Tranexamic Acid for Major Spinal Surgery in Children. A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Paediatric patients who undergo posterior spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis often require multiple blood transfusions. Tranexamic acid is a synthetic antifibrinolytic drug that reduces transfusion requirements in scoliosis surgery (1),(2),(3). Methods: To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic tranexamic acid (TA) (initial dose of 10mg/kg and infusion of 1mg.kg(-1).h(-1)) in reducing perioperative blood transfusion requirements, we reviewed patients files and compared the amount of blood lost and blood transfused in the perioperative period of 12 patients (54.5%) that received TA and 10 patients (45.5%) who did not received TA. T-Student test was applied. Results: The average difference of blood losses (2,67 +/- 6,06ml) and blood transfused (212,9 +/- 101,1ml) between the two groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). No thrombotic complications were detected in either group. Discussion: Results of the current study showed that prophylactic low dose of TA did not have a significant effect in the management of intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in children undergoing scoliosis surgery. It is important to emphasize that our study is retrospective and that the size of the sample is small. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TA on paediatric scoliosis surgery.

A systematic review of Tranexamic acid in hip fracture surgery

Peer reviewed

Studies on Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP-2, -9 and -14) and β2 Integrin Targeting as Potential Anticancer Therapeutics

Proteolytic enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), are associated to the progression of several cancers. They degrade extracellular components, which helps tumors to expand and cancer cells to escape from the primary site. Of all MMPs, gelatinases (MMP-2 and -9) and membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, MMP-14), in particular, are often associated to more aggressive types of head and neck carcinomas as well as to a poorer outcome in patient survival. Although therapies during the last decades have advanced, the mortality of the disease is still rather high and adjuvant therapies are searched for continuously. MMP-9 and MT1-MMP are also involved in neo-angiogenesis, which is necessary for tumor expansion. For this reason, we have identified synthetic peptides-targeting gelatinases and MT1-MMP, and have also evaluated their anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo. Antigelatinolytic peptides effectively inhibited tongue-carcinoma cell invasion and reduced the growth of xenografted tumors. In tumor samples of mice that were treated with antigelatinolytic peptides, the micro-vessel density was significantly reduced. We also identified a novel MT1-MMP targeting peptide and demonstrated that it exerted anticancer effects against several malignant cell lines in vitro. The effects of MT1-MMP inhibition on tongue-squamous cell carcinomas were evaluated by using xenograft tumors, which it effectively inhibited. Tranexamic acid was also demonstrated to inhibit tongue-squamous cell carcinoma invasion, most probably due to its ability to prevent the plasmin-mediated activation of proMMP-9. Leukocyte β2 integrins are another interesting option when evaluating targets for the therapeutic intervention of inflammatory conditions or malignancies of hematopoietic origin, since β2 integrins are expressed mainly by leukocytes. We identified a novel technique for screening small-molecule libraries against β2 integrins, and by using this technique we identified a novel αMβ2 integrin-binding chemical (IMB-10). IMB-10 significantly enhances leukocyte adhesion and inhibits their motility. We also demonstrated that IMB-10 can be used to inhibit inflammation and lymphoma growth in vivo. Interestingly, IMB-10 also reduced leukocyte tumor infiltration and inhibited tumor invasion.

Total Hip and Knee Arthoplasty for Osteoarthritis : Factors Related to the Early Outcome of Surgery

