Antitrombóticos en las prótesis valvulares biológicas: ¿cuál es el mejor camino a seguir? / Antithrombotics in biological valve prostheses: what is the best way forward? / Antitrombóticos em próteses de válvulas biológicas: qual é o melhor caminho a seguir?

La enfermedad valvular cardíaca es una condición muy frecuente en la población general y un porcentaje considerable de estos pacientes requieren un tratamiento intervencionista sobre su valvulopatía para lograr atenuar su evolución natural. En este contexto, en la actualidad ha aumentado el uso de las prótesis valvulares biológicas para su tratamiento y, con ello, surge el dilema del manejo antitrombótico en estos pacientes en términos de prevención de tromboembolias y eventos hemorrágicos. ¿Cuál es el fármaco más efectivo y seguro en el período posoperatorio temprano? ¿Qué antitrombóticos podemos utilizar en el período posoperatorio tardío? ¿Qué estrategia seguimos cuando el paciente presenta otras indicaciones de anticoagulación? El objetivo de esta revisión es valorar la evidencia actual respecto al tratamiento antitrombótico en pacientes portadores de prótesis valvulares biológicas con y sin indicaciones adicionales de anticoagulación.

Heart valve disease is a very common condition in the general population and a considerable percentage of these patients require interventional treatment for their valve disease to mitigate its natural evolution. In this context, the use of biological prosthetic valves for their treatment has now increased, and with this, the dilemma of antithrombotic management in these patients arises, in terms of prevention of thromboembolism and hemorrhagic events. What is the most effective and safe drug in the early postoperative period? What antithrombotics can we use in the late postoperative period? What strategy do we follow when the patient presents other indications for anticoagulation? The objective of this review is to assess the current evidence regarding antithrombotic treatment in patients with biological prosthetic valves with and without additional indications for anticoagulation.

A valvopatia é uma condição muito comum na população geral e uma porcentagem considerável desses pacientes necessita de tratamento intervencionista para sua valvopatia para amenizar sua evolução natural. Nesse contexto, o uso de próteses valvares biológicas para seu tratamento tem aumentado, e com isso surge o dilema do manejo antitrombótico nesses pacientes em termos de prevenção de tromboembolismo e eventos hemorrágicos. Qual é o fármaco mais eficaz e seguro no pós-operatório imediato? Que antitrombóticos podemos usar no pós-operatório tardio? Que estratégia seguimos quando o paciente apresenta outras indicações de anticoagulação? O objetivo desta revisão é avaliar as evidências atuais sobre o tratamento antitrombótico em pacientes com próteses valvares biológicas com e sem indicações adicionais de anticoagulação.

Comparison between intravenous boluses versus infusion of tranexamic acid [TXA] to reduce bleeding in paediatric cyanotic congenital heart disease [CHD] surgeries

Objective: To compare the intravenous boluses and intravenous continuous infusion of tranexamic acid [TXA] to reduce postoperative bleeding in cyanotic congenital heart disease surgeries

Study Design: Single-blinded randomised clinical trial

Place and Duration of Study: Anaesthesia Department, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from July 2016 to April 2017

Methodology: Sixty patients of cyanotic congenital heart disease, undergoing either palliative or corrective surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass [CPB], were recruited. These 60 patients were divided randomly into two groups. The infusion group received intravenous infusion of TXA at 5 mg/kg/hour while the bolus group received three intravenous boluses of 10 mg/kg after induction, after going to bypass and after protamine reversal. Data was collected through predesigned proforma. There were two primary outcomes: postoperative bleeding in the first 24 hours, and chest closure time

Results: Postoperative bleeding was 13.94 [10.27-20.18] ml/kg in the first 24 hours in infusion group and 15.05 [9.04-23.50] ml/kg in the bolus group. Chest closure time was 38.5 [25-45] in infusion group and 30 [20-46.25] minutes in the bolus group. There was no statistically significant and clinical difference between both groups regarding postoperative bleeding in the first 24 hours and chest closure time

Conclusion: These infusion and bolus groups had comparable postoperative bleeding and chest closure time

Comparison of 12-hour with 72-hour terlipressin therapy for bleeding esophageal varices

