Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces an acute phase reaction that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several postoperative complications. Recent data indicate that a complex sequence of events leads to the final activation of leukocytes and endothelial cells (EC), which is responsible for cell dysfunction in different organs. Activation of the contact system, endotoxemia, ischemia and reperfusion injury and surgical trauma are all potential triggers of inflammation following CPB. Different pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators (cytokines, adhesion molecules) are involved and their release is mediated by intracellular transcription factors (nuclear factor-kappa B, NF-kappa B). In this review, we examine recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of the CPB-induced acute phase reaction and evaluate the different pharmacological, technical and surgical strategies used to reduce its effects. Emphasis is given to the central role of transcription factor NF-kappa B in the complex mechanism of the inflammatory reaction and to the effects of compounds such as heparin and glycosaminoglycans, phosphodiesterase inhibitors and protease inhibitors whose role as anti-inflammatory agent has only recently been recognized.

Guidelines summarize and evaluate all available evidence, at the time of the writing process, on a particular issue with the aim of assisting health professionals in selecting the best management strategies for an individual patient with a given condition, taking into account the impact on outcome, as well as the risk–benefit ratio of particular diagnostic or therapeutic means. Guidelines and recommendations should help health professionals to make decisions in their daily practice; however, the final decisions concerning an individual patient must be made by the responsible health professional(s), in consultation with the patient and caregiver as appropriate.