Unilateral essential hematuria. Therapy with epsilon aminocaproic acid

A case of severe, unilateral essential hematuria was managed with epsilon aminocaproic acid. An extended remission of the hematuria was achieved with 24 Gm given orally in four divided doses daily, maintained for two weeks, then tapered by 2 Gm per day. The risks reported with this therapy are considered.     

Sickle cell trait: forgotten cause of hematuria in white patients.

Extensive evaluations for intermittent gross hematuria, including selective renal arteriograms, failed to reveal the etiology of bleeding in 2 whtie patients. Sickle cell preparation and hemoglobin electrophoresis, obtained as long shot tests, revealed sickle cell trait in both patients. Both patients were treated successfully with low doses of epsilon aminocaproic acid. Sickle cell prepration and hemoglobin electrophoresis should be included in the evaluation of every patient, white or black, with unexplained hematuria.     

Epsilon aminocaproic acid and the control of post-prostatectomy bleeding: a prospective double-blind study

We randomized 61 patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate in a double-blind parallel fashion to receive epsilon aminocaproic acid or an equivalent volume of placebo solution immediately after the operation. All blood loss during the first 72 hours postoperatively was monitored. Four patients were nonevaluable . The use of epsilon aminocaproic acid caused no significant complication or side effect. There was no significant difference in regard to blood loss, hospital stay or days on catheter drainage between the 2 groups. We conclude that the routine use of epsilon aminocaproic acid after transurethral resection of the prostate is not warranted.     

Carcinoma of bladder masked by epsilon aminocaproic acid therapy

Uncontrolled EACA (epsilon aminocaproic acid) therapy for hematuria was responsible for the formation of an insoluble fibrin cast within the bladder. The causefo the bleeding was found to be unsuspected carcinoma of the bladder. Repeated and thorough urologic investigation is mandatory in all instances of continued hematuria, and therapy with EACA is contraindicated unless a specific fibrinolytic defect is proved.     

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.     

The incidence of deep vein thrombosis in prostatectomised patients following the administration of the fibrinolytic inhibitor,aminocaproic acid (EACA)

Summary Forty patients undergoing prostatectomy for benign prostatic hypertrophy were included in a double blind trial of epsilon aminocaproic acid, and the incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis determined, using the ¹²⁵I-fibrinogen technique. There was no significant difference between the groups, the overall incidence of abnormal scans being 50 per cent, but of the patients undergoing enucleative prostatectomy 68 per cent developed significant scan findings compared with 33 per cent following transurethral surgery.     

Unexplained hematuria

In 270 consecutive patients who presented with hematuria over a 12-month period, complete visualization of the urinary tract by urography and cystoscopy indicated a causative lesion in over 90%. Where a cause could not be found on the first presentation, the initial evaluation was repeated within 4 months, revealing the previously missed diagnoses in four patients. Of patients who bled while receiving anticoagulants, 17% were found to have an important underlying cause other than anticoagulant therapy. Despite repeated evaluation, and in many instances more elaborate investigation with angiography, computerized tomography and ultrasonography, no reasonable diagnosis could be made in 6% (12% of those with microscopic hematuria, 4% with gross hematuria). One hundred and fifty-nine patients with unexplained hematuria, seen between 1975 and 1983, were studied. The triad of "gross, total and painless" was present in 15%. Patients who bled heavily from one kidney without any apparent cause benefited from orally administered epsilon aminocaproic acid.     

Therapeutic options for intractable hematuria in advanced bladder cancer

Intractable hematuria is a common and severe complication in patients with inoperable bladder carcinoma. The aim was to provide an overview of therapeutic options for such cases, and analyze their effectiveness and risk profile, so a systematic literature search of peer‐reviewed papers published up to September 2012 was carried out. Various options are available to treat hematuria in patients with inoperable bladder cancer; these include orally administered epsilon‐aminocaproic acid, intravesical formalin, alum or prostaglandin irrigation, hydrostatic pressure, urinary diversion, radiotherapy, embolization and intraarterial mitoxantrone perfusion. These treatment options are associated with different prospects of success, risks and side‐effects. Well‐designed and large studies comparing options are completely lacking. Despite various treatment options, management of intractable hematuria in patients with inoperable bladder cancer remains a challenge, and most of the reported methods should be seen as experimental. Interventional radiology and alum instillation seem to be suitable alternative options for patients who, after critical consideration, cannot be treated by irrigation, transurethral resection or palliative cystectomy.     

