GPIa/GPIIa gene polymorphism and bleeding after cardiac surgery

INTRODUCTION: Adverse hematological outcome in cardiac surgical patients is defined by interplay of environmental and genetic factors. Among genetic factors common polymorphisms in the genes encoding haemostatic factors have been recently shown to influence their plasma levels. These polymorphisms have been extensively studied in relation to pro-thrombotic states, but their role in surgical blood loss is still unknown. Factor V Leiden has been reported to reduce blood loss after cardiac surgery. Here we report preliminary results of a pilot prospective case control study on identification of risk factors predictive of excessive perioperative bleeding in cardiac surgical patients.