Extended Perioperative Administration of Fibrinolysis Inhibitors After Cardiac Surgery

Routine use of fibrinolysis inhibitors is strongly recommended in cardiac surgery (recommendation level 1A). However, despite numerous studies on the pharmacodynamics and clinical effects of these drugs, there is still no consensus on the optimal dose and dosage regimen. As a result, there is wide variability in the use of fibrinolysis inhibitors across different clinics. Several studies have shown that peak activation of fibrinolysis occurs during cardiopulmonary bypass. However, elevated levels of markers of fibrinolytic activity in the blood plasma are observed for at least 2 hours after surgery and 4 hours after heparin neutralization. This suggests the potential for extended use of fibrinolysis inhibitors after surgery. There have been limited attempts to investigate the effectiveness of postoperative administration of fibrinolysis inhibitors, and these studies have been conducted on small samples or with retrospective designs. The authors of these studies were unable to identify the benefits of postoperative administration in terms of reducing bleeding risk and the need for blood transfusions. However, postoperative infusion of fibrinolysis inhibitors demonstrated a comparable safety profile. There is evidence suggesting that repeated administration of fibrinolysis inhibitors after cardiopulmonary bypass, rather than a single dose at the beginning of surgery, may be more beneficial. Due to uncertainty regarding the best approach (routine extended use of fibrinolysis inhibitors or no routine extended use of fibrinolysis inhibitors), we will compare the effects of a hospital policy that includes routine administration of fibrinolysis inhibitors 4 hours after surgery to a policy that avoids routine postoperative administration. The comparison will focus on the blood transfusion requirement during hospitalization among patients undergoing open heart surgery.