Combination of intravenous and topical application of tranexamic acid in primary total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Comparison of Mean Postoperative Hemoglobin Concentrations in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty With Intravenous Versus Intraarticular Administration of Tranexamic Acid

BACKGROUND

 Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may result in significant blood loss, but it is an effective and affordable treatment for severe osteoarthritis in the knees. While intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) is a commonly used technique, intraarticular (IA) TXA has just recently started to gain traction in joint replacement procedures. The purpose of this research was to examine the mean postoperative hemoglobin concentration in order to assess the effectiveness of TXA administered IV vs IA after TKA.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of intraarticular TXA against intravenous administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The six-month randomized controlled experiment was started from October 5, 2022, to April 4, 2023, at "the Orthopedics Department of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Lahore". The experiment included 60 patients undergoing TKA, ranging in age from 30 to 70. All members of the surgical team, including the supervisor (a consultant surgeon), assistants, and researchers, were present throughout the surgery. A high, thigh tourniquet was employed in every case, and a medial parapatellar technique was performed as well. Before the tourniquet was inflated, individuals in the intravenous group received 1 g of TXA intravenously 15-30 minutes beforehand. In the IA group, the "patient received an injection of 2 g of TXA in a 20 mL solution" straight into the joint after the prosthesis was implanted and secured. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26), with numerical data (age, BMI, surgical length, and hemoglobin levels) presented as mean ± SD and categorical factors (gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, anatomical side) shown as frequency and percentage. The mean postoperative hemoglobin levels were compared between groups using an independent sample t-test, with data stratified by various factors and p ≤ 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

There were 60 patients in this study, ranging in age from 30 to 70. The mean±SD age was 48.73±10.35 years. Patients' mean BMI was 25.51±4.48 kg/m², with representation across underweight, normal, overweight, and obese categories. The procedure took 173.10±32.61 minutes. The overall postoperative hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher in the IA TXA group (12.12±1.32 g/dL) compared to the IV TXA group (11.11±1.10 g/dL), with a p-value of 0.02. Additionally, when stratified by age, the IA TXA group consistently demonstrated higher postoperative hemoglobin levels across all age brackets, with significant differences observed in the 51-60 years (p = 0.001) and 61-70 years (p = 0.011) groups. Gender-based comparisons showed that IA TXA was associated with higher postoperative hemoglobin levels for both males (p < 0.05) and females (p < 0.05) compared to IV TXA.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that IA administration of TXA is more effective in maintaining higher postoperative hemoglobin concentrations compared to IV TXA in patients undergoing TKA. The IA TXA group consistently achieved significantly higher hemoglobin levels across various age groups and both genders, indicating superior efficacy in reducing blood loss associated with TKA. These findings suggest that IA TXA could be a preferable alternative to IV TXA for enhancing postoperative hemoglobin recovery and potentially improving patient outcomes in knee arthroplasty procedures.

Perioperative bleeding control in total hip arthroplasty: hemostatic powder vs. tranexamic acid-a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Perioperative bleeding in total hip arthroplasty (THA) can lead to various problems, so effective management of blood loss is needed. This prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of topical administration of SURGICEL® (a hemostatic agent of oxidized regenerated cellulose) powder (SP) and tranexamic acid (TXA) in controlling perioperative bleeding during THA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 114 patients undergoing THA for osteoarthritis were randomized to either group S (THA with SP) or group T (THA with TXA). Data including patient demographics, laboratory data (C-reactive protein [CRP], hemoglobin, and hematocrit), operative time, and intraoperative blood loss were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using WOMAC, JOA, FJS scores, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Primary outcomes were estimated total and postoperative blood loss, while secondary outcomes included hematological test results and various clinical scores.

RESULTS

57 patients were allocated to each group, with 55 in group S and 56 in group T were finally included in the analysis. There was no significant difference (p = 0.141) in estimated total blood loss between group S (788.2 ± 350.1 ml) and group T (714.1 ± 318.4 ml). Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and WOMAC, and FJS scores were not significantly different between the two groups at any time point. CRP levels were significantly different on postoperative days 4 and 7, and JOA score was significantly different on preoperative and postoperative period. However, the differences in CRP and JOA score values themselves were relatively small and not clinically different.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical administration of SP is as effective as TXA in reducing perioperative bleeding in patients undergoing THA. Additionally, no significant difference was observed in early postoperative clinical outcomes between SP and TXA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) registration number UMIN000047607.

