Aminocaproic acid. Use in control of hemorrhage in patients with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia

Abstract

The bleeding complications of some forms of thrombocytopenia are difficult to control. Many patients become refractory to platelet transfusions even when HLA-matched. We have successfully used aminocaproic acid to control bleeding in 13 patients with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia. Four patients receiving long-term therapy with this drug had striking reductions in the number of platelet transfusions required for capillary bleeding. No adverse effects have been noted save for orthostatic hypotension, which is ameliorated by a reduction in dosage. Quantitative platelet function changes have been impossible to demonstrate, but no changes were noted in four patients with normal platelet counts who were receiving high-dose aminocaproic acid for treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Aminocaproic acid has proved to be a valuable agent in the management of patients with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, especially in decreasing the need for platelet transfusions.