RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of plasmaslyte A on the liver function of patients receiving cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were randomized to receive plasmaslyte A (group P, n=30) and ringer lactate solution (group R, n=30). The two agents were used in priming heart-lung machine and intra- and postoperative crystal solution. All the patients were examined for the levels of AST, ALT and Lac the day before and at 2 h and 1, 3 and 7 days after the surgery. The time of extubation and length of stay at the ICU were record.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of ALT, AST and Lac in group P were significantly lower than those in group R (P<0.05), and the duration of intubation and stay at the ICU was shorter in group P (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Plasmaslyte A can markedly reduce the level of AST, ALT and Lac and protect the liver function of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.</p>