Some perioperative clinical factors related to the primary cemented arthroplasty operation for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee joint are studied and discussed in this thesis. In a randomized, double-blind study, 39 patients were divided into two groups: one receiving tranexamic acid and the other not receiving it. Tranexamic acid was given in a dose of 10 mg/kg before the operation and twice thereafter, at 8-hour intervals. Total blood loss was smaller in the tranexamic acid group than in the control group. No thromboembolic complications were noticed. In a prospective, randomized study, 58 patients with hip arthroplasty and 39 patients with knee arthroplasty were divided into groups with postoperative closed-suction drainage and without drainage. There was no difference in healing of the wounds, postoperative blood transfusions, complications or range of motion. As a result of this study, the use of drains is no longer recommended. In a randomised study the effectiveness of a femoral nerve block (25 patients) was compared with other methods of pain control (24 patients) on the first postoperative day after total knee arthroplasty. The femoral block consisted of a single injection administered at patients´ bedside during the surgeon´s hospital rounds. Femoral block patients reported less pain and required half of the amount of oxycodone. Additional femoral block or continued epidural analgesia was required more frequently by the control group patients. Pain management with femoral blocks resulted in less work for nursing staff. In a retrospective study of 422 total hip and knee arthroplasty cases the C-reactive protein levels and clinical course were examined. After hip and knee arthroplasty the maximal C-reactive protein values are seen on the second and third postoperative days, after which the level decreases rapidly. There is no difference between patients with cemented or uncemented prostheses. Major postoperative complications may cause a further increase in C-reactive protein levels at one and two weeks. In-hospital and outpatient postoperative control radiographs of 200 hip and knee arthroplasties were reviewed retrospectively. If postoperative radiographs are of good quality, there seems to be no need for early repetitive radiographs. The quality and safety of follow-up is not compromised by limiting follow-up radiographs to those with clinical indications. Exposure of the patients and the staff to radiation is reduced. Reading of the radiographs by only the treating orthopaedic surgeon is enough. These factors may seem separate from each other, but linking them together may help the treating orthopaedic surgeon to adequate patient care strategy. Notable savings can be achieved.

Cirurgia oral em hipocoagulados

Monografia apresentada à Universidade Fernando Pessoa para obtenção do grau de Licenciado em Medicina Dentária

Acido tranexamico y convulsiones luego de cirugia cardiaca

En cirugía cardiaca el sangrado perioperatorio y por consiguiente la necesidad de transfundir productos sanguíneos son el mayor contribuyente al incremento de la morbimortalidad en este grupo de pacientes. Existen estrategias para disminuir el sangrado y el requerimiento de transfusiones, como el uso de de ácido tranexamico (AT) el cual parece estar implicado en el desarrollo de convulsiones luego de cirugía cardiaca. En este estudio retrospectivo desarrollado en la Fundación Cardio Infantil (FCI) examinamos la relación entre el uso de AT y la aparición de convulsiones luego de cirugía cardiaca. Nuestra revisión fue hecha en 679 pacientes de los cuales 20 presentaron episodios convulsivos luego de cirugía cardiaca, sin demostrarse lesiones isquémicas en la valoración imagenológica (TAC) en un periodo que comprendía desde abril 1del 2008 hasta mayo 31 del 2009. Nosotros encontramos que la incidencia de convulsiones después de cirugía cardiaca en nuestra institución en este periodo fue de 2.9 % y encontramos una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el uso de AT y la presencia de falla renal (p=0.006) con un incremento lineal en la probabilidad de convulsionar con los valores de creatinina (p=0.036). Nosotros concluimos que la incidencia de convulsiones es baja y multifactorial siendo el principal factor de riesgo la presencia de falla renal, posiblemente por ser esta la principal vía de eliminación del medicamento, generando así un incremento de las concentraciones séricas del mismo y produciendo antagonismo del receptor GABA asociado a vasoespasmo que desencadenaría clínicamente un evento convulsivo.

