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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. It is highly contagious and can cause death in severe cases. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 6:36 pm Central European Summer Time (CEST), 12 August 2022, there had been 585 950 285 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6 425 422 deaths (WHO, 2022).
Subject(s)
Humans , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Mental Health , Cohort Studies , Quality of Life , China/epidemiology , Health Personnel , Hospitals , LungABSTRACT
Under the diagnosis-related groups(DRG) prospective payment system, innovative health technologies with high costs and risks may be limited to some extent. How to balance the increase of health care cost and the development of innovative health technology is a difficult problem to be solved in the current reform. By studying the relatively mature payment systems of innovative health technologies in the world, the authors found that countries generally adopted additional payment or compensation to encourage the development of new technologies. But at the same time, a relatively perfect health technology assessment and payment management mechanism had been established to ensure the standardized operation of payment plan. These international advanced experience and practice could provide references for China′s innovative health technology payment strategy under the DRG payment system. It is suggested to establish a scientific and reasonable assessment mechanism of innovative health technology, create a special access channel for innovative health technology with limited short-term evidence, and gradually form a long-term incentive mechanism of innovative health technology in DRG payment system.
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Outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NC) across the country has seriously threatened people's lives and health, endangering smooth operation of the national economy and social stability. An all-out campaign to save the NCP patients and reduce their mortality is not only one of the key tasks to fight against the epidemic, but also a major responsibility and mission of public hospitals. In view of the field practice of Wuhan Union Hospital in the epicenter, the authorsDescribed the challenges faced by such hospitals in the prevention and control, summarized its experiences and proposed improvement measures, for reference of other public hospitals and relevant authorities.
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Outbreak of COVID-19 across the country has seriously threatened people′s lives and health, endangering smooth operation of the national economy and social stability. An all-out campaign to save these patients and reduce their mortality is not only one of the key tasks to fight against the epidemic, but also a major responsibility and mission of public hospitals. In view of the field practice of Wuhan Union Hospital in the epicenter, the authors described the challenges faced by such hospitals in the prevention and control, summarized its experiences and proposed improvement measures, for reference of other public hospitals and relevant authorities.
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Objective:Since December 2019, novel coronavirus infection has occurred in Hubei province and spread throughout the country quickly. This new crown viral pneumonia was named as coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) by WHO. However, at present, there is a high incidence of acute aortic dissection in winter and spring. How to prevent the spread of the epidemic and choose the appropriate treatment is an important topic for the patients with acute aortic dissection.Methods:From January 16, 2020 to February 26, 2020, a total of 37 of acute aortic dissection operations were carried out in several cardiovascular surgery centers in Hubei Province. There were 18 cases of Stanford type A aortic dissection and 19 cases of Stanford type B aortic dissection. There were 10 cases (55.55%) with ascending aorta replacement and 7 cases (38.89%) with Bentall procedure for aortic root surgery, and total arch replacement with stented elephant trunk implantation were performed in 14 cases (77.8%). In 19 patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection, thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed, with the left subclavian artery chimney technique in 2 cases.Results:No deaths occurred within 30 days of hospitalization. Preoperative nucleic acid testing excluded 7 cases of novel coronavirus infection, and 3 suspected cases underwent emergency surgery. the three-level protective standard was adopted in the majority of the surgeries(62.2%, 23/37), and 11 patients were negative in the reexamination of viral nucleic acid after the operation.Conclusion:During the epidemic period, patients with acute aortic dissection should be carefully identified with actife COVID-19 before surgery. The treatment principles-" prevention and control of pneumonia epidemic should be emphasized, conservative medical management should be taken in the comfirmed cases, the selective operation should be delayed as far as possible, and the operation should be reasonable performed in critical cases" should be followed, which can save patients' lives to the greatest extent and prevent the spread of the virus.