The necessity of suction drainage when intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid is used during primary total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Suction drainages are commonly used after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures; however, their use is somewhat controversial. Recently, some reports have claimed that the administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) may prevent postoperative bleeding following TKAs. Although numerous studies have reported regarding different dosages, timings of administration, or drain clamping times for intravenous and intra-articular TXA injections (IA-TXAs), few have examined whether suction drainage is necessary when TXA is administered. In this study, we compared using suction drainage without TXA administration and IA-TXA without suction drainage and aimed to examine the need for suction drainage during IA-TXA.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted on 217 patients who had received TKA for osteoarthritis; 104 were placed on suction drainage after TKA without TXA (Group A), whereas the remaining 113 received IA-TXA immediately after surgery without suction drainage (Group B). Our clinical evaluation included assessments of the need for transfusion, presence of postoperative complications, incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and changes in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and D-dimer levels.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in terms of postoperative complications and preoperative Hb, Hct, or D-dimer levels between the two groups. Although the prevalence of DVT was significantly higher in Group B (p < 0.05), all cases were asymptomatic. Hb and Hct levels were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days postoperatively (p < 0.05), although none of the cases required blood transfusions. D-dimer levels were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B at 1 and 3 days postoperatively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Suction drainage might not be necessary when IA-TXA is administered after TKA procedures.

Safety and Effectiveness of Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the advantages of robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (raTKA) over conventional manual TKA (cmTKA) by comprehensively comparing patients who received raTKA and cmTKA in terms of postoperative pain, function, imaging assessment, and trauma to the body. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of raTKA in patients using the YUANHUA-TKA system.

METHODS

In a prospective, randomized single-blind trial, 60 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA from October 2020 to December 2020 were randomly assigned to either raTKA or cmTKA. Clinical evaluation, including the time of osteotomy and prosthesis model testing, the total operation time, the visual analogue scale at rest, VAS in motion, opioid consumption, white blood cell count, neutrophil ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), passive and active range of motion (pROM, aROM), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC [stiffness, pain, and function]) score, gait analysis, keen society score (KSS), adverse events, and blood loss were collected by the project nurse, as well as the imaging evaluation, including the lateral tibia component angle (LTC), frontal femoral component angle, frontal tibia component angle (FTC), lateral femoral component angl, and hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA). The student t-test (or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and the χ2-test (or the Fisher exact test) were used to determine differences in categorical variables.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the two groups in pain throughout the whole follow-up period. On the third day postoperatively, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the cmTKA group was significantly higher (p = 0.02), as well as the CRP (p = 0.04). No significant difference was found in the WOMAC stiffnes score or pROM. However, the aROM and the flexion range when walking (FRW) were significantly better in the raTKA group throughout the trial (p < 0.05). The KSS at the 1-month follow-up and the WOMAC function score at the 1-year follow-up were both significantly better in the raTKA group (p < 0.05). The HKA and the LTC in the raTKA group closer to the ideal angle, and the difference between the groups was significant (p < 0.05). The total operation time of the raTKA group was significantly longer (p = 0.001). The intraoperative blood loss had no significant difference in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Compared with cmTKA, raTKA with the YUANHUA robot not only avoids extra pain and trauma in patients but promises better functional recovery and improves the accuracy of the prosthesis position and axial alignment reconstruction.

The past and future of peri-operative interventions to reduce arthrogenic quadriceps muscle inhibition after total knee arthroplasty: A narrative review

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) improves patient-reported function by alleviating joint pain, however the surgical trauma exacerbates already impaired muscle function, which leads to further muscle weakness and disability after surgery. This early postoperative strength loss indicates a massive neural inhibition and is primarily driven by a deficit in quadriceps muscle activation, a process known as arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). To enhance acute recovery of quadriceps muscle function and long-term rehabilitation of individuals after TKA, AMI must be significantly reduced in the early post-operative period. The aim of this narrative review is to review and discuss previous efforts to mitigate AMI after TKA and to suggest new approaches and interventions for future efficacy evaluation. Several strategies have been explored to reduce the degree of post-operative quadriceps AMI and improve strength recovery after TKA by targeting post-operative swelling and inflammation or changing neural discharge. A challenge of this work is the ability to directly measure AMI and relevant contributing factors. For this review we focused on interventions that aimed to reduce post-operative swelling or improve knee extension strength or quadriceps muscle activation measured by twitch interpolation. For individuals undergoing TKA, the use of anti-inflammatory medications, tranexamic acid, cryotherapy, intra-articular drains, torniquets, and minimally invasive surgical techniques for TKA have limited benefit in attenuating quadriceps AMI early after surgery. However, interventions such as inelastic compression garments, voluntary muscle contractions, and neuro-muscular electrical stimulation show promise in mitigating or circumventing AMI and should continue to be refined and explored.

