Routine clinical laboratory tests correspond to increased serum levels of 3-hydroxy fatty acids, markers of endotoxins, in cardiosurgery patients

Abstract

Endotoxemia developing during cardiosurgery as elevated endotoxin concentrations in patient's serum may prevail over 24 h after operation. A major reason is thought to be increased gut permeability resulting in endotoxin and bacterial leakage. In this study we aimed to measure endotoxin levels on samples obtained during and after cardiovascular procedures and compare them with clinical observations and laboratory test results. 3-Hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH FAs) of 10-18 carbon chain length, chemical markers of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide), were determined in patient sera by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based analysis. RESULTS were compared with routine laboratory tests: blood morphology, urine, ALT, AST, bilirubin, kidney parameters, clotting parameters, and gasometry. Of a total of 16 patients, 5 patients (group I) showed increased serum 3-OH FA levels and 11 patients (group II) did not show any change in 3-OH FA levels 24 h after operation. All group I patients revealed leukocytosis, two developed post-operative anemia. Significantly different changes were observed: the initial, pre-operative 3-OH FA levels were similar for both groups, while group I patients showed increased levels of all the studied 3-OH FAs during the operation (p</=0.05), and 3-OH C14 and 3-OH C16 remained elevated 24 h after the operation. Cardiosurgery may strongly promote gut endotoxin translocation to the blood in some patients. Prolonged leukocytosis, deep anemia, and increased liver dysfunction markers may indicate the need for observation of possible endotoxemia development. It is recommended to monitor the endotoxin level and/or endotoxemia markers in cardiosurgery patients.