[Bleeding after extracorporeal circulation and epsilon-aminocaproic acid].

In order to assess the efficacy of epsilon aminocaproic acid in reducing bleeding after extracorporeal circulation for aorto-coronary bypass grafting, a double blind study was carried out in 57 patients. The efficiency of epsilon aminocaproic acid was assessed by the fibrinolytic activity as measured by a Von Kaulla test one hour after injection of protamine, by the amount of blood transfusions required and by the measurement of blood losses between the end of the injection of protamine and transfer of the patient to the intensive care unit, and then during the first 24 h following operation. No significant difference (p less than 0.05) between the group of treated patients and the group with placebo could be found concerning the postoperative bleeding, the amount of blood transfusions necessary and the occurrence of fibrinolysis. It was therefore concluded that there was no reason to routinely use epsilon aminocaproic acid after aorto-coronary bypass grafting.