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Medindia » Latest Health News » Loss Of Blood During Cardiac Surgeries Slashed By Antifibrinolytic Drugs
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Posted online: Monday, October 22, 2007 at 5:50:44 PM
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Loss Of Blood During Cardiac Surgeries Slashed By Antifibrinolytic Drugs

The amount of blood loss that occurs during major complex surgery is limited by the body's ability to form blood clots. This Cochrane Review concludes that drugs that slow down the rate at which these blood clots are dissolved, called antifibrinolytics, can significantly reduce blood loss, particularly during cardiac surgery, and reduce the need for reoperation because of continued bleeding. One of the effective drugs, tranexamic acid, is quite cheap and is likely to be cost effective, particularly in cardiac surgery.



The big question is whether the benefits of treatment with these drugs are offset by adverse effects, in particular thrombosis leading to an excess risk of heart attack and stroke. This has been a particular concern with aprotinin and some studies that did not use randomisation found an increased risk of these complications with this drug. However, this Cochrane Review of randomised controlled trials found no increase in the risk of thrombosis with aprotinin or tranexamic acid.

“Our review of over 200 clinical trials found that using anti-fibrinolytic drugs during surgery reduced bleeding and reduced the need for transfusions of red blood cells. Importantly they did not appear to increase the risk of serious adverse effects,” says lead researcher Professor David Henry, of the University of Newcastle, Waratah, Australia.

“This is an extremely important finding,” says Professor Mike Clarke, the UK Cochrane Centre Director. “It shows very strongly that anti-fibrinolytics, which are cheap, can dramatically reduce the need for blood transfusion. Blood is scarce, expensive and transfusions can be dangerous, so this is likely to be a very important finding globally.”

Source-Eurekalert
VEN/C

 Related Links
Medindia on Taking care of blood loss
Severe bleeding can be life threatening. Applying direct pressure to the external bleeding can stop almost any form of bleeding. This is the most important first aid to be given. Always wash your hands before (if possible) and after giving first aid to someone who is bleeding to avoid infections. Try to use latex gloves when treating a bleeding victim.

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For More Information
Aprotinin in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock trauma patients
 
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