European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Nov 2012
Review Meta AnalysisEfficacy of tranexamic acid in paediatric cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The benefit-to-risk ratio of using tranexamic acid (TXA) in paediatric cardiac surgery has not yet been determined. This systematic review evaluated studies that compared TXA to placebo in children undergoing cardiac surgery. A systematic search was conducted in all relevant randomized controlled trials. ⋯ There was marked variability in the dosage and infusion schemes used in different studies. This systematic review showed that in paediatric cardiac surgery, the benefit-to-risk ratio associated with the use of TXA cannot be adequately defined. Evidence supporting the routine use of TXA in paediatric cardiac surgery remains weak.