Significance of the whole blood activated clotting time in cardiopulmonary bypass

Recent publications have described a poor correlation between whole blood activated clotting time (WBACT) values and plasma heparin levels during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A prospective, controlled study was undertaken to investigate the variables which may influence the WBACT in this situation....

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of cardiovascular surgery Vol. 27; no. 1; p. 85
Main Authors Kesteven, P J, Pasaoglu, I, Williams, B T, Savidge, G F
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Italy 01.01.1986
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Antithrombin III - blood
Blood Coagulation Tests
Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Female
Hematocrit
Heparin - blood
Humans
Intraoperative Care
Male
Middle Aged
Monitoring, Physiologic
Platelet Count
Platelet Function Tests
Prospective Studies
Whole Blood Coagulation Time
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Summary:Recent publications have described a poor correlation between whole blood activated clotting time (WBACT) values and plasma heparin levels during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A prospective, controlled study was undertaken to investigate the variables which may influence the WBACT in this situation. Antithrombin III levels over a range of 35-93 u/dl did not influence either the WBACT value or plasma heparin level. However, reduced platelet function following infusion of prostacyclin (10 ng/kg/min prior to CPB and 20 ng/kg/min thereafter); platelet number (range 63-287 X 10(9)/l) and packed cell volume (range 16-30%) were found to correlate with the WBACT. It is concluded that in addition to the circulating plasma heparin level, the wide variations in platelet number, platelet function and packed cell volume which are frequently observed during cardiopulmonary bypass may also influence the WBACT value.
ISSN:0021-9509