Volatile anaesthetics reduce serum S100β concentrations in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery

Background: The effect of volatile anaesthetics on plasma S100β protein has not been welldocumented in cardiac surgery patients. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of sevoflurane or isoflurane anaesthesia on plasma S100β concentration in patients undergoing elective, uncomplicated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Methods: One hundred thirty seven patients were prospectively randomized and allocated into three groups: A – patients, who didn’t receive volatile anaesthetics, B – who received sevoflurane and C – who received isoflurane. S100β was measured during anaesthesia and postoperative days 1 and 2. Results: In all patients, S100β increased during anaesthesia and at the postoperative day 1 and 2. In group A, S100β increased during anaesthesia and postoperative days 1 and 2 but in groups B and C only during anaesthesia. Plasma S100β concentrations were significantly higher in group A than in group B and C. Conclusions: 1) cardiac surgery resulted in S100β elevation, 2) isoflurane and sevoflurane significantly reduced plasma S100β concentrations.