Extract
Question:In children undergoing long-segment posterior spinal
fusion, does the use of aprotinin reduce blood loss?Design: Randomized (unclear allocation concealment), blinded
(clinicians and patients), placebo-controlled trial with follow-up to
discharge.Setting: 2 children's hospitals in St. Louis, Missouri.Patients: 44 children and adolescents (mean age, 13 yr) who required
long-segment posterior spinal fusion (=7 segments) for spinal deformities
and who were at high risk for blood loss because of neuromuscular scoliosis or
an underlying medical condition or because the procedure was a reoperation.
Follow-up was complete.