Deanda A, Spiess BD. Aprotinin revisited.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012;
144:998-1002. [PMID:
22795461 DOI:
10.1016/j.jtcvs.2012.06.035]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In 2008, we saw the withdrawal of aprotinin from the US markets after preliminary results from a large, randomized clinical trial in Canada. This drug, a potent antifibrinolytic, was used primarily in complex and/or redo cardiac surgery as an adjunct to decrease postoperative bleeding and complications. The Canadian study raised questions previously brought up in similar studies-does aprotinin increase the risk of mortality and renal failure after cardiac surgery? Recently, a re-review of the Canadian data noted flaws in the study, as well as in the interpretation of the results. The present review revisits the aprotinin controversy.
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