Factores predictores de crisis convulsivas en pacientes adultos en post operatorio de cirugías cardiovasculares en la fundación cardioinfantil

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son las primeras causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en los registros globales, teniendo en cuenta que muchas de ellas son susceptibles de manejo quirúrgico, es cada vez más importante conocer las complicaciones post operatorias neurológicas de tales procedimientos. Objetivos: Evaluar la presencia de factores predictores para el desarrollo de crisis epilépticas en el periodo pos operatorio de cirugías cardiovasculares. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles, en pacientes sometidos a cirugías cardiovasculares en la Fundación Cardioinfantil entre los años 2008 y 2009. Resultados: Se analizaron 641 historias de pacientes, de los cuales 22 presentaron crisis durante el post operatorio y 66 pacientes se tomaron como controles. En 4 de los 22 pacientes quienes presentaron convulsiones (18.1%) no fue usado acido tranexamico durante la intervención teniendo esto una significancia estadística (p= 0.003). Conclusión: El uso de ácido tranexámico en los equipos de circulación extra-corpórea durante las citadas cirugías cardiovasculares podría ser un factor protector para la presentación de crisis epilépticas en el post operatorio. Los valores de creatinina elevados podrían ser un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de convulsiones pero es necesario realizar nuevos estudios con un tamaño probable de muestra más grande y dirigida a evidenciar la relación entre estos.

Factores de riesgo para convulsiones tras cirugía cardiaca con acido tranexamico: estudio de casos y controles, FCI

La cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea tiene riesgo de lesión del sistema nervioso central que impacta negativamente el desenlace postoperatorio. Su espectro es variable siendo lo más frecuente la lesión isquémica. Sin embargo esta no es la única complicación neurológica, las convulsiones también tienen un impacto significativo sobre la morbimortalidad y se asocian a un incremento de la estancia hospitalaria. Mientras que los eventos isquémicos tras cirugía cardiaca están bien caracterizados, existen pocos datos acerca de las convulsiones postoperatorias de origen no isquémico. Dentro de las teorías postuladas para explicar estos fenómenos llama la atención el potencial epileptogénico de los medicamentos antifibrinolíticos, ampliamente utilizados con el objetivo de minimizar el sangrado y reducir la exposición a hemoderivados. Numerosos reportes sugieren que el ácido tranexámico puede inducir actividad convulsiva en el postoperatorio. El objetivo de este estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles fue examinar los factores asociados con convulsiones postoperatorias en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea que recibieron ácido tranexámico. Todos los pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea entre Enero de 2008 y Diciembre de 2009 fueron identificados. Los casos se definieron como aquellos pacientes que convulsionaron y requirieron inicio de anticonvulsivantes dentro de las 48 horas post-quirúrgicas. Los criterios de exclusión incluyeron epilepsia preexistente y pacientes con alguna lesión isquémica nueva en neuroimágen. Los controles fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente a partir de la cohorte inicial. Se analizaron un total de 28 casos y 112 controles. Se evidenció una asociación entre disfunción renal, valores elevados de creatinina preoperatoria y convulsiones postoperatorias.

The effectiveness of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in menorrhagia: a systematic review

Objective: To determine whether the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUS), licensed at present for contraceptive use, may reduce menstrual blood loss with few side effects. If effective, surgery could be avoided with consequent resource savings. Methods: A systematic review addressing the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the LNG-IUS for menorrhagia was undertaken. Results: Five controlled trials and five case series were found which measured menstrual blood loss. Nine studies recorded statistically significant average menstrual blood loss reductions with LNG-IUS (range 74%–97%). Another showed reduction in menstrual disturbance score. The LNG-IUS was more effective than tranexamic acid, but slightly less effective than endometrial resection at reducing menstrual blood loss. In one study, 64% of women cancelled surgery at six months, compared with 14% of control group women. In another, 82% were taken off surgical waiting lists at one year. No cost effectiveness studies were found. Discussion: Small studies of moderate quality indicate the LNG-IUS is an effective treatment for menorrhagia. Costs may be less than for tranexamic acid in primary and secondary care. Although its use may reduce surgical waiting lists, cost effectiveness assessment requires longer follow up. Conclusion: Effectiveness and cost effectiveness relative to other treatments and the effect on surgical waiting lists can only be established in larger trials measuring patient-centred outcomes in women with menorrhagia.

