EFFECT OF APROTININ ON BLOOD-LOSS AND COA GULATION PARAMETERS IN ORTHOTOPIC LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION

The effect of aprotinin (2000000 IU as a bolus +500000 JU/h until the end of the operation) on transfusion requirements and coagulation para meters in orthotopic liver transplantation (study group: n=9; placebo group: n=9) was investigated in a randomised, double-blind study. Coag ulation parameters were monitored intraoperatively using a mobile labo ratory. In contrast to the published results, no effect on transfusion requirements could be demonstrated. However, aprotinin showed a posit ive effect on some coagulation parameters in the reperfusion phase. Th e mechanism appeared to be inhibition of the contact activation of the intrinsic system with less thrombin generation in the study group.