Does diltiazem inhibit the inflammatory response in cardiopulmonary bypass?
Diltiazem inhibits the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, which is strong evidence for its anti-inflammatory effect. It is clinically important to inhibit the inflammation that takes place during CPB and the inflammation of myocardium encountered after ischemia-reperfusion, since these effect the clinical status of the patient after CPB, as well as myocardial functions.
The clinical implications are that increases in physical activity can promote improvement in gait function after TKA and present with a solid numerical target for the recommended amount of physical activity.