Pharmacological interventions for the prevention of bleeding in people undergoing elective hip or knee surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hip and knee replacement surgery is a well-established means of improving quality of life, but is associated with a significant risk of bleeding. One-third of people are estimated to be anaemic before hip or knee replacement surgery; coupled with the blood lost during surgery, up to 90% of individuals are anaemic postoperatively. As a result, people undergoing orthopaedic surgery receive 3.9% of all packed red blood cell transfusions in the UK. Bleeding and the need for allogeneic blood transfusions has been shown to increase the risk of surgical site infection and mortality, and is associated with an increased duration of hospital stay and costs associated with surgery. Reducing blood loss during surgery may reduce the risk of allogeneic blood transfusion, reduce costs and improve outcomes following surgery. Several pharmacological interventions are available and currently employed as part of routine clinical care.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the relative efficacy of pharmacological interventions for preventing blood loss in elective primary or revision hip or knee replacement, and to identify optimal administration of interventions regarding timing, dose and route, using network meta-analysis (NMA) methodology.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, from inception to 18 October 2022: CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Transfusion Evidence Library (Evidentia), ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs of people undergoing elective hip or knee surgery only. We excluded non-elective or emergency procedures, and studies published since 2010 that had not been prospectively registered (Cochrane Injuries policy). There were no restrictions on gender, ethnicity or age (adults only). We excluded studies that used standard of care as the comparator. Eligible interventions included: antifibrinolytics (tranexamic acid (TXA), aprotinin, epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA)), desmopressin, factor VIIa and XIII, fibrinogen, fibrin sealants and non-fibrin sealants.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We performed the review according to standard Cochrane methodology. Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using CINeMA. We presented direct (pairwise) results using RevMan Web and performed the NMA using BUGSnet. We were interested in the following primary outcomes: need for allogenic blood transfusion (up to 30 days) and all-cause mortality (deaths occurring up to 30 days after the operation), and the following secondary outcomes: mean number of transfusion episodes per person (up to 30 days), re-operation due to bleeding (within seven days), length of hospital stay and adverse events related to the intervention received.

MAIN RESULTS

We included a total of 102 studies. Twelve studies did not report the number of included participants; the other 90 studies included 8418 participants. Trials included more women (64%) than men (36%). In the NMA for allogeneic blood transfusion, we included 47 studies (4398 participants). Most studies examined TXA (58 arms, 56%). We found that TXA, given intra-articularly and orally at a total dose of greater than 3 g pre-incision, intraoperatively and postoperatively, ranked the highest, with an anticipated absolute effect of 147 fewer blood transfusions per 1000 people (150 fewer to 104 fewer) (53% chance of ranking 1st) within the NMA (risk ratio (RR) 0.02, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0 to 0.31; moderate-certainty evidence). This was followed by TXA given orally at a total dose of 3 g pre-incision and postoperatively (RR 0.06, 95% CrI 0.00 to 1.34; low-certainty evidence) and TXA given intravenously and orally at a total dose of greater than 3 g intraoperatively and postoperatively (RR 0.10, 95% CrI 0.02 to 0.55; low-certainty evidence). Aprotinin (RR 0.59, 95% CrI 0.36 to 0.96; low-certainty evidence), topical fibrin (RR 0.86, CrI 0.25 to 2.93; very low-certainty evidence) and EACA (RR 0.60, 95% CrI 0.29 to 1.27; very low-certainty evidence) were not shown to be as effective compared with TXA at reducing the risk of blood transfusion. We were unable to perform an NMA for our primary outcome all-cause mortality within 30 days of surgery due to the large number of studies with zero events, or because the outcome was not reported. In the NMA for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), we included 19 studies (2395 participants). Most studies examined TXA (27 arms, 64%). No studies assessed desmopressin, EACA or topical fibrin. We found that TXA given intravenously and orally at a total dose of greater than 3 g intraoperatively and postoperatively ranked the highest, with an anticipated absolute effect of 67 fewer DVTs per 1000 people (67 fewer to 34 more) (26% chance of ranking first) within the NMA (RR 0.16, 95% CrI 0.02 to 1.43; low-certainty evidence). This was followed by TXA given intravenously and intra-articularly at a total dose of 2 g pre-incision and intraoperatively (RR 0.21, 95% CrI 0.00 to 9.12; low-certainty evidence) and TXA given intravenously and intra-articularly, total dose greater than 3 g pre-incision, intraoperatively and postoperatively (RR 0.13, 95% CrI 0.01 to 3.11; low-certainty evidence). Aprotinin was not shown to be as effective compared with TXA (RR 0.67, 95% CrI 0.28 to 1.62; very low-certainty evidence). We were unable to perform an NMA for our secondary outcomes pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction and CVA (stroke) within 30 days, mean number of transfusion episodes per person (up to 30 days), re-operation due to bleeding (within seven days), or length of hospital stay, due to the large number of studies with zero events, or because the outcome was not reported by enough studies to build a network. There are 30 ongoing trials planning to recruit 3776 participants, the majority examining TXA (26 trials).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found that of all the interventions studied, TXA is probably the most effective intervention for preventing bleeding in people undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery. Aprotinin and EACA may not be as effective as TXA at preventing the need for allogeneic blood transfusion. We were not able to draw strong conclusions on the optimal dose, route and timing of administration of TXA. We found that TXA given at higher doses tended to rank higher in the treatment hierarchy, and we also found that it may be more beneficial to use a mixed route of administration (oral and intra-articular, oral and intravenous, or intravenous and intra-articular). Oral administration may be as effective as intravenous administration of TXA. We found little to no evidence of harm associated with higher doses of tranexamic acid in the risk of DVT. However, we are not able to definitively draw these conclusions based on the trials included within this review.

