Aminocaproic acid. Use in control of hemorrhage in patients with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia

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Abstract
The bleeding complications of some forms of thrombocytopenia are difficult to control. Many patients become refractory to platelet transfusions even when HLA[histocompatibility antigen]-matched. Aminocaproic acid was used to control bleeding in 13 patients with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia. Four patients receiving long-term therapy with the drug had striking reductions in the number of platelet transfusions required for capillary bleeding. No adverse effects were noted except for orthostatic hypotension, which is ameliorated by a reduction in dosage. Quantitative platelet function changes were impossible to demonstrate, but no changes were noted in 4 patients with normal platelet counts who were receiving high-dose aminocaproic acid for treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Aminocaproic acid is a valuable agent in the management of patients with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, especially in decreasing the need for platelet transfusions.