Pediatric surgery international
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Pediatr. Surg. Int. · Nov 2012
ReviewA systematic review of the use of antifibrinolytic agents in pediatric surgery and implications for craniofacial use.
A systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aprotinin, epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), and tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing perioperative blood loss, risk for transfusion, and total perioperative transfusion volume in major pediatric surgery. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Reviews were searched for relevant articles published from January 1990 to January 2012. Additional studies were identified by cross-referencing citations and extracting data from recent published reviews. ⋯ Antifibrinolytics are effective in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in major pediatric surgery. TXA and EACA also appear to have reasonable side-effect profiles. Application to craniofacial surgery is promising, though further investigation is necessary.