Efficacy of combining intravenous and topical dexamethasone against postoperative pain and function recovery after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore whether combining intravenous and topical dexamethasone could improve postoperative pain, swelling, and function recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study, 90 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were randomized into a dexamethasone group, which received dexamethasone (10 mg) by periarticular infiltration during surgery, as well as intravenous dexamethasone (10 mg) before tourniquet release and at 12 h postoperatively; or a control group, which received equal volumes of isotonic saline instead of dexamethasone. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, as assessed on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were postoperative consumption of morphine hydrochloride for rescue analgesia, postoperative swelling ratio of the thigh, knee, and tibia; functional recovery in terms of total range of motion (ROM) of knee and daily ambulation distance; postoperative inflammation biomarkers levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6; and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Resting VAS scores at postoperative 6, 12, and 24 h, and VAS scores during motion at postoperative 2, 6, 12, and 24 h were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group. The dexamethasone group also showed significantly less morphine consumption during the first 24 h after surgery and cumulatively during hospitalization, milder limb swelling at 24 and 48 h postoperatively, greater flexion and total ROM on postoperative day 1, and longer ambulation distance on postoperative days 1 and 2, and lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers on postoperative days 1 and 2. The dexamethasone group had significantly lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSION

Compared with placebo, the combination of intravenous and topical dexamethasone can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation after TKA, it also can improve functional recovery and reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Combination of Intravenous and Intra-Articular Application of Tranexamic Acid and Epsilon-Aminocaproic Acid in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

There were limited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) versus tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of TXA and EACA in the combination of intravenous (IV) and intra-articular (IA) administration on reducing blood loss in patients following primary TKA.

METHODS

From January 2020 to January 2021, a total of 181 patients undergoing a primary unilateral TKA were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients in the TXA group (n = 90) received 20 mg/kg of intravenous TXA preoperatively, 1 g of intra-articular TXA intraoperatively, and three doses of 20 mg/kg intravenous TXA at 0, 3, 6 h postoperatively. Patients in the EACA group (n = 91) received 120 mg/kg of intravenous EACA preoperatively, 2 g of intra-articular EACA intraoperatively, and three doses of 40 mg/kg intravenous EACA at 0, 3, 6 h postoperatively. The primary outcomes were total blood loss (TBL), transfusion rates and drop of hemoglobin (HB) level. The secondary outcomes included postoperative hospital stays and postoperative complications. The chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests were utilized to compare categorical variables, while the independent-samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare continuous variables.

