[The value of enzyme-determination after cardiac surgery (author's transl)].

In 342 patients undergoing open heart surgery we determined the serum enzyme levels of GOT, GPT, LDH, alpha-HBDH, LAP, CK and CK-MB from the beginning of the operation up to the 14 th postoperative day. There was an elevation of serum enzymes depending on the type of operation, the duration of extracorporal circulation and the postoperative course. A pattern of enzyme changes for uncomplicated cases is described. The investigations demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between the elevation of "liver specific enzymes" and right heart failure on one hand and of "heart specific enzymes" and myocardial ischemia on the other hand. It is concluded that only repeated determinations beginning with the operation enable to evaluate serum enzyme levels.