Fig. 3.

Perioperative white blood cell counts (a) and neutrophils (c) without and with (b,d) correction for haemodilution in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. (T1) Preoperatively at 6–8 p.m. on the evening before surgery, (T2) 90 min following incision, (T3) at 6–8 p.m. postoperatively on the day of surgery, (T4) at 6–8 p.m. on the first postoperative day and (T5) at 6–8 p.m. on the second postoperative day. Results are expressed as means ±s.e.m. *Significant differences compared to preoperative values; **significant differences between both groups. Group 1, patients with IL-6 secretion at T3 below the median of the study group. Group 2, patients with IL-6 secretion at T3 above the median of the study group. •, Group 1; ○, group 2.