Use of Epsilon Aminocaproic Acid in Perioperative Stabilization of Canine Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To document the effects of epsilon aminocaproic acid (&#x3b5;ACA) as a continuous rate infusion on the need for blood products and change in PCV during the perioperative period in dogs with spontaneous hemoperitoneum. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, open-label controlled study. SETTING: Private practice specialty teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Eighteen client-owned dogs presenting with spontaneous hemoperitoneum. INTERVENTIONS: Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of spontaneous hemoperitoneum secondary to an intraabdominal mass intended for surgical intervention were randomized to receive either &#x3b5;ACA (50&#xa0;mg/kg bolus, followed by a continuous rate infusion at 25&#xa0;mg/kg/h for 24&#xa0;h, n&#xa0;=&#xa0;10) or standard therapy (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;8). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: PCV and total solids were obtained at presentation, preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 24&#xa0;h postoperatively. Six dogs, two in the control group and four in the &#x3b5;ACA group, received blood transfusions (33%). There was no significant difference between the number of patients receiving transfusions in the control group compared with the &#x3b5;ACA group (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.0). The median volume of blood removed from the abdomen at the time of surgery and the difference in PCV and total solids at any time point were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups. Dogs taken to surgery sooner (surgery delay <265&#xa0;min) had a significantly lower postoperative PCV compared with initial (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01) and preoperative blood samples (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.047). There were no adverse events attributed to &#x3b5;ACA in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative &#x3b5;ACA was not associated with reduced requirement for blood product or blood loss at the time of surgery.