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.