The efficacy and safety of epsilon-aminocaproic acid treatment in patients with cirrhosis and hyperfibrinolysis.
BACKGROUND
Patients with decompensated cirrhosis are at risk for hyperfibrinolysis; this is potentially fatal. epsilon-aminocaproic acid has been used to treat patients with hyperfibrinolysis; however, the data about its benefit in the setting of cirrhosis are minimal.


OBJECTIVE
To analyse the efficacy of epsilon-aminocaproic acid and its safety in cirrhotic patients with hyperfibrinolysis.


METHODS
All patients with an abnormal euglobin lysis time who were admitted to Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2002 were included in the study. Their medical records were reviewed and analysed.


RESULTS
There were 60 cirrhotic patients with shortened euglobin lysis time. Fifty-two patients received epsilon-aminocaproic acid. Of the 52 patients, seven had one or more bleeding episodes with the subcutaneous or soft tissue bleeding as the most common indication for epsilon-aminocaproic acid use. Of the 37 patients, 34 (92%) had improvement or resolution of their bleeding. Only two (3%) patients had epsilon-aminocaproic acid treatment discontinued because of minor side effects, rash and lightheadedness. There were no thromboembolic complications of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
epsilon-aminocaproic acid was found to be effective and safe for treatment of hyperfibrinolysis in patients with cirrhosis.
Gunawan
B
B
University of Southern California Liver Unit, Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Downey, CA 92354, USA.
Runyon
B
B
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015119:Aminocaproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005342:Fibrinolysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012712:Serum Globulins / Q000187:drug effects
D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D012712:Serum Globulins; D015119:Aminocaproic Acid