Treatment of systemic inflammatory response syndrome following on-pump pediatric congenital heart surgery

Highlights . The article discusses the pathophysiological aspects of cardiopulmonary bypass and the mechanisms underlying the development of the systemic inflammatory response in children following congenital heart surgery. We summarize and report the most relevant preventive strategies aimed at reducing the systemic inflammatory response, including both, CPB-related methods and pharmacological ones. The growing number of children with congenital heart defects requires the development of more advanced technologies for their surgical treatment. However, cardiopulmonary bypass is required in almost all surgical techniques. Despite the tremendous progress and recent advances in cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, the systemic inflammatory response syndrome associated with these surgeries remains unresolved. The review summarizes the causes and mechanisms underlying its development. The most commonly used preventive strategies are reported, including standard and modified ultrafiltration, leukocyte filters, and pharmacological agents (systemic glucocorticoids, aprotinin, and antioxidants). The role of cardioplegia and hypothermia in the reduction of systemic inflammation is defined. Cardiac surgery centers around the world use a variety of techniques and pharmacological approaches, drawing on the results of randomized clinical studies. However, there are no clear and definite clinical guidelines aimed at reducing the systemic inflammatory response during cardiopulmonary bypass in children. It remains a significant problem for pediatric intensive care by aggravating their postoperative status, prolonging the length of the in-hospital stay, and reducing the survival rates.