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Severe acute respiratory infection caused by a novel coronavirus(SARS-CoV-2), WHO named COVID-19, is the major clinical concern globally. Both the world health organization and the National Health Commission have issued interim guidelines and management strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. These comprehensive guidelines establish the basic norms for the clinical practice. However, cardiovascular diseases have their special pathophysiological characteristics. The surgical treatment strategies for emergency and critical cardiovascular diseases requires specific recommendations or guidelines. From 16 January to 12 February 2020, the department of cardiovascular surgery in Wuhan Union Hospital had performed 15 emergency cardiovascular operations. The perioperative success rate is 100%. Based on our clinical practice, we summarized the relevant experience as a complement to the WHO and National Health Commission guidelines, hope to provide references for the cardiovascular surgeons.
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Objective To investigate surgical treatment and effect of secondary endocardial fibroelastosis,based on respective analysis of clinical data and follow-up data of patients with secondary endocardial fibroelastosis (SEF) between 2010 and 2012.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed including 10 patients with secondary endocardial fibroelastosis from January 2010 to December 2012 in Wuhan Union Hospital.All patients were diagnosed by Untrasonic Cardiogram and/or CT angiography of heart and great vessel,and had cardiac insufficiency in different degree [EF 0.37 ± 0.08 (0.26 ～ 0.48)].All patients except 2 patients with anomalous origin of the coronary artery received treatment of digitaloid drugs before operation,which promoted preoperative cardiac function.5 patients with SEF complicated with Congenital Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA),2 patients underwent correction of CoA,2 patients underwent correction of CoA and partial resection of endocardium,1 patient underwent correction of CoA,partial resection of endocardium and mitral vavuloplasty.2 patients with SEF complicated with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery,who were underwent correction of anomalous origin of coronary artery.2 patients with SEF complicated with aortic stenosis,who were underwent aortic commissurotomy and partial resection of endocardium.1 patient with SEF complicated with mitral stenosis and insufficiency,who underwent mitral valve replacement.The intraopertive gross appearance of endocardium was opaque greyish-white not transparent pink.The postoperative pathological examination showed obviously positive dyeing of elastic fibers.In 3,6,12 and 24 months after operation,Untrasonic Cardiogram evaluated cardiac function and endocardium.Results one 6 months patients with origin of left coronary from pulmonary artery died of severe post-operative low cardiac output syndrome,while another 1 months patients with origin of left coronary from pulmonary artery obtained post-operative good recovery,and the Untrasonic Cardiogram show disappearance of endocardial fibroelastosis.The post-operative mean time of using respirator(4.0 ± 1.5) days (2-7 days).Compared with the preoperative data,the cardiac function index (EF) was not significantly better at 2 weeks and 3-6 months[0.38 ± 0.07 (0.28 ～ 0.48),P ＞ 0.05 ; 0.39 ± 0.08 (0.30 ～ 0.50),P ＞ 0.05],and the non-resected fibroelatic endocardium still existed and were not attenuated.But the cardiac function index (EF) significantly increased [0.44 ± 0.08 (0.38 ～ 0.55),P ＜ 0.05] than the pre-operative EF,and the 3 of 5 cases the fibroelatic endocardium were attenuated or disappeared,while 2 of 5 cases the fibroelatic endocardium still existed.Conclusion SEF is the important causes of the infant intractable heart failure,which has the characteristic of high mortality and limited therapy.For SEF patients with anomalous origin of the coronary artery,the SEF is completely reversed by early diagnosis and early correction of the malformation.For SEF patients with CoA or aortic stenosis,the surgical treatment could promote recovery of cardiac function,but whether the SEF were reversed is still subject to further follow-up.The heart transplantation is the best therapy for SEF with severse heart failure.