Arthrodesis tarsocrural or tarsometatarsal in 2 dogs using circular external skeletal fixator

An external fixation technique, using a circular fixator, to obtain arthrodesis was evaluated in 2 dogs with infected open lesions and soft tissue damage. In both cases, articular cartilage was curetted, and devitalized bone and necrotic soft tissue were removed. No bone graft was used. The wounds were maintained open and the dogs received postoperative antibiotic therapy. The arthrodesis site was compressed progressively as needed. Infection was eradicated and bony union was obtained in both dogs. It was concluded that the use of a circular fixator is an effective method to achieve arthrodesis.

Osseointegration of anodized implant: effect of fibrin adhesive/TEA on primary stability

Processo FAPESP: 2012/24545-3

Efeito do ácido tranexâmico associado à cola de fibrina sobre o reparo ósseo: estudo histológico em ratos

The bone repair process is controlled by complex molecular mechanisms that involve systemic and local factors. Fibrin glue is derived from human plasma and mimics the final pathway of coagulation network. Tranexamic acid inhibits fibrinolysis and prevents or decreases the formation of degradation products of fibrin and fibrinogen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate histologically in rats the effect of tranexamic acid associated with the fibrin glue on bone healing. The experiment used 60 (n = 5) male rats in: GI: Control, GII: fibrin glue, GIII tranexamic acid and GIV /fibrin glue/tranexamic acid. Bone defect (2.5mm diameter) was created in right tibia. The animals were euthanized at 7,14 and 30 days postoperatively, and the pieces were processed with hematoxylin and eosin. The results showed at 7 days post-operative surgical cavity filled with dense connective tissue rich in fibroblasts, permeated by delicate neoformed bone trabeculae in percentage of 70-80% for GI, GII and GIII and GIV to 94.8%. At 14 days post-operative newly formed bone was found between 75-85% for GI, GII and GIII and percentage above 95% for GIV. At 30 days postoperative GI and GIV showed 95-100% of mature bone tissue; GII and GIII in percentage close to 80-90%. Based on the results and methodology is concluded that fibrin / tranexamic acid glue association has positive action on bone repair.

Biocompatibility of experimental Ti-30Ta implants with compromised primary stability: effect of TEA

Purpose: Ti-Ta alloys have high potential for dental application due to a good balance between high strength and low modulus. Absence of primary anchoring may occur when dental implants are installed immediately after tooth extraction. Tranexamic acid (TEA) is used to reduce fibrin degradation and can prevent early blood clot breakdown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of Ti-30Ta implants associated or not with tranexamic acid and installed with compromised primary stability. Methods and materials: Fabricated were 20 implants of titanium ASTM F67 (Grade 4) and 20 implants of Ti-30Ta alloy with dimensions of 2.1 mm × 2.8 mm Ø. They were divided (n = 10) into Group I (Ti machined), Group II (Ti machined/tranexamic acid), Group III (Ti-30Ta alloy) and Group IV (Ti-30Ta/tranexamic acid) and were implanted in tibia (defects with 2.5 mm × 3.2 mm Ø) of 40 male rats (250 g). The surgical sites were rinsed with 5% tranexamic acid solution in Groups II and IV. The animals were euthanized at 45 days postoperative. The pieces were processed in methyl methacrylate (Stevenel's blue/Alizarin red). The percentage of peri-implant tissue repair was analyzed via images obtained by an optical microscope coupled to a digital camera using Leica software and Adobe Photoshop QWin. Data were analyzed statistically with a significance level of 5%. Results: Histomorphometric results showed 97.16% of bone-implant contact for group IV, 89.78% of bone contact for group III, 70.89% for group II and 61.59% of bone contact for group I. The statistical analyses demonstrated significant differences (P < 0.05) among group I and other groups. Conclusion: The results suggest that (a) Ti-30Ta promoted an increase of bone healing and apposition around implant; (b) tranexamic acid favored the stabilization of blood clot and bone formation.