Single perioperative dose of tranexamic acid in primary hip and knee arthroplasty

Efficacy and safety of single- and double-dose intravenous tranexamic acid in hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

With the increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, total joint replacement, the end-stage treatment, provides pain relief and restoration of function, but is often associated with massive blood loss. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been reported to reduce perioperative blood loss in hip or knee arthroplasty. However, the optimal dose of TXA administration remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis combining data from 5 trials comparing the efficacy and safety of one fixed dose of 1 g intravenously administered TXA with two doses of 1 g each administered intravenously for hip or knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library were searched from January 2000 to February 2023. Our meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies comparing the efficacy and safety of different doses of intravenous TXA (IV-TXA) for THA or TKA. The observation endpoints included total blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin drop, blood transfusion rate, length of hospital stay, incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE). Meta-analysis was performed according to Cochrane's guidelines and PRISMA statement. The Danish RevMan5.3 software was used for data merging.

RESULTS

Five cohort studies involving 5542 patients met the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis showed that the two groups were significantly higher in total blood loss (mean difference (MD) = - 65.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) [- 131.46, 0.26], P = 0.05); blood transfusion rate (risk difference (RD) = 0.00, 95% CI [- 0.01, 0.02], P = 0.55); postoperative hemoglobin (MD = 0.02, 95% CI [- 0.09, 0.13], P = 0.31); postoperative hospital stay days (MD = - 0.13), 95% CI [- 0.35, 0.09], P = 0.25); DVT (RD = 0.00, 95% CI [- 0.00, 0.01], P = 0.67); PE (RD = 0.00, 95% CI [- 0.01, 0.00], P = 0.79). There was some inherent heterogeneity due to variance in sample size across each major study.

CONCLUSION

1 dose of 1 g and 2 doses of 1 g IV-TXA each time have similar effects on reducing blood loss, blood transfusion rate, postoperative hemoglobin level, and postoperative hospital stay after TKA or THA, without increasing the risk of postoperative complications risk. For patients at high risk of thromboembolic events, one dose of 1 g TXA throughout surgery may be preferred. However, higher-quality RCT is needed to explore the optimal protocol dose to recommend the widespread use of TXA in total joint arthroplasty. Trial registration We conducted literature selection, eligibility criteria evaluation, data extraction and analysis on the research program registered in Prospero (CRD42023405387) on March 16, 2023.

One Dose Versus Two Doses of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Total Joint Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Despite its widespread use, a single formulation or dosing regimen of tranexamic acid (TXA) has not been universally agreed on for total joint arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to compare previously uninvestigated single-dose and two-dose regimens in postoperative hemoglobin level and secondary outcomes within 30 days of surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective search of our institution's database of patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty and primary total hip arthroplasty between January 1, 2017, and July 1, 2019, was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: one group received a 1-g bolus of intravenous TXA just before incision and another intravenous 1-g bolus during wound closure, and the second group received a single 1-g intravenous bolus of TXA just before incision. Two doses of TXA were administered in 873 procedures, and a single dose was administered in 647 procedures.

RESULTS

A single intravenous TXA dose just before incision was comparable with using two doses of intravenous TXA on patients' postoperative hemoglobin value, length of stay, rate of transfusion, and 30-day postoperative complication rate, although those receiving two doses of TXA trended toward being less likely to require a transfusion (odds ratio = 0.561; 95% confidence interval: 0.296 to 1.062; P = 0.08). A sensitivity analysis was unable to identify a preoperative hemoglobin value that would identify whether patients would benefit from two versus one dose of TXA.

DISCUSSION

The use of a single intravenous TXA dose was as efficacious as two doses, without an increase in postoperative complications. Further studies may identify patient subgroups that would benefit from a second dose.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Are Three Doses of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid more Effective than Single Dose in Reducing Blood Loss During Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty?

PURPOSE

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has shown to reduce perioperative blood loss after bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). But dosage and schedule of administration are not clear in literature. This study was aimed to compare prospectively blood loss and transfusion requirement in bilateral TKA with 3-dose regimen versus a single intra-operative dose of intravenous TXA.

