Aprotinin in aspirin-pretreated patients

Forty-four patients who had been taking aspirin underwent aortocoronary bypass surgery; twenty-six selected randomly received high-dose aprotinin (total 700mg approximately). Chest drainage was reduced from 1393ml to 352ml. Haemoglobin loss was reduced fourfold and there was a marked reduction in blood and blood product use in the aprotinin-treated patients. In an era where the need to reduce blood usage is vital, we conclude that aprotinin is effective in reducing bleeding in aspirin-treated patients, known to be at greater risk of postoperative haemorrhage.