Tehran University Medical Journal

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Background: Topically applied tranexamic acid has been shown to decrease the amount of blood loss associated with major spinal surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of locally applied tranexamic acid in epidural space on post-laminectomy blood loss. Methods: One hundred patients who were scheduled to undergo laminectomy in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran were enrolled in a clinical trial. Patients were divided into two groups of unilateral one level (n=50) and bilateral two level (n=50) laminectomy according to the extent of surgery. Each group was randomly allocated into two groups of tranexamic acid (n=25) and control (n=25). At the end of the operation, 250mg tranexamic acid, with volume of 5ml or 5ml of normal saline were poured on the site of surgery. The blood volume drained during first and second 24hr, and overall hemorrhage, plus the duration of post operative hospitalization were compared between the two groups. Results: The bleeding volume in the 1st 24hr was significantly less in tranexamic acid than control group (p=0.001). The bleeding volume in the 2nd 24hr was significantly less in tranexamic acid than control group (p=0.001). The hospital stay was less in tranexamic acid compared to control group (2.16±0.37 Vs. 2.96±0.89 days, p=0.001) respectively. Conclusion: Locally applied tranexamic acid in epidural space significantly reduces the amount of the 1st day, 2nd day and overall post-laminectomy blood loss, and duration of hospital stay. MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Vs. 2.96±0.89 days, p=0.001) respectively.
Conclusion: Locally applied tranexamic acid in epidural space significantly reduces the amount of the 1^st day, 2^nd day and overall post-laminectomy blood loss, and duration of hospital stay.

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Background: Perioperative administration of tranexamic acid (TA), decreases bleeding and the need for transfusion after cardiac procedures. Hence, the results may vary in different clinical settings and the most appropriate timing to get the best results is unclear. The primary objectives of the present study were to determine the efficacy of TA in decreasing chest tube drainage, the need for perioperative allogeneic transfusions and the best timing for TA administration following primary, elective, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with a low baseline risk of postoperative bleeding.

Methods: In this double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled clinical trial in Seiedoshohada Hospital during 2011-2012, we evaluated 150 patients scheduled for elective, primary coronary revascularization. They were randomly divided into three groups. Group B received tranexamic 10 mg/kg prior to, Group A received tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg after cardiopulmonary bypass and group C received an equivalent volume of saline solution. Blood requirement and postoperative chest tube drainage were recorded.

Results: The placebo group (group C) had a greater postoperative blood loss 12 h after surgery (501±288 vs. 395±184 in group B and 353±181 mL in group A, P=0.004). The placebo group also had greater postoperative total blood loss (800±347 vs. 614±276 in group B and 577±228 mL in group A, P=0.001). There was a significant increase in allogeneic blood requirement in the placebo group (P=0.001).

Conclusion: For elective, first time coronary artery bypass surgery, a single dose of tranexamic acid before or after cardiopulmonary bypass is equally effective.