Does collagen cross linking have any effect on retinal circulation in patients with keratoconus? An optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to employ Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) to comprehensively assess changes in the optic nerve head (ONH) and macular perfusion before and after the Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CCL) procedure in patients with keratoconus. METHODS: A total of 22 keratoconus patient's candidate for CCL procedures were included based on specific criteria, with meticulous exclusion criteria in place to minimize potential confounders. Participants underwent OCTA assessments of the ONH and macula using the Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg) before CCL, as well as at 1- and 3-months post-CCL. MATLAB software was utilized for image analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 20.09 ± 6.11, including 59% male, and the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before the surgery was 13.59 ± 2.85 mmHg. Peripapillary Retinal nerve fiber layer (ppRNFL) thickness and overall retinal thickness remained stable post-CCL. However, significant alterations were observed in macular vessel density, emphasizing regional variations in vascular response. For macular large vessel density (LVD), both superficial and deep vascular complex (SVC and DVC) demonstrated significant differences between before surgery and the 3 months post-surgery follow-up (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Optic nerve head markers demonstrated relative stability, except for changes in avascular complex density, which was 49.2 ± 2.2% before the surgery and decrease to 47.6 ± 1.7% three months after the operation (P-value = 0.005). CONCLUSION: While CCL appears to maintain the integrity of certain ocular structures, alterations in macular perfusion post-CCL suggest potential effects on retinal blood supply. Long-term monitoring is crucial to understand the implications of these changes, particularly in the context of conditions such as diabetes.

Non-surgical treatment of stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of visual impairment in premature infants, often requiring surgical interventions in advanced stages. This retrospective case series study investigates non-surgical management for Stage 4A ROP, specifically the use of combined laser therapy and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. METHODS: Ten eyes from five infants with Stage 4A ROP were treated with a combined laser and anti-VEGF approach. Comprehensive follow-up examinations were conducted to evaluate the treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The study demonstrated successful retinal attachment without complications, showcasing the efficacy and safety of this non-surgical method. A comparison with surgical interventions highlighted the potential benefits in terms of reduced adverse effects. DISCUSSION: This combined treatment emerges as a promising first-choice option for Stage 4A ROP, offering rapid regression without surgical intervention, particularly in early stages. However, larger randomized clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings and establish definitive guidelines for managing this complex condition. CONCLUSION: Combined laser and anti-VEGF therapy proved to be an effective and safe non-surgical approach for Stage 4A ROP, with the potential to reduce the need for surgery, especially in its early presentation. Further research is required to confirm these findings and provide comprehensive recommendations for clinical practice.

Characteristics of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion showing poor anatomic response to three loading anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections: an optical coherence tomography analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical features of refractory cystoid macular edema related to retinal vein occlusion associated with the response to three consecutive loading doses of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on retinal vein occlusion patients treated by three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections. They were divided into a group according to resolution of macular edema in optical coherence tomography (Group 1) and with persistent macular edema (Group 2). We analyzed qualitative and quantitative morphologic features of optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 120 eyes from 120 patients (Group 1: n = 54, Group 2: n = 66). The baseline choroidal thickness differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 (290.70 ± 19.58 µm and 311.06 ± 17.87 µm P < 0.001). The presence of Hyperreflective foci (16.70% vs. 36.40% P < 0.001), Disorganization of the retinal inner layers (14.80% vs. 87.90%) and external limiting membrane disruption (16.60% vs. 39.3% P < 0.001) differed significantly. Logistic regression analysis showed that the initial central macular thickness (B = 0.012; P = 0.006), baseline choroidal thickness (B = 0.232; P = 0.016) and presence of hyperreflective foci (B = 1.050; P = 0.019), disorganization of the retinal inner layers (B = 1.132; P = 0.001) and external limiting membrane disruption (B = 1.575; P = 0.012) significantly affected the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment response. CONCLUSION: A thicker sub-fovea choroid and the presence of hyperreflective foci, disruption of the external limiting membrane and disorganization of the retinal inner layers associated with a poorer response to three loading anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections in macular edema associated retinal vein occlusion.

