Can local application of Tranexamic acid reduce post-coronary bypass surgery blood loss? A randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Diffuse microvascular bleeding remains a common problem after cardiac procedures. Systemic use of antifibrinolytic reduces the postoperative blood loss. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of local application of tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).


METHODS
Thirty eight patients scheduled for primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were included in this double blind, prospective, randomized, placebo controlled study. Tranexamic acid (TA) group (19 patients) received 1 gram of TA diluted in 100 ml normal saline. Placebo group (19 patients) received 100 ml of normal saline only. The solution was purred in the pericardial and mediastinal cavities.


RESULTS
Both groups were comparable in their baseline demographic and surgical characteristics. During the first 24 hours post-operatively, cumulative blood loss was significantly less in TA group (median of 626 ml) compared to Placebo group (median of 1040 ml) (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the post-op Packed RBCs transfusion between both groups (median of one unit in each) (P = 0.82). Significant less platelets transfusion required in TA group (median zero unit) than in placebo group (median 2 units) (P = 0.03). Apart from re-exploration for excessive surgical bleeding in one patient in TA group, no difference was found in morbidity or mortality between both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical application of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting led to a significant reduction in postoperative blood loss without adding extra risk to the patient.
Fawzy
Hosam
H
Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. hosamfawzy@hotmail.com
Elmistekawy
Elsayed
E
Bonneau
Daniel
D
Latter
David
D
Errett
Lee
L
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017713:Platelet Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014148:Tranexamic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D014148:Tranexamic Acid