Objective: To determine the efficacy of 12-hour of Terlipressin therapy as compared to 72-hour therapy in preventing rebleeding after endoscopic therapy

Study Design: Interventional study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from January to March 2016

Methodology: Cirrhotic patients presenting to our hospital with Gl [gastrointestinal] bleeding received Terlipressin 2 mg intravenous bolus, followed by 1mg 6-hourly until undergoing endoscopy.;Those with esophageal varices as the source of bleeding underwent band ligation and were recruited. Of the 93 enrolled patients, 90 remained and were randomized into 25 [27.8%] in control Group-A and 65 [72.2%] in test Group-B. Group-A received 72-hour of Terlipressin while Group-B received it for 12-hour. Both groups were monitored for rebleeding for 5 days

Results: Rebleeding occurred in 1 [4%] patient in Group-A and 3 [4.6%] in Group-B during the 5-day period. All 4 [4.4%] underwent repeat endoscopy. The Group-A patient and 2 [3%] of 3 Group-B patients showed ulcers over band ligation sites as source of bleed. The third Group-B patient showed varices requiring repeat banding. One [4%] patient [Group-A]

died due to persistent encephalopathy. No drug related adverse effects were seen

Conclusion: A 12-hour duration of Terlipressin as an adjunct to endoscopic band ligation shows similar results to 72-hour therapy

Topical application of tranexamic acid reduces postoperative bleeding in open-heart surgery: myth or fact?

To determine the efficacy of topical application of Tranexamic acid in controlling postoperative bleeding in open-heart surgery. Double blind randomized control trial. Departments of Cardiac Surgery and Intensive Care of Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases [AFIC-NIHD], Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from May to October 2011. A total of 100 consecutive adult patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria undergoing elective on-pump cardiac surgeries were randomly divided in groups [A] and [B]. A study solution that contained 2.5 g of Tranexamic acid in 250 ml normal saline in group-A and equal amount of normal saline [placebo] in group-B was poured in the pericardial cavity over the mediastinal tissues before sternal closure. Postoperative bleeding was measured in both groups for 24 hours in the cardiac surgical ICU. Efficacy of Topical Tranexamic Acid / Placebo was measured in terms of mean postoperative bleeding in ml. Kindly again include these lines which seem to have been omitted in the final proof. There was significant difference in the mean postoperative bleeding within 24 hours among the two groups 340.1 +/- 112.4 ml in Tranexamic acid group vs. 665 +/- 187.28 ml in placebo group [p < 0.001]. Patients who did not have topical Tranexamic acid before chest closure had a significantly higher postoperative bleeding. Topical Tranexamic acid application is an effective and economical way for controlling non-surgical bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

Massive bleeding in trauma and surgery: role of rFVIIa

Uncontrolled hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in trauma patients. It also constitutes a major cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality. The most of critically traumatized patients as well as many postoperative patients suffer profound bleeding accompanied by systemic coagulopathy. When the routine corrective measures have been exhausted and still there does not seem to be any respite, the anesthesiologists and intensivists are in great dilemma and panic attack of [what next]? rFVIIa [NovoSeven[R]7, has already been approved and successfully recommended in many coagulopathies [both congenital as well as acquired] and abnormalities of platelet function [past or present refractoriness to platelet transfusion]. However, there are very few guidelines, if any, on its use for surgical / traumatic massive and uncontrolled bleeding. Because of the recent trends in rFVIIa usage in non-approved settings by physicians of various disciplines, significant concerns about its safety, efficacy and costs have arisen. In addition because of lack of randomized trials, the dosing is not yet standardized. An effort has been made to discuss its off label uses in massive bleeding, especially due to trauma and in the perioperative period. Also review of available guidelines has been mentioned along with recommendations

Uso tópico de agente antifibrinolítico na redução do sangramento após revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio / Topical use of antifibrinolytic agent to reduce postoperative bleeding after coronary artery bypass surgery