Comparison of Analgesic Effects of Ketorolac Plus Apotel to Meperidine in Patients Undergoing Right Thoracotomy: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Postoperative pain management using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with no narcotic-attributed adverse effects, such as respiratory depression, nausea, and vomiting, is still the subject of extensive research. However, concerns about bleeding and nephrotoxicity have limited routine use. Objectives: The present trial aimed to compare the effects of ketorolac/apotel and meperidine on postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing thoracotomy. Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 122 patients who were candidates for right thoracotomy. The patients were randomly divided into two groups that received ketorolac (30 mg)/apotel (1 g) or meperidine (0.5 - 1 mg/kg) at the beginning of recovery, respectively. This study assessed the Numeric Rating Scale pain score immediately and 30 and 60 minutes after the surgery in the recovery room, blood pressure, oxygen saturation (SpO2), sweating, and pulse rate. Results: The average pain score at recovery time was significantly lower in the ketorolac/apotel group (2.06 ± 1.40) than in the meperidine group (2.76 ± 1.61) (P = 0.011). In contrast to the ketorolac/apotel group, an increasing trend was observed in pain scores in the meperidine group throughout the time sequence (P < 0.05). However, a slight non-significant increase was also observed in the ketorolac/apotel group. No statistical differences were observed in blood pressure (P = 0.826), SpO2 (P = 0.826), and pulse rate (P = 0.811) between the two study groups. Conclusions: This study provides support that the combination of ketorolac/apotel offers a slightly superior analgesic effect for patients undergoing thoracotomy, compared to meperidine. Pain management is crucial during recovery, and the current study's findings suggest that administering ketorolac/apotel provides effective analgesia during recovery after thoracic surgery.

The Beneficial Effect of Preoperative Dexmedetomidine in Controlling Postoperative Pain, Nausea, and Vomiting After Orthognathic Surgery: A Triple-blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Controlling postoperative pain and nausea (PONV) following orthognathic surgery can be challenging. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in reducing pain and preventing nausea and vomiting in subjects undergoing orthognathic surgery. METHODS: The authors implemented a triple-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Healthy adults with class III jaw deformity scheduled for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were included. Subjects were randomized to the DEX or placebo groups. The DEX group received premedication with DEX 1 µg/kg IV over 10 minutes followed by a maintenance dose (0.2 µg/kg/hour) while the placebo group received normal saline. The primary outcome variables were postoperative pain, postoperative nausea, and postoperative vomiting . Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours, postoperatively). Nausea and vomiting were recorded throughout the postoperative period. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2, t test, and repeated measures ANOVA with a P value < .05 considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 60 consecutive subjects with a mean age of 24.6 ± 3.5 years completed the study. There were 38 females (63.33%) and 22 males (36.66%). The mean visual analog scale was significantly lower in the DEX group at all time-points (P < .05). There was a significantly greater demand for rescue analgesics in the placebo group compared to the DEX group (P = .01). Fourteen subjects (46.7%) in the placebo group and one subject (3.3%) in the DEX group reported nausea (P < .001). Postoperative vomiting was not observed in any of the subjects. CONCLUSION: Premedication with DEX can be considered a viable treatment option for reducing postoperative pain and postoperative nausea after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.

Intra-articular remifentanil on postoperative pain in knee arthroscopic surgery; a double blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the efficacy of intra-articular remifentanil in relieving postoperative pain after knee arthroscopy. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind randomized clinical trial study on 60 patients. Patients were divided into two equal groups. The control group received 25 ml of intra-articular normal saline, and the intervention group received 200 µg of remifentanil dissolved in 25 ml of saline. We evaluated at rest postoperative pain at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after the surgery using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients with VAS scores of 4 or more received meperidine (pethidine). The first time meperidine was requested and the total amount of meperidine consumed was recorded. RESULTS: Out of 60 patients, 49 were male (81.6%), and the mean age of participants was 32.71 (7.02) years. An hour after the surgery, the control group showed a mean VAS score of 8.66 (1.26), and decreased to 2.53 (1.67) at the end of 24 h. The intervention group started with a mean VAS score of 2.23 (1.81) and ended at 0.10 (0.305). All patients in the control group and 11 (36.7%) patients in the intervention group asked for analgesics during follow-up. The mean total meperidine dose in the control and intervention groups was 108.33 (23.97) mg and 13.33 (19.40) mg, respectively (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval of the difference 83.72 to 106.27). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular remifentanil may decrease postoperative pain and analgesic requirements in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy.

Primary Synovial Sarcoma Presenting as a Huge Mass: A Report of a Rare Case and Review of Literature.

Primary synovial sarcoma of mediastinum is very rare among soft tissue sarcomas. Only a few cases have been reported in the literatures. The best treatment is still unclear, but, surgical resection is the main therapy. In this article we report a case of a 20*20 cm (2000gr) primary giant mediastinal synovial sarcoma in a 42 year-old man. We performed radical excision of the tumor and the metastasis.

