Prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid preserves platelet numbers during extracorporeal circulation in rabbits

Neonatal extracorporeal life support is associated with platelet consumption and hemostatic disorders. This study in rabbits was undertaken to evaluate the effect of heparin coating and of the plasminogen and plasmin inhibitor, tranexamic acid on platelet consumption during extracorporeal circulation. Fibrinogen consumption was prevented by heparin coating, but platelet consumption was only prevented after the prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid. The authors concluded that inhibition of the fibrinolytic system had a specific effect on preserving platelet numbers, rather than improving the thromboresistance of the artificial surface. The main advantage of a heparin coating is the anticoagulant activity of the surface. Thus systemic heparinization can be reduced or omitted.