Haemostatic effect of aprotinin during craniosynostotic surgery in children

Background Aprotinin has been used in our hospital since the year 2003 to reduce bleeding during craniosynostotic surgery in children. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate its effect, primarily on bleeding and secondarily on the need for transfusion. Methods Thirteen children were treated with aprotinin from 2003 to 2008, while 39 were not treated in the period 1993–2002. Information on blood loss and need for transfusion during the operations in all 52 children was collected from their medical records. Results There was a significant difference in both blood loss and need for transfusion. Estimated blood volume was used to correct for difference in the children's age and size. In the aprotinin group, blood loss was 3.9% of circulating blood volume vs. 22.0%, and the need for transfusion was 0.0% vs. 21.1%. Conclusion Blood loss and need for blood transfusion were significantly reduced in the aprotinin group. No allergic or other possible aprotinin‐specific complications were registered in the aprotinin group.