Propofol Versus Remifentanil: Which One Is More Effective in Reducing Blood Loss During Orthognathic Surgery? A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Propofol and remifentanil are 2 useful drugs used in induced hypotensive anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of these drugs on intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, and hemodynamic status during standardized orthognathic surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 50 consecutive healthy patients with Class III skeletal deformity were candidates for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery at Qaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (Mashhad, Iran), from November 2016 until December 2017. These patients were randomly assigned to 2 equal-number groups to receive hypotensive anesthesia with propofol or remifentanil. Neither the surgeon nor the patients were aware of the study groups, whereas both the student and anesthesiologist were not blinded. Age and gender were recorded, and mean blood loss, mean arterial pressure, and mean heart rate, as well as duration of surgery and duration of general anesthesia, were monitored intraoperatively. The hypotensive anesthetic drugs were the primary predictor variables and the mean blood loss volume was the main outcome in this research. The independent t test and χ2 test were performed for data analysis using SPSS software (version 16; SPSS, Chicago, IL). RESULTS: In this study, 25 patients with a mean age of 22.25 ± 3.31 years were investigated in each group. The mean blood loss volume was 578.26 ± 95.14 mL and 366.67 ± 64.92 mL in the propofol and remifentanil groups, respectively. The independent-samples t test showed that mean blood loss was significantly lower in the remifentanil group than in the propofol group (P = .001). Furthermore, the mean arterial blood pressure was significantly lower in the remifentanil group than in the propofol group (85 ± 20 mm Hg vs 95 ± 15 mm Hg, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Hypotensive anesthesia with remifentanil, in comparison with propofol, significantly reduces mean blood loss during orthognathic surgery, which decreases the transfusion requirements and disadvantages of transfusion and blood loss.

Effect of propofol and isoflurane on gas exchange parameters following one-lung ventilation in thoracic surgery: a double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of anesthetic drugs with minimal inhibitory effects on the hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) could have a decisive role in preventing the hypoxemia during one-lung ventilation (OLV). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of propofol and isoflurane on the changes in gas exchange parameters following OLV in thoracic surgery. METHODS: This double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on patients who were candidates for elective right thoracotomy referred to the central operating room of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, during February 2016-2017. Patients with age range of 18 to 75 years, class I and II American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and thoracotomy with OLV for pulmonary resection or cyst drainage were included. The patients were randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) into two groups of propofol (P, 50-100µg/kg/min) and isoflurane (I, 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) 1.1%). Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SPO2) were recorded before and 15 minutes after OLV and compared between the two groups. The comparison of the mean gas exchange parameters before and 15 minutes after OLV was performed using Mann-Whitney test in SPSS version 19 software. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In this study, 122 patients with mean age of 59.4±14.1 years (two groups of 61) were studied. Both groups were matched for age or gender. The two groups had no significant difference in the gas exchange parameters before the OLV. Only PaCO2 (p=0.001) and ETCO2 (p=0.001) were significantly higher in the propofol group after 15 minutes OLV than in the isoflurane group. However, PaO2 (p=0.67), O2Sat (p=0.333) and PaCO2-ETCO2 gradient (p=0.809) showed no significant difference between the two groups at this minute. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, the propofol or isoflurane selection seems to have no significant effect on the arterial oxygenation. On the other hand, isoflurane and propofol could be an appropriate anesthetic for thoracic surgery by normalizing the carbon dioxide gradient range during the OLV. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was also registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT2015123013159N8). FUNDING: The study was financially supported by the Deputy of Research of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (grant number: 940119).

Thoracoscopic sympathicotomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis interferes with social activities and requires an effective and safe treatment. We aimed to compare the therapeutic outcomes of unilateral single-port sympathicotomy and open surgery. METHODS: Forty patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis underwent sympathicotomy; 20 had open surgery, and 20 had video-assisted thoracic surgery. Complete resection of the T1 to T4 ganglia was performed by open surgery, and cutting and cauterization of the sympathetic chain between the T2 and T3 ganglia in the dominant hand was undertaken using video-assisted thoracic surgery. The patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean operative times were 39.6 ± 1.46 and 79.8 ± 1.53 min in the video-assisted thoracic surgery and open surgery group, respectively. The mean hospitalization was 2.2 ± 0.41 days after video-assisted thoracic surgery and 3.3 ± 0.47 days after open surgery. Complications included delayed hemothorax, compensatory hyperhidrosis, and wound infection. The mean blood loss during surgery and time to return to work were significantly less in the video-assisted thoracic surgery group. Excessive sweating was completely alleviated in the dominant hand in all patients, and in the opposite hand in 60% and 65% of the video-assisted thoracic surgery and open surgery group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Single-port sympathicotomy between the T2 and T3 ganglia ipsilateral to the dominant hand is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective treatment for primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Alleviation of excessive sweating in the opposite hand can also be achieved in a large proportion of these patients.

