BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Human albumin in heart surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is controversial although being a frequent procedure. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of human albumin on pulmonary gaseous exchange function in patients submitted to myocardial revascularization with CPB. METHODS: Participated in this study 20 patients randomly distributed in two groups according to CPB perfusate solution: control group (n = 10) - total dilution with lactated Ringer's solution, also used for intraoperative hydration; albumin group (n = 10) - 20 g human albumin were added to CPB perfusate or as part of post-CPB hydration. Oxygen arterial tension and inspired fraction ratio (PaO2/FiO2), oxygen alveolar-arterial gradient (GA-aO2) and pulmonary shunt were evaluated after anesthetic induction, at surgery completion and in the first and second postoperative day and were compared in both groups by Analysis of Variance for repeated measures (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in preoperative characteristics, CPB and surgery duration. PaO2/FiO2, GA-aO2 and pulmonary shunt values were not statistically different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown that the addition of human albumin to CPB perfusate or as part of intraoperative hydration during myocardial revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass has not improved pulmonary function. Since albumin is expensive, its routine use is not justified.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM; SURGERY; SURGERY; VOLEMIA
