Difference In Postoperative Blood Loss Research Articles

Tourniquet use benefits to reduce intraoperative blood loss in patients receiving total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: An updated meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

The efficacy and safety of tourniquets use during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with osteoarthritis remain debated. This updated systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to further evaluate the role of tourniquets use in patients undergoing TKA for knee osteoarthritis by introducing trial sequential analysis. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched. We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool for quality assessment. Statistical heterogeneity across studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q and I2 statistic. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata/SE 14.0, and trail sequential analysis was performed using TSA software version 0.9.5.10 Beta. In addition, qualitative summary was also used to describe results. 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1202 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that tourniquet use during TKA significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss (mean difference (MD)= -123.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): -163.37 to -84.32, p < .001)and shortened operation time (MD = -4.71, 95% CI: -7.6 to -1.82, p = .001), but there were no significant differences in postoperative blood loss, calculated blood loss, total blood loss, transfusion rate (p = .939), and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) rate between the tourniquet and no-tourniquet groups. TSA confirmed that the result of operation time was false positive, but the results of other outcomes were conclusive. The results of qualitative summary showed conflicting findings in terms of pain, range of motion (RoM) and swelling ratio between the two groups. Tourniquet use in patients receiving TKA for osteoarthritis benefits to reduce intraoperative blood loss but has no effect on postoperative blood loss, calculated blood loss, total blood loss, operation time, transfusion rate, and DVT rate. In addition, it remains unclear the difference between the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups in terms of pain, RoM and swelling ratio.

Expert Consensus on the Use of Human Serum Albumin in Adult Cardiac Surgery.

Expert Consensus on the Use of Human Serum Albumin in Adult Cardiac Surgery.

Delayed femoral vein ligation reduces operative time and blood loss during hip disarticulation in patients with extremity tumors.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of delayed femoral vein ligation on the clinical outcomes of hip disarticulation. We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients with extremity tumors (10 bone tumors and 10 soft tissue sarcomas [STS]) who underwent hip disarticulation. Patients treated for hip disarticulation with synchronous femoral vein ligation (n = 10, regular surgery group) and hip disarticulation with delayed femoral vein ligation (n = 10, delayed ligation group), respectively, were enrolled in this study. The operative time and blood loss were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. The delayed ligation group had significantly lower operative times than the regular surgery group (P < 0.05). Total, hidden, and intraoperative blood loss were all significantly lower in the delayed ligation group than in the regular surgery group (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in postoperative blood loss. In conclusion, delayed femoral vein ligation could significantly reduce the operative time, hidden blood loss, and intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing hip disarticulation.

Not using a tourniquet is superior to tourniquet use for high tibial osteotomy: a prospective, randomised controlled trial.

Tourniquets are routinely used in high tibial osteotomy (HTO). However, research on the necessity of tourniquets during HTO is lacking. This study was designed to investigate the necessity of tourniquets in HTO. This was a prospective study that included patients who underwent HTO at the same hospital. The patients were randomised into Group A (non-tourniquet, n = 45) and Group B (tourniquet, n = 45). Same surgical techniques and haemostatic methods were used in the two groups. All patients were followed up for more than threemonths. There was no difference in operation time, and no intra-operative vascular or nerve damage occurred in either group. The hospital stay was shorter in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). There was no difference in post-operative blood loss, haemoglobin or haematocrit (p > 0.05). The post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and calf swelling were lower in group A (p < 0.05), and the early knee range of motion was higher in group A (p < 0.05). The use of morphine and the incidence of thigh complications were also lower in group A (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the VAS and knee function between the two groups at threemonths post-operatively (p > 0.05). Tourniquet use during HTO does not reduce post-operative blood loss, operation time or intra-operative complications, but not using a tourniquet shortens the hospital stay and reduces the post-operative usage of morphine and tourniquet-related complications, which promotes early recovery of knee function.

