Evaluation of Predisposing Factors for Mediastinal Bleeding in Myocardial Revascularization Surgery: Role of Acetylsalicylic Acid, Other Platelet Adhesion Inhibitors, and Anticoagulants

OBJECTIVE: To determine the main factors for perioperative mediastinal bleeding during coronary artery by-pass grafting and to establish the role of acetylsalicylic acid, other inhibitors of platelet adhesion, and anticoagulants in its occurrence. METHODS: A multivariate analysis was performed to the data obtained from 251 patients subjected to coronary artery by-pass grafting in the year 2002. RESULTS: There were no significant differences for the occurrence of perioperative bleeding induced by the preoperative administration of acetylsalicylic acid. No significant increment in the need for blood, platelet, or cryoprecipitates transfusion existed. Patients receiving non-fractionated or low molecular weight heparin had a significantly greater (p < 0.001) transoperative bleeding than patients without this drug. Administration of the other studied drugs did not increase either mediastinal bleeding or the need for blood derivatives. CONCLUSIONS: No statistical evidence was found to suspend administration of inhibitors of platelet adhesion in patients with coronary syndromes, subjected to coronary artery by-pass grafting. However, data obtained suggest the convenience of suspending administration of low molecular weight or non-fractionated heparin to patients subjected electively to coronary artery by-pass grafting.