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito do uso tópico do ácido epsilon-aminocapróico (AEAC), aplicado na cavidade pericárdica, na redução do sangramento e necessidade de transfusão sanguínea no pós-operatório de revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio. MÉTODOS: Entre outubro de 2007 e outubro de 2008, 53 pacientes da mesma instituição foram alocados em um estudo prospectivo, randomizado e duplo-cego. Foram selecionados portadores de insuficiência coronariana crônica com indicação para revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo AEAC e grupo Placebo, comparados de acordo com as características clínicas, demográficas e variáveis operatórias. Foram avaliados o volume de sangramento pelos drenos, a necessidade de transfusão e os níveis de hemoglobina e hematócrito de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: O sangramento pós-operatório pelos drenos nas primeiras 24 horas (grupo AEAC 154,66±74,64 x grupo placebo 220,21±136,42 ml; P=0,031) foi menor no grupo AEAC, porém, em 48 horas (grupo AEAC 259,14±420,07 x grupo placebo 141,67±142,58 ml; P=0,197) e a perda acumulada até a retirada dos drenos (grupo AEAC 832,07±576,86 x grupo placebo 827,50±434,12 ml; P=0,975) não apresentou diferença estatística significante. Houve menor necessidade de transfusão no grupo AEAC, com diferença estatística significante (grupo AEAC 185,90±342,07 x grupo placebo 439,42±349,07 ml; P=0,016). Os valores de hemoglobina (grupo AEAC 9,18±0,92 x grupo placebo 8,85±1,48 g/dL; P=0,331) e hematócrito (grupo AEAC 28,15±3,35 x grupo placebo 26,67±4,15 por cento; P=0,162) não mostraram diferença estatística significante na comparação entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: O uso tópico do ácido epsilon-aminocapróico apresentou efeito favorável na redução do sangramento nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório e na necessidade de transfusão sanguínea após revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio. Trabalhos adicionais com maior número de pacientes serão necessários ...

OBJECTIVE: Antifibrinolytic agents reduce bleeding after cardiac surgery, but there are adverse effects after their systemic use. These effects are avoided by topical application of antifibrinolytic agents in pericardial cavity. We compared the effects of topically applied epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and placebo on postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements after coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: In this single center prospective, randomized, double-blind trial, 53 patients were randomized into two groups to receive EACA (24 g in 250 ml of saline solution) or placebo (250 ml of saline solution) before sternal closure. Groups were comparable with respect to all preoperative and intraoperative variables. Postoperative bleeding, transfusion requirements and hematologic parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding within first 24 hours (h) period (EACA group 154.66±74.64 x Placebo group 220.21±136.42 ml; P=0.031) showed statistically significant inter-group difference, within 48 h (EACA group 259.14±420.07 x Placebo group 141.67±142.58 ml; P=0.614), as well as cumulative blood loss (EACA group 832.07±576.86 x Placebo group 827.50±434.12 ml; P=0.975), not showed statistically inter-group differences. Inter-group difference of blood product requirements was statistically significant (EACA group 185.90±342.07 x Placebo group 439.42±349.07 ml; P=0.016). Laboratory analyses showed no differences between the two groups postoperative (hematologic characteristics: hemoglobin (g/dl)- EACA group 9.18±0.92 x Placebo group 8.85±1.48 g/dL; P=0.11; hematocrit ( percent)-EACA group 28.15±3.35 x Placebo group 26.67±4.15 percent; P=0.06). CONCLUSION: Topical use of epsilon aminocaproic acid reduces postoperative bleeding in the first 24 hours and requirements of blood transfusion after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Uso de factor VII en el control de sangrados perioperatorios: evidencias actuales / Recombinant activated factor VII for perioperative bleeding

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is a new haemostatic drug, originally used for the treatment of patients with hemophilia A and B. At the present time it is used for other bleeding conditions such as the perioperative period. When used prophylactically there is a reduction in the number of bleeding episodes but no changes in the need for blood transfusion or other blood products. The adverse effects are arterial or venous thromboembolic events that are mostly related to the severity of the underlying disease of the patient and the concurrent administration of other haemostatic agents, rather than the use of rFVIIa. Its use is recommended when there is a persistent bleeding after the reposition of blood products and when surgical causes of bleeding have been discarded. The cost of the medication should also be considered before its use.