Does tourniquet use affect the periprosthetic bone cement penetration in total knee arthroplasty? A meta-analysis

BackgroundA tourniquet is a device commonly used to control massive hemorrhage during knee replacement surgery. However, the question remains whether the use of tourniquets affects the permeability of the bone cement around the knee prosthesis. Moreover, the long-term effects and stability of the knee prosthesis are still debatable. The aim of this study was to examine whether the use of a tourniquet increases the thickness of the cement mantle and affects the postoperative blood loss and pain during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using meta-analysis.MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Central Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CNKI, and Wang Fang databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on primary TKA, from inception to November 2019. All RCTs in primary TKA with and without a tourniquet were included. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.2 software.ResultsA total of eight RCTs (677 knees) were analyzed. We found no significant difference in the age and sex of the patients. The results showed that the application of tourniquet affects the thickness of the bone cement around the tibial prosthesis (WMD = 0.16, 95%CI = 0.11 to 0.21, p < 0.00001). However, in our study, there was no significant difference in postoperative blood loss between the two groups was observed (WMD = 12.07, 95%CI = − 78.63 to 102.77, p = 0.79). The use of an intraoperative tourniquet can increase the intensity of postoperative pain (WMD = 1.34, 95%, CI = 0.32 to 2.36, p = 0.01).ConclusionsTourniquet application increases the thickness of the bone cement around the prosthesis and may thus increase the stability and durability of the prosthesis after TKA. The application of an intraoperative tourniquet can increase the intensity of postoperative pain.

Analysis of hemostatic effect of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid after minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

To investigate the effect of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid on blood loss and blood transfusion rate after minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. From January 2015 to September 2017, 90 patients underwent minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty were divided into tranexamic acid group and control group, 45 cases in each group. In the tranexamic acid group, there were 22 males and 23 females, aged 62 to 69 (66.1±2.4) years;in the control group, 20 males and 25 females, aged 63 to 71(68.5±5.2) years. The amount of bleeding in the drainage ball at 48 hours after operation was recorded, and the blood transfusion rate and hematocrit level duringthe perioperative period were recorded. The factors influencing perioperative blood loss included gender, age and body mass index (BMI). All patients were followed up for 12.5 to 28.3 (22.8±7.9) months. During the follow-up, the wounds of the two groups healed well, and no deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occurred. There was no significant difference in postoperative blood loss between the tranexamic acid group and the control group. The postoperative bleeding volume in the tranexamic acid group was (110.0±52.1) ml, and that in the control group was (123.0±64.5) ml (P=0.39). There was no blood transfusion in the two groups. Intra articular injection of tranexamic acid can not significantly reduce the postoperative blood loss in patients with minimally invasive unicompartment.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma on the healing of sternal wounds: A meta-analysis.

Sternal wound infection (SWI) is a devastating complication after cardiac surgery. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may have a positive impact on sternal wound healing. A systematic review with meta-analyses was performed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of topical application of autologous PRP for preventing SWI and promoting sternal wound healing compared to placebo or standard treatment without PRP. Relevant studies published in English or Chinese were retrieved from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library), PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Web of Science, Springer Link, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) using the search terms "platelet-rich plasma" and "sternal wound" or "thoracic incision." References identified through the electronic search were screened, the data were extracted, and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. The meta-analysis was performed for the following outcomes: incidence of SWI, incidence of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI), postoperative blood loss (PBL), and other risk factors. In the systematic review, totally 10 comparable studies were identified, involving 7879 patients. The meta-analysis for the subgroup of retrospective cohort studies (RSCs) showed that the incidence of SWI and DSWI in patients treated with PRP was significantly lower than that in patients without PRP treatment. However, for the subgroup of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there was no significant difference in the incidence of SWI or DSWI after intervention between the PRP and control groups. There was no significant difference in PBL in both RCTs and RSCs subgroups. Neither adverse reactions nor in-situ recurrences were reported. According to the results, PRP could be considered as a candidate treatment to prevent SWI and DSWI. However, the quality of the evidence is too weak, and high-quality RCTs are needed to assess its efficacy on preventing SWI and DSWI.

