[Comparative effect of tranexamic acid on the reduction of bleeding during and after cardiac surgery].

The administration of tranexamic acid (TA), an antifibrinolytic agent, prior to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been reported to reduce bleeding after cardiac surgery. In a retrospective clinical trial, 99 adults patients undergoing open heart surgery received TA (CABG, TA (+): n = 20; Valve replacement, TA (+): n = 20) or did not receive TA (CABG, TA (-): n = 20: Valve replacement, TA (-): n = 19). In the TA group, just after induction of general anesthesia, a 160 mg.kg-1 dose of TA was administered intravenously. In each group, bleeding volumes during operation, and at 6 and 24 hours after operation, were compared. Patients of [CABG, TA (+)] group had significantly less intraoperative and total blood loss [total blood loss 608 g : 313 g, intraoperatively, 134 g at 6 hours, and 296 g at 24 hours] compared with [CABG, TA (-)] group (total blood loss 1043 g: 640 g, intraoperatively, 232 g at 6 hours, and 403 g at 24 hours). Additionally, in patients of Valve replacement, TA (+) group had less but not significant total blood loss (total blood loss 903 g: 523 g, intraoperatively, 173 g at 6 hours, and 380 g at 24 hours) compared with TA (-) group (total blood loss 1237 g: 863 g, intraoperatively, 214 g at 6 hours, and 374 g at 24 hours). TA administered prior to CPB may reduce the amount of bleeding during and after cardiac surgery.