Efficacy of aprotinin, epsilon aminocaproic acid, or combination in cyanotic heart disease

BACKGROUND: Aprotinin and epsilon aminocaproic acid are antifibrinolytic agents used to reduce postoperative blood loss after cardiopulmonary bypass. We compared low dose aprotinin with epsilon aminocaproic acid and a combination of the two agents to reduce postoperative blood loss in infants with congenital cyanotic heart disease undergoing corrective surgical procedures. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted randomly on 300 children. Group I (n = 80) acted as the control and did not receive either of the study drugs. Group II (n = 100) received low dose aprotinin, group III (n = 60) received epsilon aminocaproic acid, and group IV (n = 60) received a combination of the two antifibrinolytic agents. RESULTS: The control group had the longest time for sternal closure, maximum blood loss at 24 hours, and greatest requirements for packed red blood cells and platelets. Fibrinogen levels were significantly lower, and levels of fibrin breakdown products were significantly higher compared with the groups given either or both of the antifibrinolytics. CONCLUSIONS: Epsilon aminocaproic acid is as efficacious as low dose aprotinin in reducing postoperative blood loss and packed red blood cell and platelet requirements in children with congenital cyanotic heart disease. The combination of the two was slightly more effective.     

The Effect of Antifibrinolytic Prophylaxis on Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Operations

Antifibrinolytic agents such as aprotinin and epsilon aminocaproic acid limit postoperative bleeding and blood transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac operations using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Recent evidence suggests that these agents have adverse side effects that influence operative mortality and morbidity. We studied postoperative bleeding, transfusion rates, and operative outcomes in our patients in order to assess the efficacy of these agents during cardiac operations requiring CPB. We reviewed records of 520 patients undergoing a variety of cardiac operations between January 2005 and May 2009. We measured multiple variables including pre-operative risk factors, antifibrinolytic agent used, and outcomes of operation, such as measures of bleeding and blood transfusion, as well as serious operative morbidity and mortality. Postoperative bleeding rates varied significantly between patients receiving aprotinin and those receiving aminocaproic acid (P < 0.05). There was an associated 12% decrease in operative site bleeding in aprotinin-treated patients compared with aminocaproic acid. There was no significant difference in the transfusion rates of packed red blood cells between patients receiving aminocaproic acid or aprotinin (P > 0.05), though individuals in the aprotinin group did receive FFP more frequently than patients in the aminocaproic acid group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in morbidity and mortality rates between patients in either drug group (P > 0.05). Our study shows that aprotinin is more effective at controlling operative site bleeding than aminocaproic acid. Reduced operative site bleeding did not portend better outcome or differences in transfusion requirements. Aminocaproic acid remains a safe and cost-effective option for antifibrinolytic prophylaxis because of unavailability of aprotinin.     

Comparison of epsilon aminocaproic acid and normal saline for postoperative bladder irrigation following transurethral resection of prostate

A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial of bladder irrigation with a 0.5% solution of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) versus normal saline plus placebo was undertaken in 75 patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate for benign or malignant disease. Systemic absorption after irrigation with EACA was not detectable. No significant advantage, however, was demonstrated for the EACA solution over normal saline irrigation in measured postoperative blood loss, irrigant volume, hours of catheterization, or length of hospital stay.     

Intravesical epsilon aminocaproic acid in management of intractable bladder hemorrhage.

Thirty-seven patients with intractable bladder hemorrhage were treated with intravesical epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA). Radiation cystitis and cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis were the two most common causes of intractable bladder hemorrhage. Thirty-four patients responded to treatment. No side effects were noted. Intravesical EACA appears to be a safe and effective method to control intractable bladder hemorrhage.     

The effects of epsilon aminocaproic acid on contractile properties and catecholamine content of rat carotid arteries

The prevalent use of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) to prevent rebleeding in the preoperative management of ruptured intracranial aneurysms raises the question of a relationship between this drug and cerebral vasospasm. The effects of EACA on the contractile properties of the rat common carotid artery were measured in vitro, and the effects of EACA on the catecholamine content of these arteries were determined qualitatively. When carotid artery segments from rats that had been infused with lactated Ringer's solution alone were incubated in the presence of 1 mM EACA, they exhibited a decrease in contractile activity brought about by the presence of either serotonin or norepinephrine, and an increase in contractile activity when potassium chloride was used. These changes were not witnessed if the arterial segments came from rats that had been infused with lactated Ringer's solution containing EACA. No effect of epsilon aminocaproic acid was found on the median effective dose values for each vasoconstrictor used. Fluorescence histochemistry showed no qualitative changes in the catecholamine content of carotid arteries following EACA treatment.     