METHODS

This prospective non-randomised controlled trial included 25 patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous TKA who received three doses of 1 g intravenous TXA (group 1). First dose was given prior to deflation of the tourniquet, followed by two more doses 6 h apart. The control group included 25 matched patients (group 2) receiving a single dose of 1 g intravenous TXA just prior to deflation of the tourniquet.

RESULTS

Mean drop in haemoglobin was less in group 1 as compared to group 2, but this difference was not statistically significant (2.51 vs 2.93 g/dL, p = 0.210). Similarly mean drop in haematocrit was more in group 2 as compared to group 1, though it was not statistically significant (9.34 vs. 9.18, p = 0.868). The need for blood transfusions was more in group 2 compared to group 1, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.601). Higher frequency of ecchymosis around the surgical site was noted in group 2 as compared to group 1, for which prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin had to be stopped post-operatively, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.065).

CONCLUSION

The study has failed to show any significant beneficial effect of three doses of TXA in TKA as compared to a single dose. Though a trend towards reduction in mean haemoglobin drop and decreased need for stopping LMWH in post-operative period was seen, the results were not statistically significant.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, prospective non-randomised controlled trial.

The Effect of Single High-Dose Preoperative Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Administration to Reduce Blood Loss in Patients with Primary Total Knee Replacement

Objectives:

This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of single-dose tranexamic acid (TA) 20 mg/kg preoperatively to reduce blood loss in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR).

Methods:

A total of 387 patients (82 males, 305 females) undergoing TKR between January 2014 and December 2018 were included in the study. The T + group was administrated intravenous (iv) TA 20 mg/kg 20 min before the skin incision. We determined perioperative blood loss, the amount of drainage postoperative 24 h, the amount of drainage after postoperative 24–48 h, total volume of drains, total volume of blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and amount of total blood transfusion.

Results:

In terms of demographic data, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. Perioperative blood loss and total volume of blood loss was found statistically higher in T − group compared to T + group. Postoperatively, the mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels of T − group were statistically significantly lower than T + group.

Conclusion:

A single 20 mg/kg iv TA administration before TKR reduces bleeding during surgery and within 24 h postoperatively.

Tranexamic acid administration to older patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty conserves hemoglobin and reduces blood loss

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid effects in older people are difficult to predict. This study investigated the following research questions: 1) Is tranexamic acid effective in older patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA)? and 2) Is there a difference in the effect of tranexamic acid between younger and older patients?

METHODS

This was a 2-phase retrospective matched-pair study of patients who underwent THA in 2007-2013. All procedures were performed by surgeons with at least 10 years' experience as senior consultant. In the first phase, 58 patients aged 65 years or more who received tranexamic acid were matched 1:1 with patients who did not receive tranexamic acid for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification and body mass index. In the second phase, 58 patients aged 65 years or more who received tranexamic acid were matched 1:1 with patients less than 65 years of age who received tranexamic acid for sex, ASA classification and body mass index. The primary outcome measures were percent maximum decrease in hemoglobin level and estimated blood loss after surgery.

RESULTS

In the first phase, patients who received tranexamic acid conserved postoperative hemoglobin by a mean of 10.26 g/L (standard deviation [SD] 9.89 g/L) compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The mean difference in the estimated perioperative blood loss between the 2 groups was 410 mL (SD 376 mL) (p < 0.001), which indicated less bleeding in the treatment group. In the second phase, there was no difference between the younger (mean age 55.1 [SD 7.28] yr) and older (mean age 75.6 [SD 6.35] yr) groups in mean lowest postoperative hemoglobin level or percent decrease in hemoglobin level.

CONCLUSION

Tranexamic acid reduced the postoperative decrease in hemoglobin level and blood loss in older patients. Moreover, the significant hemoglobin-sparing effect of tranexamic acid in older patients was similar to that observed in younger patients.

