Activation markers of haemostasis in patients undergoing radical urogenital surgery

Abstract

Background and Goal of Study:Determine if the intraoperative administration of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) contribute to decrease perioperative blood loss and need for blood replacement associated to total knee replacement. Materials and Methods: 41 patients were enrolled in this randomized, prospective and double-blind study to received EACA or saline solution intraoperative. Blood loss during surgery and in the reanimation unit was recorded, together with the number of units of blood thansfused in hospital. In all patients, a bilateral lower limb Echo Doppler was performed in the day 4-6 of postoperative. Results and Discussions:The patients in both groups were similar. Mean blood loss for patients receiving EACA was 700 Ϯ 231 significantly less than in patients receiving placebo (1058 Ϯ 380), a 33% reduction. During the hospital stay the treatment group received 0.83 Ϯ 0.98 units of packed red blood cells, significantly less, compared with 1.65 Ϯ 1.02 in placebo group. No abnormal Echo Doppler studies were reported. Conclusion(s):The intraoperative use of EACA is helpful in decreasing significantly blood loss and transfusion requirements in total knee arthroplasty with no detectable morbidity.