The effect of human superoxide dismutase on reperfusion injury in clinical cases

In valve replacement surgery, human superoxide dismutase (h-SOD) was administered just before reperfusion, and the effect of h-SOD on reperfusion injury was studied. Release of cardiac enzymes (CPK-MB and HBD), increase of left ventricular volume, and recovery rate of cardiac function were measured. The release of the enzymes during 60 minutes after reperfusion in the group receiving h-SOD (3mg/kg) was less than that of the control (without h-SOD)group (p<0.01). Myocardial edema (volume increase) was also reduced by h-SOD (1mg/kg or 3mg/kg : p