In an effort to reduce morbidity associated with transfusion of blood products, the use of antifibrinolytics to decrease bleeding and transfusions after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is receiving widespread attention. The predominant haemostatic defect induced by CPB and, therefore, the mechanisms by which natural (aprotinin) or synthetic antifibrinolytics (SIGMA-amino-caproic acid, tranexamic acid) exert their effects have been difficult to define. Nonetheless, all three substances appear to be effective in the treatment or in the prevention of excessive bleeding associated with cardiac surgery. However, the administration of these drugs should not attempt to replace meticulous surgical and anaesthetic care. In particular, the importance of an appropriate transfusion practice cannot be overemphasized. The efficient use of these, sometimes expensive, drugs must take into account not only the initial cost, but also the short- and long-term economic consequences for the health care provider of using, or not given medication. Unfortunately, the comprehensive data on which authoritative conclusions may be reached are not yet available. Pending availability of these data, the present use of antifibrinolytics at the Montreal Heart Institute is the following: (1) patients undergoing elective primary myocardial revascularization or valve surgery do not receive prophlactic antifibrinolytics; (2) patients undergoing repeat myocardial revascularization, repeat valve surgery, or primary or repeat combined procedures, receive prophylactic SIGMA-aminocaproic acid; (3) SIGMA-aminocaproic acid may be used to treat excessive chest drainage in the postoperative period; (4) the prophylactic and the therapeutic uses of low doses of aprotinin are currently under investigation.
