Tranexamic acid pharmacokinetics are influenced by CPB. Our TA pharmacokinetic model does not provide support for the wide range of TA dosing techniques that have been reported. Variation in TA efficacy from study to study and confusion about the optimal duration of TA treatment may be the result of dosing techniques that do not maintain stable, therapeutic TA concentrations.

No abstract

We developed a method for measurement of protamine in human blood. In volunteers, protamine concentrations decreased rapidly after administration. The rapid disappearance of protamine from the circulation, as defined by a median half-life of 7.4 min, could contribute to cases of "heparin rebound" after initial adequate reversal of heparin.

No abstract

EACA clearance declines and volume of distribution increases during CPB. The authors' model predicts that more stable perioperative EACA concentrations would be obtained with a smaller loading dose (50 mg/kg given over 20 min) and a more rapid maintenance infusion (25 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1)) than are typically employed.