Comparison of the effects of tranexamic acid, aprotinin and placebo on blood conservation, fibrinolysis and platelet function with extensive heart surgery

CPB results in fibrinolysis as reflected by increased plasmin concentrations and fibrin degradation products, both of which have deleterious effects on platelet function. We designed a study to compare the effects of a high dose of aprotinin (A), tranexamic acid (TA) and no treatment (P) on blood loss, transfusion of blood products, fibrinolysis and platelet function during and after heart surgery.