Plasminogen activator inhibitor activity is associated with raised lactate levels after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the pathophysiology underlying raised lactate levels after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Medical and surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. Patients: A total of 40 patients undergoing first-time coronary artery bypass grafting with CPB. Interventions: The prothrombotic response to cardiac surgery with CPB was assessed by measuring plasma levels of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity. The hemodynamic responses to cardiac surgery with CPB were also measured using standard techniques. Measurements and Main Results: After cardiac surgery, prothr..