Eficacia del ácido tranexámico en la reducción del sangrado post operatorio en artroplastía total de rodilla / Efficacy of the tranexamic acid in the reduction of the postoperative bleeding in total knee replacement

We investigated the effect of the tranexamic acid in the reduction of the post operative bleeding in patients undergoing a total knee replacement. A prospective study was performed, 20 patients made up the study group, these individuals received an intravenous dose of 15 mg/kg weight just before the surgery and a second dose equal to the first one, before the release of the pneumatic tourniquet. The control group included 20 patients who underwent a total knee replacement and did not receive any kind of antifibrinolytic therapy. Patients who received the tranexamic acid had a mean postoperative bleeding of 383 mls +/- 236 versus the control group who had a mean of 1.025 mls +/- 281 of bleeding. The difference between both groups was statistically relevant according to the Mann Whitney test. There were no cases of clinical deep vein thrombosis (DVT), neither pulmonary thromboembolism. Based on the results reported in the literature and obtained in our study, we recommend the routinary use of the tranexamic acid in patients undergoing a total knee replacement.

Investigamos el efecto del ácido tranexámico en el sangrado post operatorio de pacientes sometidos a artroplastía total de rodilla. Este es un estudio prospectivo que contó con un grupo de 20 casos en los que se administró una dosis de 15 mgs/kg peso justo antes del inicio de la cirugía y se repitió antes de la deflación del torniquete neumático. Los pacientes que recibieron ácido tranexámico presentaron un sangrado postoperatorio promedio medido en el receptáculo del drenaje de 383 mls +/- 236 versus el grupo control que tuvo un sangrado promedio de 1.025 mls +/- 281. La diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa entre ambos grupos de acuerdo al test de Mann Whitney. No se registraron casos de trombosis venosa profunda clínica, ni de tromboembolismo pulmonar. Recomendamos el uso de este fármaco de manera rutinaria en este tipo de procedimientos dados los beneficios reportados en la literatura y comprobados en nuestro estudio.

effect of prophylactic antibiotic therapy on the incidence of post tonsillectomy bleeding

Adenotonsillectomy is one of the most common operations worldwide. Post operative hemorrhage is the most common serious complication. Many studies has been done on possible factors that may influence the rate of bleeding. In this study the role of prophylactic antibiotic therapy [amoxicillin] on decreasing the rate of post tonsillectomy bleeding has been investigated. In this retrospective study, performed on 200 patients, the rate of bleeding in the study group [100 patients who received amoxicillin [25mg/kg] immediately after operation and continued for 5-7 days] was compared with the rate of bleeding in the control group [100 patients who did not receive antibiotics]. One patient in the study and 3 patients in the control groups had bleeding that was not significant statistically. Although more study is needed, our study showed no influence of prophylactic antibiotic therapy on the rate of post tonsillectomy bleeding

Uso de écido tranexámico en pacientes anticoagulados durante cirugía oral / Use of tranexamic acid in anticoagulated patients during oral surgery

En este estudio se observó el tipo de manejo más adecuado para pacientes anticoagulados oralmente, comparando el ácido tranexámico y una sustancia placebo durante cirugía bucal menor; además, se analizó si variables como edad, sexo, dosis de anticoagulante, tiempo de anticoagulación, constante internacional de normalización (INR) y tipo de tratamiento, influyen en el sangrado que se presenta. Este fue un estudio descriptivo con diseño no experimental. Se tomó una muestra de personas (N=30) de una población de pacientes (N=1300) que requerían un procedimiento menor en cavidad bucal que implicara sangrado, y cumplieran con los parámetros de inclusión determiandos previamente. Se realizó historia clínica e interconsulta previa a los cuatro tipos de tratamientos. Para el análisis de los resultados se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales. Los resultados fueron: el uso de ácido tranexámico redujo el sangrado en el 90 por ciento de los casos, mientras que la sustancia placebo redujo en un 3 por ciento el sangrado; el nivel de INR y el tratamiento influyeron en un 100 por ciento, mientras que otras variables como sexo, edad, tiempo de consumo de anticoagulantes, dosis y conducta médica influyeron en un 10 por ciento. Se concluyó que el ácido tranexámico es eficaz para disminuir la hemorragia en pacientes anticoagulados; el nivel de INR y el tratamiento influyen significativamente en el tipo de sangrado que se presenta. Para el tratamiento debe tenerse en cuenta el INR que el paciente refiere con el fin de prevenir posibles complicaciones que pueden presentarse