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Autonomic nervous system activation can result in significant changes of atrial electrophysiology and facilitate induction of atrial fibrillation. By recording influence of different concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh) on atrial fibers (AF), we investigated the role of the increased vagal tone in electrical remodeling in atrial fibrillation. Parameters of action potentials and force contraction (Fc) in atrial fibers were recorded by using standard intracellular microelectrode technique and force transducer. It was found that: (1) ACh at 0.1 μmol/L had no significant influence on spontaneous action potentials (SAPs) and Fc (n=6, P>0.05); ACh at both 1.0 and 10.0 μmol/L shortened action potential duration (APD) and Fc of human AF from right atrium (n=6, P0.05), but ACh at 1.0 and 10.0 μmol/L had desensitization (n=6, P<0.05) to SAPs and Fc. The desensitization of ACh on APD in AF was concentration- and time-dependent. It was shown that APD was longer than the control along with extending time of continuous Tyrode's solution perfusion after desensitization. It is concluded that ACh changes the electrophysiological characteristics of human AF, indicating that increased vagal tone plays a role in the development of a vulnerable substrate for atrial electrical remodeling in atrial fibrillation.
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The publication of the scientific theses and their management are significant for the development of technology and science in the hospital.Therefore.they play an important role iU the hospital management.The retrospective analysis on the theses that published in the last 5 years and embodied by SCI was conducted using the statistics method and analyzed the first 10 departments in the published theses in this paper.The specialty of our hospital and the shortcoming in the scientific research was concluded from the analysis result.The amount of the theses increased steadily,and the research capability of the key subjects and key departments were promoted.The amount and the quality of the theses reflected an important indicator of the development strategy that means to develop the hospital through science.technology and education.Therefore,these conclusions could offer some valuable information to the manage department of t}le hospital.
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The effects of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) on the proliferation of culturedhuman vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC) were investigated in vitro. By using NaBr density gradient centrifugation, LDL was isolated and purified from human plasma. Ox-LDL was produced from LDL by being incubated with CuSO4. ox-LDL was then added to the culture medium at different concentrations (35, 60, 85, 110, 135 and 160 μg/mL) for 7 days. The influence of ox-LDL on vSMC proliferation was observed in growth curve, mitosis index, and in situ determination of apoptosis. The data were analyzed with SPSS 10.0 software. The results showed that the ox-LDL produced in vitro had a good purity and optimal oxidative degree, which was similar to the intrinsic ox-LDL in atherosclerotic plaque. ox-LDL at a concentration of 35 μg/mL demonstrated the strongest proliferation inducement, and at a concentration of 135 μg/mL, ox-LDL could inhibit the growth of vSMC. ox-LDL at concentrations of 35 and 50 μg/mL presented powerful mitotic trigger, and with the increase of ox-LDL concentration, the mitotic index of vSMC was decreased gradually. ox-LDL at higher concentrations promoted more apoptotic vSMCs. ox-LDL at lower concentrations triggered proliferation of vSMCs, and at higher concentrations induced apoptosis in vSMCs. ox-LDL played a promotional role in the pathogenesis and development of atherosclerosis by affecting vSMC proliferation and apoptosis.
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To investigate the effects of metallothionein (MT) on isolated rat heart, 16 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. In control group (group C), distilled water was injected intraperitoneally and 24 h later isolated hearts were perfused with Langendorff and stored at 4℃ for 3 h with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solutions, and then isolated hearts were perfused for 2 h by Langendorff. In experimental group (group E), 3.6% ZnSO4 was injected intraperitoneally, 24 h later isolated hearts were perfused by Langendorff and stored at 4℃ for 3 h with HTK solutions, and then the isolated herts were perfused for 2 h with Langendorff. MT content, the recovery of hemodynamics, myocardial water content (MWC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) leakage, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, myocardial cell Ca2+ content, Ca2+-ATPase activity of mitochondria ([Ca2+-ATPase]m) and its Ca2+ content ([Ca2+]m), synthesizing ATP activity of mitochondria ([ATP]m), and the ultrastructure of cells were examined. There were a significant increase in group E in hemodynamic recovery, ATP content, SOD activity, [Ca2+-ATPase]m activity, [ATP]m activity, and substantial reduction in MWC, LDH and CK leakage, MDA content, myocardial cell Ca2+ content, [Ca2+]m content,and the ultrastructural injury were obviously milder than that of group C. This study demonstrated that MT has protective effects on isolated rat heart.
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To investigate the effects of metallothionein (MT) on isolated rat heart, 16 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. In control group (group C), distilled water was injected intraperitoneally and 24 h later isolated hearts were perfused with Langendorff and stored at 4 degrees C for 3 h with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solutions, and then isolated hearts were perfused for 2 h by Langendorff. In experimental group (group E), 3.6% ZnSO(4) was injected intraperitoneally, 24 h later isolated hearts were perfused by Langendorff and stored at 4 degrees C for 3 h with HTK solutions, and then the isolated hearts were perfused for 2 h with Langendorff. MT content, the recovery of hemodynamics, myocardial water content (MWC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) leakage, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, myocardial cell Ca(2+) content, Ca(2+)-ATPase activity of mitochondria ([Ca(2+)-ATPase](m)) and its Ca(2+) content ([Ca(2+)](m)), synthesizing ATP activity of mitochondria ([ATP](m)), and the ultrastructure of cells were examined. There were a significant increase in group E in hemodynamic recovery, ATP content, SOD activity, [Ca(2+)-ATPase](m) activity, [ATP](m) activity, and substantial reduction in MWC, LDH and CK leakage, MDA content, myocardial cell Ca(2+) content, [Ca(2+)](m) content, and the ultrastructural injury were obviously milder than that of group C. This study demonstrated that MT has protective effects on isolated rat heart.
Subject(s)
Cardiotonic Agents/pharmacology , Creatine Kinase/metabolism , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/metabolism , Metallothionein/biosynthesis , Metallothionein/pharmacology , Myocardium/metabolism , Myocardium/ultrastructure , Random Allocation , Rats, Wistar , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism , Zinc Sulfate/pharmacologyABSTRACT
The effects of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) on the proliferation of cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC) were investigated in vitro. By using NaBr density gradient centrifugation, LDL was isolated and purified from human plasma. Ox-LDL was produced from LDL by being incubated with CuSO(4). ox-LDL was then added to the culture medium at different concentrations (35, 60, 85, 110, 135 and 160 microg/mL) for 7 days. The influence of ox-LDL on vSMC proliferation was observed in growth curve, mitosis index, and in situ determination of apoptosis. The data were analyzed with SPSS 10.0 software. The results showed that the ox-LDL produced in vitro had a good purity and optimal oxidative degree, which was similar to the intrinsic ox-LDL in atherosclerotic plaque. ox-LDL at a concentration of 35 microg/mL demonstrated the strongest proliferation inducement, and at a concentration of 135 microg/mL, ox-LDL could inhibit the growth of vSMC. ox-LDL at concentrations of 35 and 50 microg/mL presented powerful mitotic trigger, and with the increase of ox-LDL concentration, the mitotic index of vSMC was decreased gradually. ox-LDL at higher concentrations promoted more apoptotic vSMCs. ox-LDL at lower concentrations triggered proliferation of vSMCs, and at higher concentrations induced apoptosis in vSMCs. ox-LDL played a promotional role in the pathogenesis and development of atherosclerosis by affecting vSMC proliferation and apoptosis.
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The expression and changes of local cytokines network were detected in heart transplantation in rats, so as to determine the role of cytokines in the acute rejection of rats of heart transplantation. Allografts were divided into 4 groups (n=12 in each group): group A (control), group B (IL-2 monoclonal antibody-treated), group C (CsA-treated) and group D (IL-2 monoclonal antibody+CsA-treated). Hearts from DA rats were transplanted into a cervical location in Wistar recipients. The local expression of IL-1beta, IL-2, CD25, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, 1L-10, TNFalpha and INFgamma was detected at day 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the survival time of allografts was 8.3+/-1.7, 29.2+/-7.1 (P<0.05), 26.4+/-5.7 (P<0.05) and 55.0+/-10.6 (P<0.01) days respectively in groups A, B, C and D. The expression of IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-10 and IFNgamma was up-regulated, and that of IL-2, CD25, IL-5, IL-6 and TNFalpha was significantly inhibited in group A; The expression of IL-10, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 and IFNgamma was up-regulated, and that of IL-2, L-4 and TNFalpha was significantly down-regulated in group B; The expression of IL-1beta, IL-2, CD25, IL-5, TNFalpha and IFNgamma was up-regulated, and that of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 was significantly down-regulated in group C; The expression of IL-14, 11-5, IL-6 and 11-10 was up-regulated, and that of IL-10, IL-2, CD25, TNFalpha and IFNgamma was significantly down-regulated in group D. In conclusion, cytokines play an important role in the development of acute transplantation rejection. Different cytokines play different roles in different local environments.
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The effects of in vivo local expression of recombined human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) gene on the thrombosis and neointima formation of vein grafts were explored. Jugular vein-to-artery bypass grafting was performed on 72 New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups according to the different processing methods: transfected t-PA gene group (n = 24), vector group (n = 24) and blank control group (n = 24). Samples of vein grafts were harvested at different time points after surgery. The expression of t-PA gene in vein graft was detected by RT-PCR and the synthesis of t-PA protein by Western-Blot assay. The t-PA activity was measured by chromogenic substrate assay. The Cr51 labeled platelets accumulation in vein grafts was counted. The histopathological changes were compared in intima hyperplasia index among the three groups after operation. The results showed that at the 2nd, 5th, 14th and 28th day after operation, RT-PCR and Western-blot confirmed the expression of t-PA mRNA and protein at the site of gene transfer. The t-PA activity detected on the 2nd, 5th, 14th and 28th day in experimental group was 370.63 +/- 59.44, 344.13 +/- 48.47, 252.87 +/- 51.80 and 161.75 +/- 68.94 U/g respectively, and disappeared on the 60th day and undetected in the control groups. The number of platelets accumulated in the vein grafts in gene group, vector group and blank control group was (85.04 +/- 21.58) 10(6), (225.87 +/- 85.13) 10(6) and (211.7 +/- 78.02) 10(6) respectively. The number of platelets accumulated in gene group was significantly fewer than that in the control groups. Morphometric analysis revealed that intimal hyperplasia was markedly reduced in the t-PA gene group as compared with that in the control groups. It was suggested that the local expression of t-PA gene in vein graft significantly inhibited the accumulation of platelets, thrombosis and concomitant intimal hyperplasia, by which stenosis of bypass graft could be prevented effectively.
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The expression and changes of local cytokines network were detected in heart transplantation in rats, so as to determine the role of cytokines in the acute rejection of rats of heart transplantation. Allografts were divided into 4 groups (n=12 in each group): group A (control), group B (IL-2 monoclonal antibody-treated), group C (CsA-treated) and group D (IL-2 monoclonal antibody+CsA-treated). Hearts from DA rats were transplanted into a cervical location in Wistar recipients. The local expression of IL-1β, IL-2, CD25, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, TNFα and INFγ was detected at day 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the survival time of allografts was 8.3±1.7, 29.2±7.1 (P＜0.05), 26.4±5.7 (P＜0.05) and 55.0±10.6 (P＜0.01) days respectively in groups A, B, C and D. The expression of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10and IFNγ was up-regulated, and that of IL-2, CD25, IL-5, IL-6 and TNFα was significantly inhibited in group A; The expression of IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 and IFNγ was up-regulated, and that of IL-2,IL-4 and TNFα was significantly down-regulated in group B; The expression of IL-1β, IL-2, CD25,IL-5, TNFα and IFNγ was up-regulated, and that of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 was significantly down-regulated in group C; The expression of IL-14, Il-5, IL-6 and Il-10 was up-regulated, and that of IL-1β, IL-2, CD25, TNFα and IFNγ was significantly down-regulated in group D. In conclusion,cytokines play an important role in the development of acute transplantation rejection. Different cytokines play different roles in different local environments.
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The effects of in vivo local expression of recombined human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) gene on the thrombosis and neointima formation of vein grafts were explored. Jugular vein-to-artery bypass grafting was performed on 72 New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups according to the different processing methods: transfected t-PA gene group (n =24), vector group (n=24) and blank control group (n=24). Samples of vein grafts were harvested at different time points after surgery. The expression of t-PA gene in vein graft was detected by RT-PCR and the synthesis of t-PA protein by Western-Blot assay. The t-PA activity was measured by chromogenic substrate assay. The Cr51 labeled platelets accumulation in vein grafts was counted. The histopathological changes were compared in intima hyperplasia index among the three groups after operation. The results showed that at the 2nd , 5th , 14th and 28th day after operation,RT-PCR and Western-blot confirmed the expression of t-PA mRNA and protein at the site of gene transfer. The t-PA activity detected on the 2nd, 5th, 14th and 28th day in experimental group was 370. 63±59.44, 344. 13±48.47, 252. 87±51.80 and 161. 75±68.94 U/g respectively, and disappeared on the 60th day and undetected in the control groups. The number of platelets accumulated in the vein grafts in gene group, vector group and blank control group was (85.04 ± 21.58) 106,(225. 87±85.13) 106 and (211. 57±78.02) 106 respectively. The number of platelets accumulated vealed that intimal hyperplasia was markedly reduced in the t-PA gene group as compared with that in the control groups. It was suggested that the local expression of t-PA gene in vein graft significantly inhibited the accumulation of platelets, thrombosis and concomitant intimal hyperplasia, by which stenosis of bypass graft could be prevented effectively.
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The mechanisms of rHu-EPO attenuating the apoptosis after myocardial infarction in rats were studied. Thirty-two rats were divided into three groups: sham operation group (Sham), acute myocardial infarction group (MI) and rHu-EPO-treated group (MI+ EPO). Acute myocardial infarction model was made by ligating the anterior descending coronary artery. rHu-EPO was administered i. p. in MI+EPO group at the dose of 5 000 IU/kg body weight immediately after the ligation. Each rat in MI+EPO group received the same dose of rHu-EPO daily the next 6 days. On the 14th day all rats underwent hemodynamic measurements and then killed. The samples were examined with HE stain, immunohistochemistry technique (bcl-2, bax) and TUNEL dyeing. The results showed that hemodynamic function in MI+ EPO group was much better than in MI group. The number of the cells positive for bax and TUNEL in MI+ EPO group was less than that in MI group. The number of the cells positive for bcl-2 in MI+ EPO group was more than that in MI group. These findings suggested that rHu-EPO could treat myocardial infarction by preventing apoptosis and attenuating post-infarction deterioration in hemodynamic function.
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The effects of L-carnitine, as an ingredient of cardioplegia solution, on cardiac function and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in patients undergoing heart valve replacement operation were investigated. Twenty-three cases undergoing heart valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)were randomly allocated into two groups: L-carnitine group (n= 12, 12 g/L L-carnitine was put in the ST. Thomas cardioplegia) and control group (n= 11, identical to the L-carnitine group except that normal saline was administered instead of L-carnitine). Serum cardial troponin I (cTnI) levels,the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and cardiac index (CI) were measured perioperatively. A bit of myocardial tissue obtained from right atria was taken before CPB and by the end of intracardiac procedure to undergo electron microscopy examination and estimate apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL). From the end of CPB to 3 days after operation, the serum levels of cTnI in the L-carnitine group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P＜0.05). Heart color ultrasonogram showed that the CI index and LVEF at 7th day postoperatively in the L-carnitine group were significantly higher than in the control group (P＜0.05). Compared to the control group, L-carnitine significantly alleviated the morphologic changes of cardiac muscle cells (electron microscopy examination) and decreased the amounts of apoptotic cardiac muscle cells (TUNEL). Furthermore, the dosage of vasoactive drugs used after operation was significantly less in the L-carnitine group (P＜0.01). It was concluded that L-carnitine cardioplegia solution could improve cardiac function in patients undergoing heart valve replacement operation and alleviate CPB-mediated apoptosis of cardiac muscle cells.