Aprotinin Inhibits Plasmin-Induced Platelet Activation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Abstract

Aprotinin has indirect effects to inhibit platelet activation, and this may partly explain the reduction of blood loss during cardiac surgery. To prevent the adverse effects, a single and minimal use of aprotinin is important. The results of in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that platelet preservation was demonstrated by the lower concentration of aprotinin (1.0 x 10(6) KIU per patient or 10 KIU/mL) compared with the concentration that inhibits plasma fibrinolysis.