Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Encapsulation of Cardiomyocytes in a Fibrin Hydrogel for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Published on: September 19, 2011
Fibrinogen concentrate therapy in complex cardiac surgery
Süleyman Bilecen1, Linda M Peelen, Cor J Kalkman
1Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Isala Clinics, Zwolle, The Netherlands. s.bilecen@umcutrecht.nl
Insights
Fibrinogen concentrate did not reduce blood loss or transfusions in complex cardiac surgery patients. No increased risk of adverse clinical events was observed, suggesting potential limitations in dosage or timing of intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Anesthesiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Fibrinogen concentrate is increasingly used for coagulopathic bleeding in cardiac surgery.
- Its effectiveness and safety in this context remain unproven.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the effects of fibrinogen concentrate on postoperative blood loss and transfusion.
- To assess the occurrence of adverse clinical events following its use in complex cardiac surgery patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort analysis of 1,075 patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery (2007-2010).
- Nonrandomized intervention involving fibrinogen concentrate administration during surgery.
- Adjusted analysis to evaluate outcomes including blood loss, transfusion, and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Fibrinogen concentrate did not significantly reduce postoperative blood loss (geometric mean ratio 1.02) or transfusion rates (odds ratio 1.14).
- No significant increase in the risk of 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, infections, or prolonged ventilation was observed.
- Adjusted odds ratios for adverse events ranged from 0.62 to 1.44, indicating no clear increased risk.
Conclusions:
- Fibrinogen concentrate infusion during complex cardiac surgery did not decrease postoperative blood loss or transfusion requirements.
- No elevated risk of clinical adverse events was detected.
- Lower doses and late intervention may have limited hemostatic efficacy; a randomized trial is underway.
Objectives:
Fibrinogen concentrate increasingly is used to treat coagulopathic bleeding in cardiac surgery although its effectiveness and safety have not been shown. The authors conducted a cohort study to quantify the effects of fibrinogen concentrate on postoperative blood loss and transfusion and the occurrence of adverse clinical events in complex cardiac surgery patients.
Design:
A cohort analysis using prospectively collected data.
Setting:
A teaching hospital.
Participants:
One thousand seventy-five patients who underwent complex cardiac surgery in the years 2007 to 2010.
Intervention:
A nonrandomized intervention with fibrinogen concentrate during complex cardiac surgery.
Measurements And Main Results:
Of the 1,075 patients, 264 (25%) received fibrinogen concentrate during surgery (median dose = 2 g). In the adjusted analysis, the effect of fibrinogen concentrate on blood loss and transfusion in the intensive care unit showed a ratio of geometric means of 1.02 (0.91-1.14) and an odds ratio of 1.14 (0.83-1.56), respectively. For the risk of 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident/transient ischemic attack, renal insufficiency/failure, total infections, and prolonged mechanical ventilation the adjusted odds ratios were 0.96 (0.48-1.92), 1.10 (0.53-2.27), 1.16 (0.50-2.72), 0.62 (0.29-1.32), 1.18 (0.72-1.95), and 1.44 (0.83-2.49), respectively.
Conclusions:
Fibrinogen concentrate infusion during surgery did not reduce postoperative blood loss and transfusion, and no increased risk for clinical adverse events was measured. The lower doses and the relatively late intervention with fibrinogen concentrate might have attenuated its hemostatic effect. This study reports the initial clinical use of fibrinogen concentrate in complex cardiac surgery. A randomized clinical trial has been initiated to investigate the hemostatic role of fibrinogen concentrate in cardiac surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
