The use of low-dose aprotinin, epsilon-aminocaproic acid or tranexamic acid for prevention of mediastinal bleeding in patients receiving aspirin before coronary artery bypass operations

Patients undergoing primary myocardial revascularization were randomized to one of three drug regimens (low-dose aprotinin, epsilon-aminocaproic acid or tranexamic Acid) to determine which drug regimen would most effectively reduce post-operative bleeding and the need for blood products. All patients had received 325 mg of aspirin within 48 h before operation. All three drug regimens reduced the requirements for blood products and postoperative bleeding after coronary artery bypass operations, There was,however, no significant difference between drug regimens. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.