Antifibrinolytic drugs are frequently used to prevent blood loss during surgery, but sometimes cause convulsive seizures. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation , researchers led by Beverly Orser at the University of Toronto investigated the molecular mechanisms that underlie this side effect. By studying antifibrinolytics in mice, Orser and colleagues found that the drugs inhibited the activity of glycine receptors in the brain, leading to seizures. Seizures could be prevented by co-treatment with the general anesthetic isoflurane. This study explains the causes of and proposes treatment for antifibrinolytic-induced seizures. In a companion commentary, Debra Schwinn of the University of Washington reviews the connection between seizures and antifibrinolytic drugs.
TITLE: Tranexamic acid concentrations associated with human seizures inhibit glycine receptors
AUTHOR CONTACT:
Irene Lecker
Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CAN
Phone: 416-978-1518; E-mail: irene.lecker@utoronto.ca
View this article at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/63375?key=806b0eca4232a067ca57
ACCOMPANYING COMMENTARY
TITLE: Understanding the TXA seizure connection
AUTHOR CONTACT:
Debra Schwinn
University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Phone: 206-543-2673; Fax: 206-543-2958; E-mail: debra-schwinn@uiowa.edu
View this article at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/66724?key=bd9895d06f784ef4366f
Journal of Clinical Investigation