mortality. Three patients in the control group needed postoperative dialysis. Patients with renal dysfunction undergoing on-pump CABG surgery seem to benefit from leukodepletion as a measure to prevent tubular damage and renal impairment compared with a control group.