RESULTS

The patients who received TXA averaged less TBL than the patients who received EACA (831.83 ml vs 1065.49 ml, P = 0.015), and HB drop in TXA group was generally less than that of EACA group on postoperative day 1 and 3 (20.84 ± 9.48 g/L vs 24.99 ± 9.40 g/L, P = 0.004; 31.28 ± 11.19 vs 35.46 ± 12.26 g/L, P = 0.047). The length of postoperative stays in EACA group was 3.66 ± 0.81 day, which is longer than 2.62 ± 0.68 day in TXA group (P < 0.001). No transfusions were required in either group. The risk of nausea and vomiting in TXA group was significantly higher than that in EACA group (11/90 vs 0/91, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Although the TBL and HB drop were slightly greater in EACA group, these results were not clinically important, given that no transfusions were required. EACA could be an alternative to TXA, especially for patients with severe nausea and vomiting after using TXA postoperatively. Further studies are needed to adjust dosage of EACA to make better comparison of the two drugs.

The application of tranexamic acid in joint arthroplasty: A 20-year bibliometric analysis

Background

With the arrival of the era of the aging population, the amount of joint arthroplasty surgery keeps rising, and the articles related to the application of tranexamic acid (TXA) in joint arthroplasty (we called the application of tranexamic acid in joint arthroplasty as TIA in this study) also show a blowout growth. Therefore, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of TIA-related publications to identify the main research trends and hot spots in this field in the last 20 years.

Methods

In this study, publications in the field of TIA from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2021 were searched in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). A total of 1,013 publications were evaluated for specific characteristics with Microsoft Excel software, CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology (http://bibliometric.com/).

Results

A total of 1,013 TIA-related articles were included in this study, and the number of articles in this field has increased yearly over the past 20 years. The USA and China dominated in the field of TIA. The Sichuan University published the most TIA-related articles among all the institutions. Of all the authors, Professor Pei was the most productive author with 64 articles. The lack of international cooperation was a significant problem in this field during the past 20 years. Furthermore, the results of the co-citation analysis and citation bursts analysis revealed that the safety and effectiveness of TIA and the optimal use strategy were the main trends and hotspots for the current and future.

Conclusion

This bibliometric study reviewed the evolution trend of TIA research, and identified the countries, institutions, authors and journals that have made significant contributions to this field in the past 20 years, as well as the limitations and deficiencies in this field. In addition, this study revealed that the effectiveness and safety of TIA and the optimal use strategy was the current or future research trend and hotspot in this field.

The efficacy and safety of combined administration of intravenous and intra-articular tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty: An update meta-analysis

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of combined administration of intravenous (IV) and intra-articular (IA) tranexamic acid (TXA) with IV or IA TXA alone in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in July 2021. Total blood loss, transfusion rate, postoperative haemoglobin drop, drain output, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were pooled. Data were analyzed using Stata 14.0 software. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42020186654.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs involving 1306 patients were included. Combined TXA group provided lower total blood loss (SMD -0.47; 95% CI -0.64 to -0.30; p < 0.001), postoperative haemoglobin drop (SMD -0.47; 95% CI -0.60 to -0.33; p < 0.001) and drain output (SMD -0.50; 95% CI -0.71 to -0.29; p = 0.009) compared with IV or IA TXA alone group. No significant difference was found in terms of transfusion rate (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.23 to 1.23; p = 0.137) and DVT (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.18 to 1.68; p = 0.293). PE data was provided by all 10 studies, but PE only occurred in one patient in IV TXA alone group.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Combined administration of IV and IA TXA was relatively more effective in reducing total blood loss, transfusion rate, postoperative haemoglobin drop, and drain output after TKA. TXA may not increase the risk of DVT/PE, but it also needs to be monitored in clinical application.

Finding the optimal regimen for short-term daily recombinant human erythropoietin treatment for blood-saving purpose in patients undergoing unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial

Purpose

To find the best short-term daily recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO)-based treatment protocols for blood-saving purpose in THA.

Method

The patients were randomized to 1 of 3 interventions: Patients in group A received 10,000 IU (150 IU/kg) of subcutaneous rhEPO (1 ml) daily from 5 days preoperatively to 3 days postoperatively (9 doses in total); Patients in group B received 1 ml of subcutaneous normal saline daily from 5 days preoperatively to 3 days preoperatively and then 10,000 IU (150 IU/kg) of subcutaneous rhEPO daily until 3 days postoperatively (6 doses in total). Patients in group C received 1 ml of subcutaneous normal saline daily from 5 days preoperatively to one day preoperatively and then 10,000 IU (150 IU/kg) of subcutaneous rhEPO daily from the day of surgery to 3 days postoperatively (4 doses in total).