Similar thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban and low molecular weight heparin but fewer hemorrhagic complications with combined intra-articular and intravenous tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of the combined intravenous and intra-articular administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) to control the collateral effects and complications of rivaroxaban (RIV) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to compare thromboprophylaxis schemes with and without TXA, RIV and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively studied 158 TKA patients from 2014 to 2018. The patients were randomly assigned into three groups. Group A (46 patients) was administered intravenous and intra-articular TXA and RIV postoperatively; group B (58 patients) was administered TXA as in group A and LMWH postoperatively; and group C (54 patients) was administered saline as in group A and RIV postoperatively. We evaluated blood loss, transfusion requirements and hemorrhagic complications.

RESULTS

Hct and Hb values significantly decreased in group C compared to groups A and B, without any difference between groups A and B. Suction drain blood volume output was significantly higher in group C compared to group A and B, without any difference between group A and B. Hemorrhagic complications were more common in group C. No patient experienced clinical findings of VTE.

CONCLUSION

Combined intravenous and intra-articular administration of TXA is safe and effective in TKA, with fewer hemorrhagic complications compared to placebo. Thromboprophylaxis with RIV and LMWH is similar.

Effect of knee flexion position and combined application of tranexamic acid on blood loss following primary total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the association between tranexamic acid (TXA)-combined application and knee flexion in the first 24 hour post-operatively that could reduce total blood loss and transfusion need in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), without sacrificing safety.

METHODS

Ninety TKA patients were divided into three groups randomly: the flexion group: the knee was in 90° flexion position for the first 12 hour post-surgery and kept at 60°for the next 12 hour, combined with 1 g TXA topical and 1 g TXA intravenous application. The extension group: the knee was in fully extension position post-operatively, combined with topical and intravenous TXA application. The controlled group: the knee was in fully extension position post-operatively combined with single intravenous TXA application. The primary outcomes included blood loss variables and transfusion values. The secondary outcomes included post-operative hospital stay, knee flexion degree, complication rate, and hospital charge.

RESULTS

The total blood loss and transfusion needs in the flexion group were significantly reduced in comparison with that in the extension group and controlled group. The post-operative knee flexion motion was significant higher in the flexion group than the other two groups. There was no difference among the three groups with regard to the rates of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Keeping the knee in flexion position combined with topical and intravenous TXA application in patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA significantly reduced post-operative bleeding and the transfusion rate compared with what was found after treatment with extension knee position or single intravenous TXA application.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I.

Process Improvement Project Using Tranexamic Acid Is Cost-Effective in Reducing Blood Loss and Transfusions After Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been associated with decreased blood loss and transfusion after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to examine both transfusion utilization and the economic impact of a Process Improvement Project implementing TXA for THA and TKA.

METHODS

After standardization of TXA administration in THA and TKA patients, retrospective data were compared from 12 consecutive months before (group A, n = 336 procedures) and after (group B, n = 436 procedures) project initiation.

RESULTS

TXA administration increased with project implementation (group A = 3.57%, group B = 86.01%) and was associated with reductions in perioperative hemoglobin decrement (20.2%), patients transfused (45%), and number of units transfused per patient (61.9%). Cost savings were notable per patient ($128) and annually program wide ($55,884) with the primary THA subgroup contributing the most to the savings. No increase in adverse effects was observed.

CONCLUSION

Standardized administration of TXA is an effective and economically favorable blood-reduction strategy for patients undergoing elective THA or TKA. Although reduction in transfusions with TXA may be greater after TKA, the economic and clinical impact of transfusion reduction is more substantial in THA patients.

Low Risk of Thromboembolic Events After Routine Administration of Tranexamic Acid in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The blood-conserving effect of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) is well-documented for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the risk of thromboembolic (TE) events after routine use of TXA is unclear and the safety profile is debated. This retrospective study investigates patient characteristics, occurrences, and predictors of TE events after routine administration of IV TXA in THA and TKA.

METHODS

Three thousand one hundred fifty-nine THA or TKA procedures performed from 2007-2013 at our institution were included. IV TXA, 1 g, was administered preoperatively if not contraindicated. Relevant patient characteristics and comorbidity information were extracted locally from the database. Data on TE events occurring within 90 days postoperatively came from The Danish National Patient Registry. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and TE events were compared between TXA groups. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate predictors of TE events.

