Randomized study evaluating the role of tranexamic acid in reducing intraoperative bleeding in palatoplasty.

Double-blind randomized study comparing intraoperative bleeding in palatoplasty between patients who received tranexamic acid at a dose of 10mg / kg bolus followed by continuous infusion of 1 mg / kg / h until the end of the procedure and patients receiving placebo in similar arrangements.

Besides the impact on the volume of intraoperative bleeding the incidence of postoperative wound dehiscence in the first week and the incidence of oronasal fistulas after 1 month were evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Palatoplasty indication in patients of any age with presence of congenital cleft palate (with or without associated cleft lip), in the study hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

• Preoperative hemoglobin lower than 10 mg / dl or platelet count less than 100,000 / mm3 ;
• Presence of coagulopathy caused by known coagulation cascade disorders or systemic diseases, or excessive bleeding history on previous occasions;
• History of bleeding disorders in first-degree relatives;
• Use of medications that may interfere with the coagulation cascade (platelet inhibitors or anticoagulants);
• Indication of secondary palatoplasty with the purpose of correction oro-nasal fistula;
• Known allergy to tranexamic acid.