SINOPSIS

We studied the level of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in the blood serum of neonates with transposition of great arteries (TGA) who underwent arterial switch operation (ASO) in the first hours of life using autologous umbilical cord blood transfusion (AUCBT group). These patients were compared with neonates underwent ASO in the first days of life using donor blood transfusion during operative period (DBT group) It has been found that the serum IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNFα concentrations was increased significantly pre- and postoperatively in neonates from DBT group, while the serum IL-10 concentrations was decreased. In neonates from AUCBT group preoperative concentrations of cytokines did not differ significantly from healthy neonates and was significantly lower than in DBT group. Postoperative concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF α cytokines increased on the 1^st day after operation and then gradually decreased till the 7^th day after surgery, while in neonates from DBT group it remains significant during all postoperative period. Neonates from AUCBT group demonstrated adequate immune response to the ongoing operation. Accelerated interleukin expression and an abnormal cytokine balance in DBT group were associated with postoperative pulmonary complications and hyperthermia.