3-h drain clamping is not effective to reduce total blood loss after primary total knowledge

PurposeTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a clinically efficacious surgical option for end-stage knee osteoarthritis. However, TKA increases the risk of serious bleeding and blood transfusion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the difference in postoperative blood loss in groups subjected to 3 h of clamping and non-clamping and determine the variations in rate and amount of transfusion after TKA between the two groups.Materials and methodsPropensity score matching of the group subjected to 3-h drain clamping (43 patients; September 2015 to April 2016) and the control group (43 patients; before initiating the clamping method) was performed in patients undergoing unilateral primary posterior stabilized TKA. The two groups were compared. We measured the total drained blood volume until the drain was removed 48 h after surgery, and we compared the preoperative levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit with levels observed on days 1 and 2 after surgery. We also determined the blood transfusion rate and volume as well as the occurrence of clamping-associated complications.ResultsIn the group subjected to 3-h drain clamping, the mean volume of total drained blood was significantly lower than in the control group (333.8 ± 190.2 mL vs. 839.9 ± 339.8 mL, P <0.001). There was no significant difference in total blood loss between the two groups (1226.9 ± 488.1 mL vs. 1127.1 ± 424.5 mL, P = 0.315), but the hidden blood loss was significantly higher in the 3-h drain clamping group than in the control group (893.1 ± 487.7 mL vs. 294.7 ± 531.8 mL, P <0.001). Both the transfusion rate and amount in the 3-h drain clamped group were higher than in the control group but were not statistically significant (30.2% vs. 37.2%, P = 0.494 and 269.8 ± 483.8 mL vs. 316.3 ± 158.2 mL, P = 0.648, respectively). No significant differences in complications, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, and oozing, were noted between the two groups (all, P = 1.000).ConclusionsThe 3-h drain clamping method after primary TKA using posterior stabilized implant reduced the loss of postoperative drained blood. However, hidden blood loss was significantly higher in the 3-h drain clamping group; as a result, there were no differences in total blood loss and transfusion rate. The clamping method did not significantly alter the complication rate.

Does Patella Resurfacing Affect Postoperative Blood Loss in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement?

Patella resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty remains a surgeon-specific decision. Possible benefits of resurfacing include decreased knee pain and rate of reoperation, while complications can occur. No study has assessed postoperative blood loss and transfusion rate as a function of patella resurfacing. Certain patient groups such as elderly patients, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and coagulopathy patients may especially benefit from decreased blood loss during orthopedic surgeries. A retrospective chart review of patients with total knee arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon was conducted. In total, 124 patients were identified that met inclusion criteria with 34 patients in the patella-resurfaced group and 90 patients in the unresurfaced group. Hematocrit level was recorded preoperatively and compared with the hematocrit levels on postoperative days 1 through 3. The primary outcome of average percent drop in hematocrit and SD on postoperative day 1, 2, and 3 was calculated for resurfaced and nonresurfaced groups and data were analyzed for secondary outcomes stratified by sex. After analysis no statistically significant difference in postoperative blood loss between resurfaced and nonresurfaced groups was found.

Administration of Tranexamic Acid in Proximal Humeral Fractures.

This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of intravenous administration of tranexamic acid in complex proximal humeral fractures. Sixty-seven patients with displaced 3 and 4 part proximal humerus fractures were randomized into the control (n = 33) and TXA (n = 34) groups. Fifteen minutes before the skin incision, 15mg/kg body weight of 0.9% sodium chloride solution or TXA was injected intravenously. Open reduction and internal fixation was conducted through a deltoid-pectoral approach with fixed angle locked plating (PHILOS) for all the patients. The patients were followed up 2months after surgery. Total blood loss, blood test results, blood transfusion rate, and wound complications were analyzed between the two groups. Significant differences were observed in intraoperative blood loss and postoperative blood loss during the first 24h between the two groups. There were no significant differences in postoperative blood loss during the second 24h, wound complication rates, blood transfusion rate and adverse side effects. And thromboembolic events related with the application of TXA were not noted in the TXA group. Preoperative administration of tranexamic acid could reduce intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in patients with complex proximal humeral fractures. II, prospective comparative study.

Hidden blood loss in direct anterior total hip arthroplasty: a prospective, double blind, randomized controlled trial on topical versus intravenous tranexamic acid.

