Microaggregate blood filtration in patients with compromised pulmonary function

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Abstract
To determine the effect of microaggregate blood filtration on patients with compromised pulmonary function, 50 patients having elective coronary bypass surgery were divided into 2 groups. One group received all blood transfusions via a 170 .mu.m standard filter (SF). The other group received blood through a 20 .mu.m microaggregate blood filter (MF). Patients were monitored pre- and postoperatively for changes in arterial blood gases and cardiopulmonary function. Mean transfusion volume was 7 units (SF) and 6 units (MF). Preoperatively, patients in both groups showed abnormal lung function with elevated intrapulmonary shunting (Qs/Qt) and alveolar-arterial gradients (A-aO2). Postoperatively, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between the groups for any of the tests of cardiopulmonary function evaluated. Posttransfusion, none of the patients in either group showed clinical signs of respiratory distress. Even for patients with some degree of pretrasnfusion pulmonary dysfunction, use of a microaggregate blood filter for 6 to 7-unit transfusions does not provide significant clinical benefit.