The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid Versus Placebo in Decreasing Blood Loss in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Repeat Cardiac Surgery

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Pair of congenital heart defects. After induction of anesthesia and prior to skin incision, patients received either tranexamic acid (100 mg/kg, followed by 10 mg [centered dot] kg-1 [centered dot] h-1) or saline placebo. At the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass, a second bolus of tranexamic acid (100 mg/kg) or placebo was administered. Total blood loss and transfusion requirements during the period from protamine administration until 24 h after admission to the intensive care unit were recorded. Children who were treated with tranexamic acid had 24% less total blood loss (26 +/- 7 vs 34 +/- 17 mL/kg) compared with children who received placebo (univariate analysis P = 0.03 and multivariate analysis P < 0.01). Additionally, the total transfusion requirements, total donor unit exposure, and financial cost of blood components were less in the tranexamic acid group. In conclusion, tranexamic acid can reduce perioperative blood loss in children undergoing repeat cardiac surgery. (Anesth Analg 1997;84:990-6)...