Abstract
PGI2 plus very low dose of heparin was infused in 6 lambs connected for long term extracorporeal circulation with a membrane lung. Hemodynamic and hemostasis parameters were compared to those of a control group treated only with standard doses of heparin.
PGI2 efficacy in inhibiting platelet aggregation and platelet fall was confirmed. A small platelet release, measured as antiheparin activity, was observed during all the by-pass, but did not influence platelet capacity of recovering when PGI2 effect dissolved.
Heparin needed resulted less than a quarter of the quantity used for the control group.
In our experimental conditions the hemodynamic changes were mainly limited to a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
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