Open AccessConvulsive Seizures Following Subdural Application of Fibrin Sealant Containing Tranexamic Acid in a Rat Model
Author(s) -
Michael Schlag,
R. Hopf,
Heinz Redl
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
neurosurgery/neurosurgery online
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.485
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1081-1281
pISSN - 0148-396X
DOI - 10.1097/00006123-200012000-00048
Subject(s) - medicine , tranexamic acid , fibrin , anesthesia , aprotinin , saline , neurosurgery , sealant , spinal cord , central nervous system , surgery , immunology , blood loss , chemistry , organic chemistry , psychiatry
OBJECTIVES Tranexamic acid (t-AMCA) has been shown to cause severe convulsions in humans and cats when applied topically to the central nervous system. We wanted to determine whether pure t-AMCA or fibrin sealant (FS) containing t-AMCA would induce similar effects when applied to the spinal cord in a rat model. METHODS Following low-thoracic laminectomy, the dura was incised to expose the dorsal surface of the lumbar enlargement. Rats were allocated to one of the following treatments: 1) t-AMCA (10 mg/ml), 2) vehicle (phosphate buffered saline), 3) FS containing t-AMCA, 4) FS containing aprotinin. The response of the rats was evaluated based on neurological and behavioral observations. Additionally, motor function was scored in the rats that had received FS. RESULTS Application of either 10 mg/ml t-AMCA or FS containing t-AMCA caused severe hind limb spasms that developed into spontaneous generalized convulsions. Two of the three rats that had received FS containing t-AMCA died of respiratory failure. In contrast, application of vehicle or FS containing aprotinin did not cause any abnormal conditions of the animals. CONCLUSION Tranexamic acid may cause severe complications when used in the central nervous system. Thus, fibrin sealants containing t-AMCA should not be used in neurosurgery.