Despite a plethora of literature reporting on the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA), little is available on its effect on post-operative hidden blood loss and even less on its use in the direct anterior approach (DAA), which is gaining popularity. This study was designed as a prospective, double blind, single centre, randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients were allocated to intravenous administration of 1.5g of TXA just before wound closure while 60 patients were allocated to topical application of 3.0g of TXA via a subfascial drain at the end of the procedure. Post-operative blood loss was (1) calculated via a well-established formula based on pre- and post-operative Hb levels, patients characteristics and intra-operative blood loss and (2) measured via the amount that collected in the subfascial drain over time. No statistical significant difference in post-operative blood loss was found, neither when the formula was used (0.55L [topical] vs 0.67L [IV]; p = .140) nor when looking at the drain output (0.25L [topical] vs 0.29L [IV]; p = .108). No significant difference in secondary outcome measures, such as transfusion of units of packed red blood cells, length of hospital stay or the occurrence of venous thromboembolisms, could be found either. This study provides detailed insights into the intra- and post-operative blood loss in DAA THA and shows that topical and IV TXA have similar effects on hidden blood loss. Clinical Trial Number: NCT01940692. Level I-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Tranexamic Acid Reduces Postoperative Blood Loss in Distal Femoral Osteotomy.

Blood loss remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality in orthopaedic surgery, with transfusions associated with an increased risk of infection, length of stay, delayed rehabilitation, and significantly increased hospitalization costs. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective in reducing postoperative blood loss in patients undergoing distal femoral osteotomy (DFO). A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing DFO by a single surgeon from 2010 to 2017, with a change in protocol occurring in 2014, after which all patients received TXA. Patients in the TXA group (n = 24) received 1-g TXA immediately prior to incision followed by a second dose of 1-g TXA 4 hours after the administration of the first dose. Patients in the control group (n = 28) did not receive TXA. Drainage was recorded through a subfascial drain that remained for 24 hours postoperatively. Postoperative hemoglobin, hematocrit, and transfusions, as well as demographic factors, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), medical comorbidities, and ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class, were recorded. Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for potential confounding variables was performed. With the exception of gender, the two groups did not differ significantly in baseline characteristics, including age, BMI, and ASA class. There was a significant difference in postoperative blood loss, with those receiving TXA having a mean drain output of 184.2 versus 242.1 mL for the control group (p = 0.02), which persisted after regression analysis (p < 0.005). Blood loss differed between patients who received one (250 mL) dose and those who received two (162.2 mL) doses of TXA, although this difference was insignificant (p = 0.489). There were no differences in postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. One patient (control group) required blood transfusion postoperatively. There were no complications related to TXA. In conclusion, TXA results in less postoperative blood loss in DFO, with the most pronounced effect in those who receive two doses. Future research should involve a larger, prospective study to assess for differences in postoperative hemoglobin/hematocrit levels and transfusion rates.

Early or late fresh frozen plasma administration in newborns and small infants undergoing cardiac surgery: the APPEAR randomized trial

BackgroundIn newborns and small infants undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and blood priming, it is unclear whether there is reduced blood loss if fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is added to the CPB priming volume. This single-centre, randomized trial tested the hypothesis that the administration of FFP after CPB (late FFP group) is superior to FFP priming (early FFP group) in terms of postoperative bleeding and overall red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. MethodsSeventy-three infants weighing <10 kg were randomly allocated to receive FFP to supplement RBCs in the CPB priming solution (n=36) or immediately after CPB (n=37). The primary endpoint was a difference in postoperative blood loss; secondary endpoints included the amount of RBCs and FFP transfused through the first 48 postoperative hours. ResultsAll patients were included in the analysis. Patients in the late FFP arm had greater postoperative mean blood loss than patients in the early FFP arm [33.1 (sd 20.6) vs 24.1 (12.9) ml kg−1; P=0.028], but no differences in transfusions were found. The subgroup of cyanotic heart disease patients had comparable results, but with greater use of RBCs in the late FFP group. ConclusionsIn infants undergoing cardiac surgery, FFP in the priming solution appears slightly superior to late administration in terms of postoperative bleeding. Clinical trial registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02738190.

