Efficacy of combined modified and conventional ultrafiltration during cardiac surgery in children.

Thirty children undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were prospectively studied to assess beneficial effects of modified ultrafiltration (MUF) over and above conventional ultrafiltration (CUF). Transoesophaegeal echocardiography determined ejection fraction (EF), fractional area change (FAC) and posterior wall thickness in end-diastole and end-systole were measured and compared in two groups undergoing CUF (group I) and CUF plus MUF (group II). Haemodynamic data, haematocrit, temperature drift, postoperative chest tube drainage in first 48 hours, ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were also recorded. Within group data were analysed by general linear trend and intergroup comparisons were made with t-test. EF and FAC decreased at 0 min after CPB in both groups, but both recovered at 10 and 30 min after CPB in group II. Increase in EF and FAC in group II was about 12-15 % and 3-5 % from 0 min respectively. There was also significant improvement in posterior wall thickness and haematocrit (P<0.05) in group II. Patients in group II maintained better systolic blood pressure and heamoglobin after CPB. Chest tube drainage in first 48 hours was significantly less in group 1I (100 -18 verses 85 +/-20 ml, P<0.05), but ventilation and ICU stay were not different between the two groups. Combined ultrafiltration has beneficial effect an haemodynamics with improvement in EF and FAC. It improves haematocrit and decreases chest pulse drainage.