Background: We evaluated changes in systemic and bronchial nitric oxide (NO) levels and the relationship between NO and pulmonary dysfunction in octogenarians undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass, in comparison with the findings of a younger patient group.

Methods: The study included 12 patients above 80 years of age (mean age 83.8±2.3 years) and 15 patients younger than 60 years of age (mean age 52.6±9.5 years) undergoing elective primary coronary artery bypass surgery. Postoperative pulmonary function was determined by the respiratory index. Nitric oxide levels were determined by calorimetric measurements in sera and endotracheal aspiration samples obtained before and at the end of surgery, and at six hours postoperatively.

Results: Postoperative complications were similar in both groups. Mortality and respiratory failure did not occur. Following operation and at six hours postoperatively, NO levels showed significant decreases and respiratory index values showed significant increases in all the patients (p<0.05). Both decreases in NO levels and increases in respiratory index tended to be higher in the elderly patients, but these changes did not reach significance.

Conclusion: Findings of pulmonary dysfunction manifested by increased respiratory index after cardiopulmonary bypass may be related with disruptions in NO release in both age groups. Treatment options considering NO metabolism may be beneficial to reduce postoperative respiratory complications.

Keywords : Aged, 80 and over; cardiopulmonary bypass/adverse effects; inflammation/metabolism; lung diseases; nitric oxide/ blood; postoperative complication