RESULTS

Of 3159 procedures, 2766 (87.6%) received TXA (TXA+ group) preoperatively, whereas 393 (12.4%) did not (TXA- group). Mean age, distributions of gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, anesthesia method, duration of surgery, diagnosis, and survival status were all statistically significant different (P values <.05) between TXA groups. The studied comorbidities were all significantly different (TXA+ vs TXA- group; P values ≤.002). We found 31 (1.0%) TE events out of 3159 procedures, with no significant group difference in TE events (TXA+: 27 out of 2766 = 1.0%, TXA-: 4 out of 393 = 1.0%, P value = .55 for any event). For the TXA+ group, 0.5% suffered from deep venous thrombosis, 0.3% from acute myocardial infarction, and 0.2% from a pulmonary embolism. In the TXA+ group, higher age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.11, P = .005) and present cardiovascular disease (OR = 4.78, 95% confidence interval = 1.72-13.28, P = .003) were associated with an increased risk of TE events.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that routine use of IV TXA for TKA and THA as safe with low occurrence of TE events, although a large prospective trial should confirm this.

Safety, Efficacy, and Cost-effectiveness of Tranexamic Acid in Orthopedic Surgery

Perioperative bleeding and postsurgical hemorrhage are common in invasive surgical procedures, including orthopedic surgery. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a pharmacologic agent that acts through an antifibrinolytic mechanism to stabilize formed clots and reduce active bleeding. It has been used successfully in orthopedics to reduce perioperative blood loss, particularly in total hip and knee arthroplasty and spine surgery. Numerous research studies have reported favorable safety and efficacy in orthopedic cases, although there is no universal standard on its administration and its use has not yet become the standard of practice. Reported administration methods often depend on the surgeon's preference, with both topical and intravenous routes showing efficacy. The type and anatomic site of the surgery seem to influence the decision making but also result in conflicting opinions. Reported complication rates with TXA use are low. The incidence of both arterial and venous thromboembolic events, particularly deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, has not been found to be significantly different with TXA use for healthy patients. The route of administration and dosage do not appear to affect complication rates either. However, data on patients with higher-risk conditions are deficient. In addition, TXA has shown potential to reduce blood loss, transfusion rates and volumes, perioperative hemoglobin change, and hospital-related costs at various degrees among the published studies. Conservation of blood products, reduced laboratory costs, and shorter hospital stays are likely the major factors driving the cost savings associated with TXA use. This article reviews current data supporting the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of TXA in orthopedic surgery.

Comparison of Blood Loss After Total Hip Arthroplasty Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to compare the blood loss during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and hip osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

We reviewed 120 THAs in 68 patients comprising 3 groups: AS with total bony ankylosis of the hips (ASB), AS with stiff hips (ASS), and OA. Demographics, perioperative laboratory values, intraoperative data, blood loss, transfusion rate, transfusion reactions, surgical complications, hospitalization cost, and length of stay (LOS) were collected and analyzed among ASB, ASS, and OA groups.

RESULTS

The patients of the ASB and ASS groups were much younger and thinner than those of the OA group. There were no significant differences in the preoperative values of activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio among the 3 groups (all P > .05). The intraoperative blood loss, volume of drainage, hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, transfusion reactions, and hospitalization cost in the ASB group were significantly higher than in the other 2 groups, although not significantly different between the ASS and OA groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Both AS and OA can cause hyperosteogeny to the hips, but ASB patients have more serious symptoms in their affected hips. This may cause more blood loss in THA surgery because of bone surface bleeding. The reason that ASB patients suffered more blood loss may be related to the high difficulty and long duration of the operation.

