SUMMARY

Introduction: Bleeding after heart operations remains a common complication and contributes to morbidity and death. Recent studies have suggested that antiplatelet therapy (APT) may not increase homologous blood requirements in coronary bypass surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of APT therapy on haemorrhage and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG) on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Materials and methods: Records from 290 consecutive patients who underwent CABG with CPB were retrospectively reviewed, including 145 patients who received APT within 5 days prior to surgery and 145 control patients (CON). Blood loss was measured up to 24 h. Demographic and clinical patient data were collected until hospital discharge.

Results: Both groups were well matched with respect to demographic and intra-operative data.

There was significantly ( p < 0.0005) more mediastinal tube drainage at 24 h in the APT group (1123 mL ± 537 mL) compared to CON patients (874 mL ± 351 mL). In addition, the APT group received significantly more units of blood (APT: 2.6 ± 2.5 vs CON: 1.6 ± 1.8; p < 0.0005), platelet units (APT: 1.2 ± 1.8 vs CON: 0.2 ± 0.8; p < 0.0005), and fresh frozen plasma units (APT: 2.0 ± 2.2 vs CON: 1.3 ± 2.0; p = 0.01).

Conclusion: This study suggests consideration should be given to delaying elective CABG for patients who have received APT treatment until APT is discontinued for at least 5 days.