Blood sampling protocol
Peripheral venous blood samples
Baseline blood samples were collected from the arterial sheath prior to infusion of the study drug/placebo. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected at 24–36 hours and 72–168 hours and at 3 and 6 months. The blood was drawn into tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid that were immediately centrifuged at 2000 g relative centrifugal force for 20 min at 4°C. The plasma was separated into multiple aliquots (~1 mL) and stored at −80°C. The samples were thawed only once.