Objective: Purpose of the study was clinical evaluation of thymopentin and interleukins in the changes of immunity due to anesthesia and surgical operation.
Design: After randomization the patients were divided into four groups according to starter type (thiopental or propofol) and immunological pre-treatment (tymopentin or saline of control group) administered for three days before and two days after operation.
Setting and patients: The study was effected on 40 patients undergoing venous vascular surgery in operating rooms of Medical School of University of Genoa.
Measurement: At pre-established times (basal, before and after induction, recovery and 72 postoperative hours) were measured some immunological data (plasmatic concentrations of red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocyte cells, antibodies, complement analysis, interleukins 1 and 2).
Results: The results show a depression of immunity with hypoleucocistosis and hyperlymphocytosis due to surgical trauma or to anesthesia drugs.
Conclusions: Pre-treatment with thymopentin no change perioperative immunity and the role of interleukins isn't clear; the immunological depression is the same in thiopental of propofol groups.