Use of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) in the preoperative management of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

The authors report their experience with the use of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) in the preoperative management of a series of patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms. A similar series of patients was taken as control. They found that EACA is of definite value in preventing recurrent hemorrhage in the preoperative period. The significance of antifibrinolytic therapy in ruptured intracranial aneurysms is discussed.     

OBSTRUCTION OF THE RENAL PELVIS DUE TO AN INSOLUBLE BLOOD CLOT AFTER EPSILON-AMINOCAPROIC ACID THERAPY: RESOLUTION WITH INTRAURETERAL STREPTOKINASE INSTILLATIONS

Purpose

We demonstrate the effectiveness of intraureteral streptokinase instillations for the resolution of an insoluble blood clot in the renal pelvis.

Materials and Methods

A patient with renal adenocarcinoma had prolonged hematuria related to involvement of the “pyelum” by the tumor. An insoluble blood clot obstruction of the left renal collecting system developed as a consequence of epsilon aminocaproic acid therapy, which was treated with low dose streptokinase through a ureteral catheter.

Results

Complete resolution of the clot and obstruction occurred within 3 days of therapy.

Conclusions

This relatively simple approach should be used for the treatment of obstruction before radical surgery is performed.     

Autologous fibrin glue in full-thickness skin grafting

Full-thickness skin grafts can be anchored to the recipient site using fibrin glue made from the patient's own blood and commercially available thrombin and epsilon aminocaproic acid. The technique works well for small grafts on irregularly contoured sites where suture fixation of a graft would be technically difficult. Full-thickness skin grafts anchored with autologous fibrin glue have been uniformly successful in 50 patients followed for a minimum period of four months.     

Disseminated intravascular coagulation after excision of giant hemangioma

The importance of recognizing disseminated intravascular coagulation as the cause of severe bleeding diathesis in a patient with giant hemangioma is illustrated. A sixteen year old boy with multiple giant cavernous hemangiomas had massive local bleeding after each of the three times surgical excision of the hemangiomas was carried out. Detailed laboratory studies performed on the third occasion provided evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation as shown by the decreased platelet counts and plasma levels of fibrinogen and factors V and VIII, the prolongation of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and arvin time, the presence of fibrinogen degradation products, and the increased fibrinolytic activity. Cessation of bleeding accompanied by a return of the laboratory values to within normal limits occurred after correction of the disseminated intravascular coagulation with heparin and acetylsalicylic acid. The use of epsilon aminocaproic acid is contraindicated in this situation.     

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded single-site control study comparing blood loss prevention of tranexamic acid (TXA) to epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) for corrective spinal surgery

Background  

Multilevel spinal fusion surgery has typically been associated with significant blood loss. To limit both the need for transfusions and co-morbidities associated with blood loss, the use of anti-fibrinolytic agents has been proposed. While there is some literature comparing the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) to epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) in cardiac procedures, there is currently no literature directly comparing TXA to EACA in orthopedic surgery.     

Antithrombin III in cardiac surgery: an outcome study.

A retrospective study examined the impact, in heparin resistant patients (HRP), of lyophilized antithrombin III (ATIII) upon five patient outcomes: intensive care unit stay (ICU-S), 24 hour chest tube drainage (CTD in ml), blood and blood product usage (BPU), development of postoperative coagulopathy (PO-Coag), and reoperation for bleeding (Re-Op). Data was collected from the medical records of 311 patients admitted to the hospital between 12/15/95 and 10/24/96. Subjects were divided into three groups based upon heparin resistance and hemostasis medication. Group 1 (n = 109) were HRP treated with increased heparin, Group 2 (n = 100) were HRP receiving ATIII, and Group 3 (n = 102) were non-HRP and served as controls. Group 2 was also subdivided by use of aminocaproic acid and time of ATIII administration. No significant differences were found between the groups for PO-Coag. and Re-Op. However, significant reduction in CTD (p = 0.05) was seen in the aminocaproic acid patients who were treated with ATIII pre-CPB or within the first 20 minutes of CPB. The CTD in this group was (419.37, +/- 72.96) as compared to Group 1 (782.88, +/- 360.94) and Group 3 (766.67, +/- 407.56). Other Group 2 subgroups showed significant differences in BPU, ICU-S and CTD. The results of this study support the notion that early identification and treatment of HRP with ATIII and aminocaproic acid may decrease postoperative blood loss.