Effect of non-pulsatile blood flow on the secretion of calcitonin-gene-related peptide in patients undergoing total cavopulmonary connection / 中华外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the changes of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in patients who underwent total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) and to assess the effects of non-pulsatile blood flow on the secretion function of the lung.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-six patients were divided into 2 groups study group, 13 patients who underwent extracardiac TCPC, and control group, 13 patients who underwent definitive repair for ventricular septal or atrial septal defect. Blood samples for measurement of CGRP were obtained preoperatively, postoperatively or in the follow-up period. Cardiac index (CI) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were measured by cardiac catheter.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The plasma level of CGRP was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. CGRP was negatively correlated with PVR (r = -0.99, t = 9.82, P < 0.05), and positively correlation with CI (r = 0.98, t = 6.95, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>After total right heart bypass, the non-pulsatile blood flow in pulmonary circulation may stimulate the lung to secrete CGRP, leading to the decrease of PVR and improve early postoperative recovery.</p>