ObjectiveFollowing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), elaboration of cytokines, and subsequent interstitial proteases induction, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), can result in a complex postoperative course. The serine protease inhibitor, aprotinin, which has been used in congenital heart surgery putatively for modulating fibrinolysis, is now unavailable, necessitating the use of lysine analogues, such as tranexamic acid (TXA). The present study tested the hypothesis that distinctly different plasma profiles of signaling molecules and proteases, would be differentially affected following the administration of aprotinin or TXA in the context of congenital cardiac surgery and CPB.
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