Tranexamic Acid Can Be Administered to Arthroplasty Patients Who Receive Aspirin for Venous Thromboembolic Prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is not uncommon after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Various prophylactic agents have been used to minimize this complication after TJA. Numerous studies have demonstrated that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has equivalent efficacy to other agents in preventing VTE after TJA. However, some have expressed theoretical concern that ASA may not be an adequate VTE prophylaxis in TJA patients receiving tranexamic acid (TA), which is an antifibrinolytic agent. The purpose of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of administering systemic TA in TJA patients who also received ASA for VTE prophylaxis.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 2835 consecutive patients (1678 receiving TA and 1157 not receiving TA) who underwent primary or revision TJA between January 2013 and June 2014 and also received aspirin for VTE prophylaxis. The incidence of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was evaluated.

RESULTS

Blood loss and transfusion rates were significantly lower in the TA group compared to the non-TA group (P < .0001, P = .017, respectively). The incidence of VTE, bleeding events, and wound complications was similar (P > .05) between the groups.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing TJA who receive ASA for VTE prophylaxis, TA reduces bleeding and transfusions without increasing the incidence of subsequent VTE.

Tranexamic acid in hip fracture patients: a protocol for a randomised, placebo controlled trial on the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss in hip fracture patients

INTRODUCTION

There is a high incidence of blood transfusion following hip fractures in elderly patients. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has proven efficacy in decreasing blood loss in general trauma patients as well as patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. A randomised controlled trial will measure the effect of TXA in a population of patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

METHODS

This is a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial. Patients admitted through the emergency room that are diagnosed with an intertrochanteric or femoral neck fracture will be eligible for enrolment and randomised to either treatment with 1 g of intravenous TXA or intravenous saline at the time of skin incision. Patients undergoing percutaneous intervention for non-displaced or minimally displaced femoral neck fractures will not be eligible for enrolment. Postoperative transfusion rates will be recorded and blood loss will be calculated from serial haematocrits.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and is registered with clinicaltrials.gov. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01940536.

Tranexamic Acid Administration in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Intravenous Combined with Topical Versus Single-Dose Intravenous Administration

BACKGROUND

The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in primary total hip arthroplasty is well documented. However, considering the potential side effects, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, the ideal method of providing TXA to patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty remains controversial. The objective of this trial was to assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) administration combined with topical administration of TXA regarding postoperative blood loss and transfusion rates in patients treated with primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 150 patients were divided into three groups: the combined group (IV administration of 15 mg/kg of TXA combined with topical administration of 1 g/100 mL of TXA), the single IV group (IV administration of 15 mg/kg of TXA), and the placebo group. The primary outcomes included blood-loss variables (total, intraoperative, and drainage blood loss; changes in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet concentration; and amount of IV transfusion fluid) and transfusion values (frequency of transfusion and number of transfused blood units). The secondary outcomes included the length of the hospital stay, range of hip motion, Harris hip score, and prevalences of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

RESULTS

The total blood loss in the combined group (mean and standard deviation, 835.49 ± 343.50 mL) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in comparison with that in the single IV group (1002.62 ± 366.85 mL) and placebo group (1221.11 ± 386.25 mL). The combined group also had fewer transfusions in comparison with the single IV and placebo groups (1, 8, and 19, respectively; p < 0.05). There was no difference among the 3 groups with regard to the rates of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous combined with topical administration of TXA in patients undergoing a primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty significantly reduced postoperative bleeding and the transfusion rate. Studies with more patients and longer follow-up are needed to confirm whether this promising combined strategy is safe with regard to thromboembolic complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Tranexamic acid decreases blood loss after total shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) significantly decreases blood loss and transfusion rates after total hip and total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of intravenous TXA on blood loss and patient outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

METHODS

TXA was used in 106 consecutive patients undergoing primary anatomic and reverse TSA with a dose of 20 mg/kg intravenously (TXA group) and compared with the previous consecutive 88 patients without TXA (non-TXA group). All patients had a blood sample drawn for a hemoglobin and hematocrit determination the morning after surgery. Analysis of variance and χ(2) techniques were used to analyze study hypotheses.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences in both hemoglobin loss (TXA group Δ = 2.13 vs. non-TXA group Δ = 2.63; P = .01) and hematocrit loss (TXA group Δ = 6.4 vs. non-TXA group Δ = 8.14; P < .01) were seen in the TXA group compared with the non-TXA group. In patients receiving TXA, there were statistically significant decreases in the time spent in the recovery room (mean, TXA group 69 minutes vs. non-TXA group 87 minutes; P < .02) and total length of hospitalization (mean, TXA group 1.18 days vs. non-TXA group 1.4 days; P = .01). Two patients in the TXA group received a blood transfusion, whereas 6 patients in the non-TXA group did.

