Reduction of intraoperative bleeding with fibrinogen administration in posterior spinal fusion surgery

Abstract

Background: Spinal surgeries are frequently complicated with high rate of intra- and post-operative hemorrhage. It is shown that the serum fibrinogen level is a pivotal factor in determining the degree of intra- and post-operative hemorrhage. This study sought to examine the effect of prophylactic infusion of fibrinogen in preventing hemorrhage in candidates for posterior spinal fusion surgery. Methods: 41 patients who were candidates for posterior spinal fusion surgery were randomly devided in two groups of intervention (21 patients) and control (20 patients), receiving either infusion of fibrinogen (1 g in 100 cc of normal saline infused within 5 minutes after induction) or placebo, respectively. Changes in serum hemoglobin and fibrinogen, the severity of intraoperative hemorrhage, and the need for blood transfusion were compared between the two groups. Findings: While pre- and postoperative changes in serum hemoglobin and fibrinogen did not differ significantly between the two groups, the mean blood loss (533.3 ± 157.9 vs. 679.0 ± 130.0 ml, P = 0.003) and the need for blood transfusion (0 vs. 30 percent, P = 0.030) were significantly higher in the control group. Conclusion: Prophylactic infusion of fibrinogen in candidates for posterior spinal fusion surgery may significantly decrease the amount of intra-operative hemorrhage and the need for blood transfusion. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All Rights Reserved