The impact of del Nido cardioplegia solution on blood morphology parameters

Background: Crystalloid cardioplegic solutions are believed to reduce hemoglobin significantly and increase the transfusion rate. However, recent reports indicate that the del Nido cardioplegia may preserve blood morphology parameters. Methods: In “The del Nido versus cold blood cardioplegia in aortic valve Replacement” trial patients undergoing aortic valve replacement were randomized into the del Nido (DN) or cold blood cardioplegia (CB) group. For the subanalysis, patients who underwent blood transfusions were excluded from the study. Red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC) count and platelet (PLT) count were measured before the surgery, 24-, 48-, and 96 hours post…