CONCLUSIONS

TXA 20 mg/kg intravenously given just before primary anatomic and reverse TSA results in statistically significant reductions in blood loss. Patients spent 21% less time in the recovery room and had a 16% shorter hospitalization, resulting in financial savings for the hospital.

Intravenous versus intra-articular tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty: A double-blinded randomised controlled noninferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Despite the proven efficacy of both intravenous (IV) and intra-articular (IA) tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing blood loss during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the ideal route of administration remained debatable. This study aimed to compare the effect of IV versus IA TXA on transfusion incidences, perioperative blood loss and postoperative lower limb swelling during TKA.

METHODS

One hundred patients were prospectively randomised into two groups: 1) IV TXA; and 2) IA TXA. In both groups, TXA was administered intraoperatively after cementing the prostheses. The perioperative blood loss was calculated using the haemoglobin balance method. The thigh, suprapatellar, and calf girths were measured preoperatively and on postoperative day (POD) 4.

RESULTS

Two patients in the IV group and one patient in the IA group required blood transfusion (p=0.500). The median and interquartile range (IQR) of perioperative blood loss on POD1 and POD4 was 530 (IQR 386,704) and 730 (IQR 523,925) ml for the IV group, compared with 613 (IQR 506,703) and 799 (IQR 563,1067) ml for the IA group (p=0.090 and p=0.232 respectively). The median increment in thigh, suprapatellar, and calf girths were 1.5 (IQR 0, 3.0), 2.0 (IQR 0.5, 4.0) and 0 (IQR 0, 1.0) cm for the IV group, compared to 2.0 (IQR 1.0, 4.0), 2.0 (IQR 0, 4.5) and 0 (IQR 0, 1.5) cm for the IA group (p=0.246, p=0.562, and p=0.937 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Both IV and IA TXA had comparable effect on transfusion incidences, perioperative blood loss, and postoperative lower limb swelling during TKA. IA TXA is an alternative to IV TXA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Tranexamic acid use and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty in the United States: retrospective analysis of effectiveness and safety

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness and safety of perioperative tranexamic acid use in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty in the United States.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study; multilevel multivariable logistic regression models measured the association between tranexamic acid use in the perioperative period and outcomes.

SETTING

510 US hospitals from the claims based Premier Perspective database for 2006-12.

PARTICIPANTS

872,416 patients who had total hip or knee arthroplasty.

INTERVENTION

Perioperative intravenous tranexamic acid use by dose categories (none, ≤ 1000 mg, 2000 mg, and ≥ 3000 mg).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Allogeneic or autologous transfusion, thromboembolic complications (pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis), acute renal failure, and combined complications (thromboembolic complications, acute renal failure, cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarction, in-hospital mortality).

RESULTS

While comparable regarding average age and comorbidity index, patients receiving tranexamic acid (versus those who did not) showed lower rates of allogeneic or autologous transfusion (7.7% v 20.1%), thromboembolic complications (0.6% v 0.8%), acute renal failure (1.2% v 1.6%), and combined complications (1.9% v 2.6%); all P<0.01. In the multilevel models, tranexamic acid dose categories (versus no tranexamic acid use) were associated with significantly (P<0.001) decreased odds for allogeneic or autologous blood transfusions (odds ratio 0.31 to 0.38 by dose category) and no significantly increased risk for complications: thromboembolic complications (odds ratio 0.85 to 1.02), acute renal failure (0.70 to 1.11), and combined complications (0.75 to 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Tranexamic acid was effective in reducing the need for blood transfusions while not increasing the risk of complications, including thromboembolic events and renal failure. Thus our data provide incremental evidence of the potential effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid in patients requiring orthopedic surgery.