Effect of Entonox on reducing the need for Pethidine and the Relevant Fetal and Maternal Complications for Painless Labor.

BACKGROUND: Pain relief during labour is one of the major concerns in obstetrics; severe labor pain causes fear of the next pregnancy, and interferes with the mother's family relationship. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of Entonox during labor on reducing the need for pethidine (Meperidine) and fetal-maternal complications. METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on pregnant women who were candidates for vaginal delivery in Educational Hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran between January 2014 and November 2015. After entering into the inactive phase of labor, participants were randomly allocated to receive inhaled Entonox gas (n=200) or inhale Oxygen (n=200) as a control group. Mothers inhaled the gas at commencement of pain, and ceased as soon as the pain diminished, up to the end of the second stage of labor which was the neonate's birth. Main outcomes were pain score based on NRS (numerical rating scale), duration of delivery, required pethidine, maternal complications and satisfaction during labour. Chi-square and Independent T-test were used via SPSS for data analysis and P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Four-hundred pregnant women with a mean age of 26.4±5.9 years were studied. Complications such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and drowsiness were reported in 25% of the Entonox group and 23% in the control group (p=0.640). Mean of pain severity score during labor in the Entonox and control groups was 4.5±1.2 and 5.2±1.4, respectively (p<0.001). Pethidine requirement, significantly was lower in the Entonox group (31.6±11.8 versus 35.7±12.4; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, Entonox significantly reduced pain during delivery without significant increase in maternal and neonatal complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at the Iranian Clinical Trial Registry (IRCT.ir) with the IRCT identification number IRCT2015102713159N6. FUNDING: This research has been financially supported by Research Council of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

Primary malignant chest wall tumors: analysis of 40 patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary chest wall tumors originate from different constructions of thoracic wall. We report our multidisciplinary experience on primary thoracic tumor resection and thoracic reconstruction, the need to additional therapy and evaluating prognostic factors affecting survival. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database of 40 patients treated for malignant primary chest wall tumor from 1989 to 2009. Patients were evaluated in terms of age, sex, clinical presentation, type of imaging, tissue diagnosis methods, pathology, surgical technique, early complications, hospital mortality, prevalence of recurrence and distant metastases, additional treatment, 3 years survival and factors affecting survival. RESULTS: Male/Female (F/M) = 1, with median age of 43.72 years. Mass was the most common symptoms and the soft tissue sarcoma was the most common pathology. Resection without reconstruction was performed in 5 patients and Thirty-five patients (87.5%) had extensive resection and reconstruction with rotatory muscular flap, prosthetic mesh and/or cement. Overall, 12.5% (5/40) of patients received neoadjuvant therapy and 75% (30/40) of patients were treated with adjuvant therapy. The 3-year survival rate was 65%. Recurrences occurred in 24 patients (60%), 14 developed local recurrences, and 10 developed distant metastases. The primary treatment modality for both local and distant recurrences was surgical resection; among them, 10 underwent repeated resection, 9 adjuvant therapy and 5 were treated with lung metastasectomy. The most common site of distant metastasis was lung (n = 7). Factors that affected survival were type of pathology and evidence of distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: Surgery with wide margin is the safe and good technique for treatment of primary chest wall tumors with acceptable morbidity and mortality.

A comparison of effects of propofol and isoflurane on arterial oxygenation pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate variations following one-lung ventilation in thoracic surgeries.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia occurs during one-lung ventilation (OLV) due to the arteriovenous shunt of unsaturated pulmonary venous blood. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) acts as a defense mechanism against shunting. In thoracic surgery, anesthetics with minimal inhibitory effect on HPV and minimal hemodynamic changes are preferred. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of propofol and isoflurane on patients' arterial oxygen pressure following one-lung ventilation during thoracic surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial study which was conducted in Iran, sixty patients with ASA (The American Society of Anesthesiologists) class I & II who were candidates for right elective thoracotomy were divided in two groups. Induction of anesthesia in the two groups was conducted using the same method, and left double-lumen endotracheal tube was inserted. In the first group propofol was used for the maintenance of anesthesia, and isoflurane for the second group. During two-lung ventilation and at minutes 5 and 10 after OLV, ABG (arterial blood gas) (for detecting the mean pressure of arterial oxygen), mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty patients (mean age = 4124.18 ± 18.63 years) were divided into two groups. The age and gender of the subjects were not statistically different between the two groups. In the propofol group, the arterial oxygen pressure during two-lung ventilation and at 5th and 10th minutes after OLV was 263.14 ± 136.19, 217.40 ± 133.99 and 182.34 ± 122.39; in the isoflurane group, it was reported as 206.29 ± 135.59, 164.78 ± 118.90 and 155.35 ± 109.21 mmHg, respectively. In the propofol group, mean arterial pressure during two-lung ventilation, and 5th and 10th minutes after OLV, was 84.01 ± 20.67, 88.15 ± 20.23 and 86.10 ± 19.13, respectively; regarding the isoflurane group, it was reported as 79.66 ± 17.04, 84.78 ± 20.19 and 86.50 ± 17.07 mmHg, respectively. In the propofol group, heart rate during two-lung ventilation, and 5th and 10th minutes after OLV was 92.77 ± 17.20, 94.0 ± 18.34 and 94.33 ± 21.03, respectively; In the isoflurane group, it was reported as 92.87 ± 16.96, 91.8 ± 18.75 and 91.05 ± 17.20 min, respectively. These values were statistically similar in the two study groups. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of propofol on hemodynamics and arterial oxygen pressure during one- or two-lung ventilation were not different from those of isoflurane.

Outcome of surgical treatment for proximal long segment post intubation tracheal stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Post intubation long segment tracheal stenosis is a serious problem which usually requires multiple methods of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment in long segment post intubation tracheal stenosis. METHODS: Between 2004 to 2008, 20 patients with proximal long segment tracheal stenosis and resection of over 40% of tracheal length, were analyzed in terms of age, sex, clinical symptoms, etiology of stenosis, length of stenosis and resection, role of suprahyoeid release with bilateral hyoeid bone cutting maneuver, post operative complications and life quality 3 year after surgery. RESULTS: M/F was 2/5, with the average age of 23.5 ± 0.5 years. Average length of stenosis was 4.2 ± 0.4 cm and the average length of resected segment was 5.2 ± 0.4 cm. Early postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (20%), 5 patients (25%) had late stenosis and 4 of them were treated with multiple dilation and one patient needed tracheostomy and prolonged T. tube. We didn't have any mortality. 80% of patients had excellent surgical results in follow up period. CONCLUSION: Surgery is the best method of treatment in long and multi segment tracheal stenosis.

Endobronchial leiomyoma; report of a case successfully treated by bronchoscopic resection.

Bronchial leiomyoma is extremely rare. To date less than 60 cases have been reported in the world literature. The presented case here is a 30 year old woman who had been treated for bronchial asthma for several years. Her chest radiograph showed bulluos emphysematous changes in the right lung and computer tomography scan found the tumor in the right main bronchus near carina. Diagnosis was made by histological and immunohistochemical examination of the specimens obtained during bronchoscopy. The patient was treated by bonchoscopic resection of the 3 centimetre firm tumor and its removal through a tracheostomy incision.

Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the hemostatic effect of tranexamic acid in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. SETTING: The Department of Anesthesiology and Cardiac Surgery, Medical Sciences University. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eight patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled into the study. Eight patients were withdrawn, and 100 patients were divided into 2 groups. INTERVENTIONS: Fifty patients received tranexamic acid (bolus 1 g before skin incision and followed by maintenance dose of 400 mg/h during surgery), and 50 patients received saline. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Hematologic parameters, volume of blood loss, blood transfusion, and other clinical data were recorded throughout the perioperative period. Twenty-four-hour postoperative blood loss was significantly less in the tranexamic acid group compared with the control group (471 +/- 182 v 844 +/- 303). Patients in the tranexamic acid group received significantly less allogeneic blood (8 v 31 units). CONCLUSION: Bleeding and hemorrhagic complications and the consequent need for allogeneic transfusion are still major problems after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Tranexamic acid appears to be effective in reducing postoperative bleeding and the need for allogeneic blood products.