The protective effects of ulinastatin and aprotinin on the blood under off-pump coronary artery bypass

Objective To investigate the protective effects of ulinastatin and aprotinin on the blood under off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). Methods Seventy-eight patients undergoing elective OPCAB were assigned to receive intravenous aprotinin of 5 × 106 U (n = 24), ulinastatin of 2 × 104 U/kg (n = 28), or saline solution (n = 26) during the procudure. Perioperative blood loss, blood transfusion, and various hematocyte counts were documented. Results The counts of erythrocyte and platelet were markedly elevated in aprotinin group or ulinastatin group as compared with those in the control group (P 0.05). Postoperative blood loss was significantly reduced in either treatment group (P 0.05). There was no statistical difference between aprotinin and ulinastatin in the protective effect on the cells of the blood (P 0.05). Conclusion Both ulinastatin and aprotinin can significantly protect the cells of the blood, improve coagulation function, and decline perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion.