Changes in cysteinyl leukotrienes during and after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Release of cysteinyl leukotrienes increases during cardiac surgery with CPB and is larger in patients with than without COPD. This may be related to higher lung and airway production of cysteinyl leukotrienes and neutrophil activation in patients with COPD.