Impact of Minimized Extracorporeal Circulation on Outcome in Patients With Preoperative Anemia Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Preoperative anemia and low hematocrit during cardiopulmonary bypass have been associated with worse outcome in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The minimized extracorporeal circulation (MECC) allows a reduction of the negative effects associated with conventional extracorporeal circulation (CECC). In this study, the impact of the MECC on outcome of anemic patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was assessed. Between January 2004 and December 2011, 1,945 consecutive patients with preoperative anemia underwent isolated CABG using CECC (44.8%) or MECC (55.2%). The cutoff point for anemia was 13 g/dl for men and 12 g/dl for women. The postoperative creatine kinase and lactate levels were significantly lower in the MECC group (p < 0.001). There was no difference in postoperative blood loss between the groups. However, the intraoperative and postoperative transfusion requirements were significantly lower in the MECC group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, MECC patients had lower incidences of postoperative acute renal failure, and low cardiac output syndrome, shorter intensive care unit lengths of stay and reduced 30-day mortality (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a reduced postoperative mortality, lower transfusion requirements, and less renal and myocardial damage encourage the use of MECC for CABG, especially in the specific high-risk subgroup of patients with anemia.

A prospective randomised controlled study of patient-specific cutting guides compared with conventional instrumentation in total knee replacement

Patient-specific cutting guides (PSCGs) are designed to improve the accuracy of alignment of total knee replacement (TKR). We compared the accuracy of limb alignment and component positioning after TKR performed using PSCGs or conventional instrumentation. A total of 80 patients were randomised to undergo TKR with either of the different forms of instrumentation, and radiological outcomes and peri-operative factors such as operating time were assessed. No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of tibiofemoral angle or femoral component alignment. Although the tibial component in the PSCGs group was measurably closer to neutral alignment than in the conventional group, the size of the difference was very small (89.8° (sd 1.2) vs 90.5° (sd 1.6); p = 0.030). This new technology slightly shortened the bone-cutting time by a mean of 3.6 minutes (p < 0.001) and the operating time by a mean 5.1 minutes (p = 0.019), without tangible differences in post-operative blood loss (p = 0.528) or need for blood transfusion (p = 0.789). This study demonstrated that both PSCGs and conventional instrumentation restore limb alignment and place the components with the similar accuracy. The minimal advantages of PSCGs in terms of consistency of alignment or operative time are unlikely to be clinically relevant.

The effect of type of anesthesia on intra-and postoperative blood loss at elective cesarean section

BackgroundIn cesarean section (c-sec) it is known that women receiving spinal anesthesia have decreased intraoperative blood loss compared to women receiving general anesthesia. However, we should always consider postoperative bleeding (postpartum bleeding) that may follow. The amount of postpartum bleeding can be substantial. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the effect of type of anesthesia retrospectively on intra- and postoperative blood loss by comparing the changes of postoperative Hb, Hct at c-sec.MethodsWe retrospectively compared the medical records of 287 elective c-sec patients. We excluded medical and obstetric conditions that may predispose such patients to increased blood loss. Subsequent detailed record analysis included 152 patients that received spinal anesthesia (group S), and 135 patients that received sevoflurane for general anesthesia (group G).ResultsIn comparison with the preoperative Hb, rates of Hb in the 1st postoperative day in group S significantly decreased compared to group G, but there was no significant difference in decreasing rates of Hb in the 3rd postoperative day between groups S and G. Estimated blood loss (EBL) of the intraoperative and operative day in group S was significantly lower compared to group G, but there was no significant difference in EBL of 1st and 2nd postoperative day between groups S and G.ConclusionsWe conclude that group S had a decrease in blood loss between the intraoperative and operative day and there was no significant differences in postoperative blood loss compared with group G.

