The Annals of thoracic surgery
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The clinical presentation of patients with multiorgan failure caused by septic conditions is very similar to that seen in patients with multiorgan failure after cardiopulmonary bypass. It has been hypothesized that the same mechanisms are at work in both instances. This commonality of presentation and mechanisms is denoted by the new term systemic inflammatory response syndrome. ⋯ During cardiopulmonary bypass, increased levels of circulating endotoxin have been associated with the activation of the complement system and increased levels of tumor necrosis factor. Interleukin-6 level has been shown to be elevated during bypass. The action of the inflammatory mediators to induce injury may be related to the activation of leukocytes and endothelial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)