Optimal period for the prophylactic administration of neutrophil elastase inhibitor for patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to determine the optimal period for the prophylactic administration of the neutrophil elastase inhibitor, Sivelestat, in patients undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy. Sivelestat is reported to be effective in patients who undergo esophagectomy by providing an increased oxygenation ability and suppressing the serum inflammatory cytokines in the postoperative period. However, the optimal period for the prophylactic administration of Sivelestat remains to be elucidated.

METHODS: The 30 patients who underwent esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer were enrolled in one of two groups. The initial 15 patients were assigned to group A and received intravenous infusion of Sivelestat sodium hydrate until postoperative day (POD) 2, and the subsequent 15 patients were assigned to group B and received Sivelestat until POD 5. Historical controls without Sivelestat administration were used. The postoperative courses and serum inflammatory cytokines were evaluated.

RESULTS: Sivelestat improved oxygenation in the postoperative period; however, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and postoperative change of oxygenation. In addition, there were no differences in the postoperative changes in the serum interleukin (IL)-6 and high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1. Although the serum IL-8 on POD 3 was lower in group B than in group A, the neutrophil elastase showed no difference between these groups. None of the patients in either group suffered respiratory complications.

CONCLUSIONS: The two-day administration of Sivelestat initiated immediately after intrathoracic manipulation was found to be sufficient for prophylactic use to prevent pulmonary complications by suppressing hypercytokinemia after esophagectomy.