Comparison of two aprotinin dosage regimens in pediatric patients having cardiac operations. Influence on platelet function and blood loss.

Only a few studies have reported on the effects of aprotinin in pediatric cardiac surgery, and the correct dose is controversial. In a prospective, randomized study, three groups of children weighing less than 20 kg were investigated. In group 1 (n = 14): aprotinin 20,000 U/kg was given after induction of anesthesia, 20,000 U/kg was added to the prime, and another 20,000 U/kg was given every hour of cardiopulmonary bypass (low-dose regimen). In group 2 (n = 14) aprotinin 35,000 U/kg was given after induction followed by an infusion of 10,000 U/kg.min until the end of the operation and 35,000 U/kg was added to the prime (high-dose regimen). In group 3 (n = 14) no aprotinin was used (control). Platelet function was evaluated by aggregometry (maximum platelet aggregation, maximum gradient of platelet aggregation) by means of turbidometric technique (inductors: adenosine diphosphate, collagen, and epinephrine) before and after cardiopulmonary bypass until the first postoperative day. Platelet aggregation was significantly reduced during and after bypass, values ranging from -29% to -54% (maximum aggregation) and -25% to -75% (maximum gradient of aggregation) with regard to baseline values. In the further postoperative course, platelet function recovered and mostly exceeded baseline values on the first postoperative day. Platelet aggregation variables were without any differences among aprotinin-treated and control patients. Blood loss was similar for all three groups and added up to approximately 28 ml/kg until the first postoperative day. The use of packed red cells was also comparable for the three groups, whereas the use of fresh frozen plasma was highest in group 1 (1680 ml until the first postoperative day). We conclude from this study that aprotinin did not improve platelet function and did nor reduce blood loss or the need for homologous blood transfusion in pediatric cardiac surgery, regardless of whether a low-dose or a high-dose regimen was used.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes