The two therapeutic strategies of surgical intervention and medical management in a patient with enhanced-fibrinolytic type of disseminated intravascular coagulation after aortic replacement for Stanford type A aortic dissection with chronic heart and renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Management of the enhanced-fibrinolytic type of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) caused by aortic disorders is the two strategies of surgical intervention and medical treatment based on the patient's age and comorbidities. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old woman with a history of two previous aortic surgeries and chronic heart and renal failure was admitted for uncontrollable subcutaneous hemorrhage. The hemorrhage was caused by the enhanced-fibrinolytic type of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) caused by periprosthetic graft hematoma after aortic replacement for Stanford type A aortic dissection. Open thoracic hemostasis temporarily controlled the subcutaneous hemorrhage, but she was readmitted for the recurrence seven months after discharge. On the second admission, the combination of anticoagulant and antifibrinolytic agents was successful. CONCLUSION: Management of the enhanced-fibrinolytic type of DIC caused by aortic disorders is important of a successful combination of surgical and medical therapy tailored the patient's condition.

Patient blood management using dedicated personnel in the operating room-you get what you pay for.

A patient blood management (PBM) strategy can be applied to the process of intraoperative cell salvage for re-infusion during surgery. Stoneham et al. describe an effective PBM strategy applied to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and emphasise the importance of a qualified and experienced intraoperative cell salvage practitioner to improve the safety and effectiveness of the approach. Commentary on: Stoneham et al. Intraoperative cell salvage using swab wash and serial thromboelastography in elective abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery involving massive blood loss. Br J Haematol 2023;200:652-659.

Clinical and Hematological Outcomes of Aminocaproic Acid Use During Pediatric Cardiac ECMO.

Bleeding and thrombosis-related complications are common in pediatric cardiac patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and are associated with morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of aminocaproic acid (ACA), an antifibrinolytic agent, as it pertains to bleeding in pediatric cardiac patients on ECMO. This included a retrospective cohort study of pediatric cardiac patients receiving ACA while supported on ECMO between 2013 and 2017. For each patient, data were collected in three time intervals: the 24 hours before ACA initiation, and then 0-24 and 24-48 hours following ACA initiation. For each time frame, bleeding, component transfusion, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. A total of 62 patients were included, representing 42% of our cardiac ECMO patients during the time period. ACA was initiated at 16.3 ± 8.7 hours following initiation of ECMO. The mean bleeding rate before ACA was 10.57 mL/kg/h, which reduced to 7.8 mL/kg/h in the 24-hour period after initiation of ACA and a further decrease to 3.65 mL/kg/h during the 24- to 48-hour time period following ACA initiation. ACA administration was associated with reduction in bleeding (p < .001) and packed red blood cell transfusions (p = .02), administration of fresh frozen plasma (p < .001), platelets (p = .017), cryoprecipitate (p = .05), factor VII (p = .002), and Cell Saver (p = .005). Hemoglobin and platelet count were stable, whereas prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time, and international normalized ratio (INR) showed significant reduction over the time course. ACA administration was not associated with specific adverse effects. A clinically significant reduction in bleeding amount, red blood cell transfusions, and other hematologic interventions occurred following ACA administration for pediatric patients on ECMO. Wider consideration for ACA use as a part of a multipronged strategy to manage bleeding during ECMO should be considered.

Anti-hemorrhagic effect of prophylactic tranexamic acid in benign hysterectomy-a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed major gynecological surgical procedures. Even when the indication for the procedure is benign, relatively high complication rates have been reported. Perioperative bleeding seems to represent the most common cause of complications and in 2004, 8% of all women in Denmark undergoing benign hysterectomy experienced a bleeding complication. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that has shown to effectively reduce bleeding complications within other surgical and medical areas. However, knowledge about the drug's effect in relation to benign hysterectomy is still missing. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antihemorrhagic effect of prophylactic tranexamic acid in elective benign hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted at 4 gynecological departments in Denmark from April 2013 to October 2014. A total of 332 women undergoing benign abdominal, laparoscopic, or vaginal hysterectomy were included in the trial, randomized to either 1 g of intravenous tranexamic acid or placebo at start of surgery. Chi-square test and Student t test statistical analyses were applied. RESULTS: The primary outcome of intraoperative total blood loss was reduced in the group treated with tranexamic acid compared to the placebo group when estimated both subjectively by the surgeon and objectively by weight (98.4 mL vs 134.8 mL, P = .006 and 100.0 mL vs 166.0 mL, P = .004). The incidence of blood loss ≥500 mL was also significantly reduced (6 vs 21, P = .003), as well as the use of open-label tranexamic acid (7 vs 18, P = .024). Furthermore, the risk of reoperations owing to postoperative hemorrhage was significantly reduced in the tranexamic acid group compared to the placebo group (2 vs 9, P = .034). This corresponds to an absolute risk reduction of 4.2% and number needed to treat of 24. No incidence of thromboembolic events or death was observed in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: The results support the hypothesis that prophylactic treatment with tranexamic acid reduces the overall total blood loss, the incidence of substantial blood loss, and the need for reoperations owing to postoperative hemorrhage in relation to benign hysterectomy. No incidences of serious adverse events occurred. Thus, tranexamic acid should be considered as a prophylactic treatment prior to elective benign hysterectomy.

Comparison of ε-Aminocaproic Acid and Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Postoperative Transfusions in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Use of antifibrinolytic agents in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is well supported; however, most studies used tranexamic acid (TXA), whereas few used ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA), a similar antifibrinolytic. This study compares the efficacy and cost per surgery of intraoperative infusion of EACA and TXA in reducing postoperative blood transfusion rates in THA. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 1799 primary unilateral THA cases from April 2012 through December 2014 at 5 hospitals within our health care network. RESULTS: In our cohort, 711 received EACA, 445 received TXA, and 643 (control group) received no antifibrinolytic. Both antifibrinolytic groups had significantly fewer patients receiving red blood cell (RBC) transfusions when compared with control group (EACA 6.8% [P < .0001], TXA 9.7% [P < .0001] vs control group 24.7%). Average number of RBC units per patient were similar for EACA and TXA (0.11 units/patient and 0.15 units/patient, respectively), and both were significantly lower than the control group (0.48 units/patient, P < .0001). No significant difference was noted in mean RBC units per patient and percentage of patients transfused between EACA and TXA groups (P = .144, P = .074). Logistic regression showed no difference between EACA and TXA when adjusting for age, gender, higher severity of illness levels, admission hemoglobin, performing surgeon, and hospital. Medication acquisition cost for EACA averaged $2.70 per surgery compared with TXA at $39.58 per surgery. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative antifibrinolytic use significantly decreases need for postoperative blood transfusions. At our institution, EACA is comparable to TXA in THA for reducing transfusion rates while at a lower cost per surgery.

Analysis of tranexamic acid usage in adult spinal deformity patients with relative contraindications: does it increase the risk of complications?

OBJECTIVE: Complex spinal deformity surgeries may involve significant blood loss. The use of antifibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid (TXA) has been proven to reduce perioperative blood loss. However, for patients with a history of thromboembolic events, there is concern of increased risk when TXA is used during these surgeries. This study aimed to assess whether TXA use in patients undergoing complex spinal deformity correction surgeries increases the risk of thromboembolic complications based on preexisting thromboembolic risk factors. METHODS: Data were analyzed for adult patients who received TXA during surgical correction for spinal deformity at 21 North American centers between August 2018 and October 2022. Patients with preexisting thromboembolic events and other risk factors (history of deep venous thrombosis [DVT], pulmonary embolism [PE], myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or cancer) were identified. Thromboembolic complication rates were assessed during the postoperative 90 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess thromboembolic outcomes in high-risk and low-risk patients who received intravenous TXA. RESULTS: Among 411 consecutive patients who underwent complex spinal deformity surgery and received TXA intraoperatively, 130 (31.6%) were considered high-risk patients. There was no significant difference in thromboembolic complications between patients with and those without preexisting thromboembolic risk factors in univariate analysis (high-risk group vs low-risk group: 8.5% vs 2.8%, p = 0.45). Specifically, there were no significant differences between groups regarding the 90-day postoperative rates of DVT (high-risk group vs low-risk group: 1.5% vs 1.4%, p = 0.98), PE (2.3% vs 1.8%, p = 0.71), acute MI (1.5% vs 0%, p = 0.19), or stroke (0.8% vs 1.1%, p > 0.99). On multivariate analysis, high-risk status was not a significant independent predictor for any of the thromboembolic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of intravenous TXA during the correction procedure did not change rates of thromboembolic events, acute MI, or stroke in this cohort of adult spinal deformity surgery patients.

Rapid resolution of hyperfibrinolysis in dogs with spontaneous hemoperitoneum following surgical control of hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the point prevalence and duration of hyperfibrinolysis (HF) in dogs undergoing surgical control of spontaneous hemoperitoneum (SHP). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Forty-five client-owned dogs with SHP were screened for HF. Eighteen HF dogs treated surgically were studied. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Dogs with SHP and evidence of shock admitted for surgical control of hemorrhage were screened for HF. Blood samples were collected for PCV, total plasma protein, platelet count, and thromboelastography with 50 U/mL of tissue plasminogen activator at presentation and every 8 hours postoperatively until 72 hours, discharge, or death. HF was defined as a tissue plasminogen activator-activated thromboelastography lysis percentage measured 30 minutes after maximum amplitude (LY30) of ≥20%. LY30 values were compared to a cohort of samples obtained from healthy dogs (n = 22). The point prevalence of HF in all dogs screened was 40% (18/45 dogs), and the mean LY30 at baseline for HF dogs was 48.9% (±24.2%), which was significantly higher than that of control dogs (4.8% ± 7.1%, P < 0.001) and non-HF dogs (1.9% ± 5.7%, P < 0.001). In HF dogs, there was a significant decrease in LY30 between baseline and 8 hours (P < 0.0001) and between 8 and 16 hours (P = 0.035) but no significant change thereafter. LY30 at 8 hours (4%, range: 0%-23.4%) was not statistically different from control dogs (6.5%, range: 1.2%-32.8%, P = 0.664) suggesting early resolution of HF in this population. Only 2 of 18 dogs were persistently hyperfibrinolytic at 24 hours. Malignancy was diagnosed in 12 of 18 dogs (66.6%), while a benign etiology occurred in 6 of 18 dogs (33.3%). All HF dogs survived to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: HF occurs in some dogs with hypovolemic shock due to hemoperitoneum but resolves rapidly following surgical control of bleeding without antifibrinolytic medications. Routine postoperative use of antifibrinolytics in dogs with hemoperitoneum in dogs undergoing surgical control of bleeding may not be warranted.

Factors Influencing on the Aneurysm Sac Shrinkage after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair by the Analysis of the Patients with the Aneurysm Sac Shrinkage and Expansion.

Objectives: The aneurysmal sac shrinkage has been reported as the strong predictor of favorable long-term outcome after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We evaluated the effects of perioperative and intraoperative factors on the aneurysm sac shrinkage. Methods: EVAR was performed for 296 patients during August 2009-December 2021. Nine patients with type Ia, Ib, or III; 69 patients with the sac diameter change less than 5 mm; and five patients with sac re-expansion after shrunk more than 5 mm were excluded. Thus, patients with sac shrinkage 5 mm or more (79 patients, shrinkage group) and with sac expansion 5 mm or more (18 patients) were included in this study. Antifibrinolytic therapy with tranexamic acid (TXA) 1500 mg/day for 6 months after EVAR was introduced in March 2013 and patent aortic side branches were coil embolized during EVAR since July 2015. Patients' background and patent aortic side branches at the end of EVAR were evaluated. Results: Univariate analysis for comparison between patients with sac shrinkage and sac expansion revealed that males (82.3% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.021), without antiplatelet therapy (40.5% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.044) and TXA (79.8% vs. 38.9%, p <0.001), were significantly associated with sac shrinkage. By multivariate analysis, the odds ratio of sac shrinkage was 11.7 for males, 0.1 for the patients on antiplatelet therapy, and 6.5 for the patient who received TXA. The patients with patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) were less in the shrinkage group (20.3% vs. 77.8%, p <0.001) and with two or less patent lumbar arteries (LAs) were more in the shrinkage group (82.3% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001). The odd ratio of sac shrinkage was 7.8 for occluded IMA and 3.9 for two or less patent LAs. Conclusion: The possibility of sac shrinkage would be high for the patient with occluded IMA and two or less patent LA at the end of EVAR, and that patient received TXA after EVAR. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2022; 31: 291-297.).

Epidemiology of the Use of Hemostatic Agents in Children Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Pediatric Health Information System Database Study.

Objectives: Children supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at high risk of bleeding. Though practitioners often prescribe blood components and/or medications to prevent or treat bleeding, the utilization of these hemostatic measures in children is not well-understood. We sought to evaluate the use of hemostatic blood products (platelet, plasma and cryoprecipitate transfusions) and medications [aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid (TXA) and Factor VIIa] in children supported by ECMO. Design: Retrospective observational study using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database from 2011-2017. Setting: Fifty-one U.S. children's hospitals. Patients: Children (aged 0-18 years) supported by ECMO. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: ECMO was employed in the care of 7,910 children for a total of 56,079 ECMO days. Fifty-five percent of the patients were male with a median (IQR) age of 0 (0-2) years. The median (IQR) length of ECMO was 5 (2-9) days with a hospital mortality rate of 34%. Platelets were transfused on 49% of ECMO days, plasma on 33% of ECMO days and cryoprecipitate on 17% of ECMO days. Twenty-two percent of children received TXA with the majority receiving it on the first day of ECMO and the use of TXA increased during the 6-year period studied (p < 0.001). Seven percent of children received aminocaproic acid and 3% received Factor VIIa. Conclusions: Children supported by ECMO are exposed to a significant number of hemostatic blood products. Antifibrinolytics, in particular TXA, are being used more frequently. Given the known morbidity and mortality associated with hemostatic blood products, studies are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of hemostatic strategies.

Bilateral pulmonary embolism while receiving tranexamic acid: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We present a case of a suspected tranexamic acid-related bilateral pulmonary embolism in a healthy and active middle-aged woman who was receiving tranexamic acid for menorrhagia with no other known significant risk factors for thromboembolism. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old Asian woman who was usually fit and well with no remarkable past medical history except for menorrhagia of 1-year duration for which she was receiving tranexamic acid presented to our accident and emergency department with a 2-week history of intermittent pleuritic central chest pain. She was reviewed and discharged to home with a diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain on two hospital visits because she had no significant risk factors for thromboembolism and her workup investigation results for pulmonary embolism and other differential diagnoses were largely unremarkable. On her third visit to the emergency ambulatory clinic with recurring symptoms of pleuritic chest pain, a pulmonary computed tomographic angiogram confirmed bilateral subsegmental pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: This case report reinforces the possible increased risk of thromboembolism in patients receiving tranexamic acid.

Tranexamic acid and convulsive seizures after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: the role of renal insufficiency.

There is evidence that, in adult cardiac surgical patients undergoing on-pump procedures, tranexamic acid (TXA) dose-dependently increases the risk of convulsive seizure (CS). We aimed to investigate whether a single TXA bolus of 1 g influences the risk of CS in patients who were operated on without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. In 2249 propensity-score-matched pairs who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with or without TXA administration, the risk of CS was 0.5% and 0.3% in the TXA and non-TXA groups, respectively (P = 0.36). In the subgroups of patients with estimated glomerular filtration rates <30, 30-60 and >60 ml/min/1.73 m2, the risk of CS in the TXA group was 2.8%, 1.2% and 0.4%, respectively (P = 0.002), and in the non-TXA group 0.0%, 0.0% and 0.3%, respectively (P = 0.36). The risk of stroke, in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality did not differ significantly between study groups (P-value >0.05). Our data indicate that in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, a single TXA bolus of 1 g generally does not increase the risk of CS. However, the presence and extent of renal insufficiency have a very significant impact on the incidence of CS even after single-dose TXA.

Use and outcomes of antifibrinolytic therapy in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery at 20 academic medical centers in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Several clinical trials have shown an association between the use of aprotinin in cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) patients and an increased risk of adverse renal, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular events. Other antifibrinolytic agents-aminocaproic acid (AA) and tranexamic acid (TA)-have not shown elevated risks. Using a large administrative data set, we sought to examine these findings. METHODS: In our observational database study of CTS patients who were discharged from 20 academic medical centers from October 2002 through September 2005, we assessed the use of antifibrinolytic therapy on select patient outcomes using descriptive and inferential statistics to compare the various groups. RESULTS: For the CTS patients, AA was used in 9,751 (15.5% of patients) and aprotinin was used in 6,855 (10.9% of patients). Only 17 patients from four hospitals received TA; therefore, TA was excluded from further analysis. A quarterly analysis showed a slow decline in the use of AA, with a gradual increase in the use of aprotinin over the study time period. Variation by hospital using each option was considerable (range, 0%-50%). Statistically significant differences in mortality rates (P < 0.001) occurred with AA (2.6%), aprotinin (5.2%), and control patients (n = 46,123), who did not use any antifibrinolytic agents (3.9%). Rates of acute renal failure were 6.2% with AA, 10.9% with aprotinin, and 6.1% in controls; hemodialysis rates were 2.8%, 6.4%, and 2.6%, respectively. Postoperative acute myocardial infarction occurred in only two cases of patients receiving AA, in none of those using aprotinin, and in 63 controls. CONCLUSION: Although the use of aprotinin has been increasing, compared with AA, the overall use of antifibrinolytic agents in patients undergoing CTS has remained relatively stable over a three-year period, at under 30%. Significant differences in patient outcomes were observed between the two treatment groups. Given the growing body of evidence for the use of antifibrinolytic therapy, hospitals might be best served by examining existing patterns of use and by instituting restrictions of aprotinin for patients facing an increased risk for bleeding during CTS.

Tranexamic acid for acute intracerebral hemorrhage growth predicted by spot sign trial: Rationale and design.

Rationale Acute intracerebral hemorrhage inflicts a high-economic and -health burden. Computed tomography angiography spot sign is a predictor of hematoma expansion, is associated with poor clinical outcome and is an important stratifying variable for patients treated with haemostatic therapy. Aims We aim to compare the effect of treatment with tranexamic acid to placebo for the prevention of hemorrhage growth in patients with high-risk acute intracerebral hemorrhage with a positive spot sign. Design The tranexamic acid for acute intracerebral hemorrhage growth predicted by spot sign (TRAIGE) is a prospective, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, investigator-led, randomized clinical trial that will include an estimated 240 participants. Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage demonstrating symptom onset within 8 h and with the spot sign as a biomarker for ongoing hemorrhage, and no contraindications for antifibrinolytic therapy, will be enrolled to receive either tranexamic acid or placebo. The primary outcome measure is the presence of hemorrhage growth defined as an increase in intracerebral hemorrhage volume >33% or >6 ml from baseline to 24 ± 2 h. The secondary outcomes include safety and clinical outcomes. Conclusion The TRAIGE trial evaluates the efficacy of haemostatic therapy with tranexamic acid in the prevention of hemorrhage growth among high-risk patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

Using antifibrinolytics in the peripartum period - concern for a hypercoagulable effect?

INTRODUCTION: Although antifibrinolytic agents are used to prevent and treat hemorrhage, there are concerns about a potential increased risk for peripartum venous thromboembolism. We sought to determine the impact of tranexamic acid and ɛ-aminocaproic acid on in vitro clotting properties in pregnancy. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from healthy pregnant, obese, and preeclamptic pregnant women (n = 10 in each group) prior to delivery as well as from healthy non-pregnant controls (n = 10). Maximum clot firmness (MCF) and clotting time (CT) were measured using rotation thromboelastometry in the presence of tranexamic acid (3, 30, or 300 µg/mL) or ɛ-aminocaproic acid (30, 300, or 3000 µg/mL). ANOVA and regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Mean whole blood MCF was significantly higher in healthy pregnant vs. non-pregnant women (66.5 vs. 57.5 mm, p < 0.001). Among healthy pregnant women, there was no significant difference between mean MCF (whole blood alone, and with increasing tranexamic acid doses = 66.5, 66.1, 66.4, 66.3 mm, respectively; p = 0.25) or mean CT (409, 412, 420, 424 sec; p = 0.30) after addition of tranexamic acid. Similar results were found using ɛ-aminocaproic acid. Preeclamptic women had a higher mean MCF after the addition of ɛ-aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid (p = 0.05 and p = 0.04, respectively) compared to whole blood alone. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state, as reflected by an increased MCF compared to non-pregnant women. Addition of antifibrinolytic therapy in vitro does not appear to increase MCF or CT for non-pregnant, pregnant, and obese women. Whether antifibrinolytics are safe in preeclampsia may require further study.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of prophylactic tranexamic acid treatment in major benign uterine surgery.

BACKGROUND: The value of tranexamic acid (TA) treatment as bleeding prophylaxis in major uterine surgery is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antihemorrhagic effect of prophylactic TA treatment in major benign uterine surgery. SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from 1980 to 2015 without language restriction using search terms related to major uterine surgery combined with TA. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing prophylactic TA with placebo or no intervention in women undergoing elective major benign uterine surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Basic information and outcomes were collected and meta-analyses performed. MAIN RESULTS: Sixteen trials were included, with five trials considered to have an overall low risk of bias. In cesarean delivery, TA significantly reduced intraoperative bleeding (mean -136 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] -189 to -83), blood loss of more than 1000 mL (relative risk 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.81), and blood transfusion (relative risk 0.32, 95% CI 0.17-0.59). In abdominal myomectomy, TA also significantly reduced intraoperative bleeding (mean -251 mL, 95% CI -391 to -110). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic TA treatment significantly reduced operative bleeding in women undergoing elective cesarean delivery or abdominal myomectomy. Additional randomized trials with low risk of bias are needed.

Increased recombinant activated factor VII use and need for surgical reexploration following a switch from aprotinin to epsilon-aminocaproic acid in infant cardiac surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether conversion from aprotinin to epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) during infant cardiac surgery was associated with increased perioperative bleeding. DESIGN: Structured retrospective chart review. SETTING: University-affiliated large congenital cardiac surgery program. MEASUREMENTS: Records from 145 infants (age < 1 yr) receiving aprotinin as antifibrinolytic therapy for cardiac surgery between 6/1/2006 and 12/31/2006 were compared with a cohort of infants receiving EACA for cardiac surgery between 6/1/2008 and 12/31/2008. Sixty-eight infants received aprotinin and 77 infants received EACA. Measured indicators of perioperative bleeding included transfusion volumes, recombinant activated clotting factor VIIa (rFVIIa) administration, need for reexploration, and perioperative chest tube output. MAIN RESULTS: EACA treated patients received significantly more rFVIIa for uncontrolled bleeding (19/77 [25%] vs 3/68 [4%]; P < 0.001) and required surgical reexploration more frequently (21/77 [27%] vs 7/68 [10%]; P = 0.01]. Median (25th-75th percentiles) intraoperative platelet transfusion requirements were also increased after the switch to EACA (28 mL [0-58 mL] vs 0 mL [0 mL - 34.5 mL]), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding in infant cardiac surgery increased following the change in antifibrinolytic therapy from aprotinin to EACA. Given the potential for major harm, especially thrombotic complications, from rFVIIa use, prospective studies examining the safety of postcardiopulmonary bypass rFVIIa administration in infants are necessary before the routine off-label use may be recommended.

Anesthesia for bone replacement surgery.

Advances in clinical medicine, improved understanding of pathophysiology, and the extensive application of medical technology have projected hitherto high risk and poor outcome surgical procedures into the category of routine and relatively good outcome surgeries. Bone replacement surgery is one amongst these and is wrought with a multitude of perioperative complexities. An understanding of these goes a long way in assisting in the final outcome for the patient. Here we present a review of the literature covering various issues involved during the different stages of the perioperative period.

Síndrome hemofagocítico secundario a infección por Erythrovirus B19 y embarazo / Hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to infection Erythrovirus B19 and pregnancy

Antecedentes: El síndrome hemofagocítico es un desorden caracterizado por una proliferación benigna de los histiocitos y la fagocitosis de las células hematopoiéticas normales. Puede ocurrir por diversos estados de compromiso inmunológico o secundario a una gran variedad de infecciones. El comportamiento clínico puede presentarse desde una rápida recuperación hasta la muerte. Caso: Se descubrió una aplasia hematopoiética en una mujer de 27 años con 22 semanas de gestación sin factores de riesgo conocidos, presentando signos y síntomas aparentes de un síndrome purpúrico. La serología viral confirmó IgG e IgM positivos para Erythrovirus B19 y el aspirado de médula ósea demostró una hemofagocitosis reactiva con histiocitos y blastos afectando línea celular roja y blanca. El cuidado materno-fetal y el manejo conllevó al nacimiento de un recién nacido sin complicaciones. Conclusión: El diagnóstico del síndrome hemofagocítico durante el embarazo y el manejo oportuno de las complicaciones resultó en una adecuada resolución y éxito perinatal.

Background: Hemophagocytic syndrome is a hematologic disorder characterized by benign proliferation of histiocytes that undergo uncontrolled phagocytosis of normal hematopoietic cells. It can occur as a consequence of immunologic compromise or secondary of a wide range of infections. Clinical behavior can present from complete recovery to rapid deterioration and death. Case: Hematopoietic aplasia was discovered in a 27-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 2, at 22 weeks' gestation without known risk factors, presenting signs and symptoms of a purpuric syndrome. Confirmatory IgG and IgM Erythrovirus B19 viral serology was reported and bone marrow aspírate demonstrated reactive hemophagocytosis with histiocytes and blasts affecting red and white blood cell lines. Maternal-fetal assessment and management resulted in the delivery of a healthy newborn with an uncomplicated postpartum response. Conclusion: Oportune diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome during pregnancy and prompt management of its complications result in a marked resolution and perinatal success.