Blood Loss Comparison During Transurethral Resection of Prostate and High Power GreenLight™ Laser Therapy Using Isotopic Measure of Red Blood Cells Volume

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard in the operative management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The main morbidity of TURP is bleeding, which leads to clot retention and blood transfusion. Newer techniques have appeared, and photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) with the GreenLight™ laser has been developed to reduce the morbidity of bladder outflow surgery. Isotopic measurements of total red cell volume and total blood volume (BV) are a recommended reference technique to evaluate bleeding occurring during endoscopic ablation of the prostate. Here, we compare blood loss during PVP and TURP using an isotopic method. Eighteen patients underwent PVP, and 20 patients underwent a TURP for symptomatic BPH by one surgeon. The two groups were comparable in demographic data; however, prostate volume was significantly higher in the PVP group. BV was measured pre- and postoperatively using the isotope technique. The total BV was measured to have increased by 362 mL in PVP group compared with a loss of 315 mL in TURP group (p=0.001). The difference in total red cell volume increased by 148 mL in PVP group compared with a loss of 216 mL in TURP group (p=0.005). Using the isotope method, we have shown a significant difference in postoperative blood loss between TURP and PVP. Our study is the first to use an isotopic method to measure the blood loss during PVP. This technique needs further standardization before being introduced into routine clinical practice.

The Effect of Ulinastatin on Postoperative Blood Loss in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

This prospective, randomized, double-blind study evaluated the effect of ulinastatin on postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements of patients undergoing open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamping (ACC). CPB and ACC produce variable systemic inflammatory reactions that are associated with multiorgan dysfunction via leucocytes, especially polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). PMNs increase blood loss and transfusion requirements. Ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor, inhibits PMN activity and reduces the systemic inflammatory response. Patients received either 5000 U/kg ulinastatin or the equivalent volume of normal saline (control group) before ACC. Postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were recorded. Duration of intubation and length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) were also noted. There were no statistically significant between-group differences in postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements. Ulinastatin caused a non-significant decrease in duration of intubation. Patients who received ulinastatin had significantly shorter ICU stays than control patients.

Bridge to Operation with the GPIIb/IIIa Inhibitor Abciximab in High-Risk Coronary Patients

Glycoprotein-IIb/IIIa inhibitors are now frequently used in the cardiological treatment of high-risk coronary patients even if the patient is considered suitable for surgical intervention. However, there is no consensus whether GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors should be stopped before operation because of an increased risk of bleeding or if surgery should even be delayed until the anticoagulating effect subsides. From June 2002 to August 2003 140 patients who had to undergo primary aorto-coronary bypass for ongoing myocardial ischemia were enrolled in the present study. The patients received either clopidogrel, aspirin and heparin or additionally abciximab until operation. Although the intraoperative need for blood products was higher in the abciximab group, there was no significant difference in postoperative blood loss. The hemodynamic situation of the abciximab patients after the operation was better compared to the other groups. 30-day mortality was not increased when compared to the elective control group (6.7 % vs. 6.1 %). The GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab can be safely used as a bridge to operation and results in a better hemodynamic outcome in high-risk coronary patients while reducing the incidence of major ischemic events.

Comparison of epsilon aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid in pediatric cardiac surgery

Objective: This study compared the efficacy of aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid in reducing postoperative blood loss, as well as blood and blood product requirements in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease. Design: A prospective randomized study. Setting: Cardiac center of a tertiary care, referral hospital. Participants: One hundred fifty children in the age group of 2 months to 14.5 years with cyanotic congenital heart disease undergoing corrective surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Interventions: Patients were randomized into 3 groups. Group A was given aminocaproic acid in a dose of 100 mg/kg after anesthetic induction, 100 mg/kg on CPB and 100 mg/kg after protamine. Group T was given tranexamic acid, 10 mg/kg, after anesthetic induction, 10 mg/kg on CPB, and 10 mg/kg after protamine. Group C was the control group. Main Result: Control group had the longest sternal closure time, maximum blood loss at 24 hours, and maximum requirements of blood and blood products. Among the 2 groups given antifibrinolytics, there was no significant difference in postoperative blood loss, blood and product requirement, and reexploration rates. Conclusion: Aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid are equally effective in reducing postoperative blood loss, as well as blood and blood product requirements in children with cyanotic heart disease undergoing corrective surgery as compared with the control group.