Evaluation of routine tranexamic acid use in cardiac surgery

The study is a prospective, randomized, controlled study. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of routine tranexamic acid use on postoperative blood loss; renal, pulmonary and neurologic functions; intensive care unit and postoperative hospital length of stay in cardiac surgery. One hundred and fifty patients were randomized into two groups in a single center. Second group received tranexamic acid following protamine use after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass whereas first group did not. Tranexamic acid use decreased postoperative blood loss, time to extubation and time to remove drainage tubes. There was no significant adverse effect on postoperative renal, pulmonary and neurologic functions. Decrease in postoperative blood loss and time to extubation allowed the drainage tubes be removed earlier. This increased patient comfort and decreased postoperative pain allowed earlier mobilisation. We did not observe any neurological complications mentioned in some other studies. We believe that tranexamic asid use in cardiac surgery is safe.