Results

One hundred eighty patients were included. On postoperative day one, patients in the group A showed significantly higher Hb level (108.4 ± 11.4 g/L) than group C (103.9 ± 8.8 g/L). Group B (107.8 ± 8.4 g/L) also showed significantly higher Hb level than group C (103.9 ± 8.8 g/L) (p < 0.05). On postoperative day 3, no significant difference was found between group B and group C in Hb level (98.7 ± 10.5 and 94.9 ± 8.7 g/L, respectively) (p = 0.094), but the Hb level in group A (103.6 ± 11.0 g/L) was still markedly higher than in group B and the Hb level in group A was also markedly higher than in group C. In terms of blood loss, no markedly difference was found in intraoperative blood loss among group A, B and C (78.3 ± 22.4, 84.6 ± 29.1, and 80.3 ± 23.9 ml, respectively) (p = 0.381), but on postoperative day one, the mean blood loss in group C (522.4 ± 189.4 ml) was significantly more than group B (371.2 ± 124.6 ml), and group B was also significantly more than group A (284.8 ± 112.9 ml) with 95% confidence interval, and group B had significantly less blood loss than group C (p < 0.001). With respect to the total blood loss, the total blood loss in group C (881.6 ± 314.9 ml) was significantly more than group B (642.6 ± 232.9 ml), and group B was also significantly more than group A (514.5 ± 204.6 ml) with 95% confidence interval (Table 2). Only 2 patients in each group received allogeneic blood transfusion and each patient received 2 units of red blood cells, so, the transfusion requirements among the three groups were comparable.

Conclusions

Daily small-dose of subcutaneous rhEPO administered from 5 days before THA could significantly decrease perioperative blood loss and improve postoperative Hb levels, without increasing risks of complications, when compared with the application of rhEPO from 3 days before THA or from the day of surgery. However, surgeons should choose the regimen individually according to different patients’ personal circumstances.

Hypotensive Anesthesia Combined with Tranexamic Acid Reduces Perioperative Blood Loss in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of hypotensive anesthesia (HA) combined with tranexamic acid (TXA) for reducing perioperative blood loss in simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SBTHA).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 183 eligible patients (15 females and 168 males, 44.01 ± 9.29 years old) who underwent SBTHA from January 2015 to September 2020 at our medical center were enrolled for analysis. Fifty-nine patients received standard general anesthesia (Std-GA group), the other 85 and 39 patients received HA with an intraoperative mean arterial pressure between 70 and 80 mmHg (70-80 HA group) and below 70 mmHg (<70 HA group), respectively. TXA was administrated to all patients. Perioperative blood loss (total, dominant, and hidden), transfusion rate and volume, hemoglobin and hematocrit reduction, duration of operation and anesthesia, length of hospitalization, range of hip motion as well as postoperative complications were collected from hospital's electronic records and compared between groups.

RESULTS

All patients were followed for more than 3 months. Total blood loss in the two HA groups (1390.25 ± 595.67 ml and 1377.74 ± 423.46 ml, respectively) was significantly reduced compared with that in Std-GA group (1850.83 ± 800.73 ml, P < 0.001). Both dominant and hidden blood loss were dramatically decreased when HA was applied (both P < 0.001). Accordingly, the transfusion rate along with volume in 70-80 HA group (14.1%, 425.00 ± 128.81 ml) and <70 HA group (12.8%, 340.00 ± 134.16 ml) were reduced in comparison with those in Std-GA group (37.3%, 690.91 ± 370.21ml; P = 0.001 and P = 0.014, respectively). The maximal hemoglobin and hematocrit reduction in both HA groups were significantly less than those in Std-GA group (both P < 0.001). Of note, 70-80 and <70 HA groups exhibited comparable efficacy with no significant differences between them. Besides, significant difference in duration of surgery was found among groups (P = 0.044 and P < 0.001), while no differences in anesthesia time and postoperative range of hip motion were observed. Regarding complications, the incidence of both acute kidney injury and postoperative hypotension in <70 HA group was significantly higher than that in 70-80 HA and Std-GA groups (P = 0.014 and P < 0.001). Incidence of acute myocardial injury was similar among groups (P = 0.099) and no other severe complications or mortality were recorded.

CONCLUSION

The combination of HA with a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 70-80 mmHg and TXA could significantly reduce blood loss and transfusion during SBTHA, in addition to shortening operation time and length of hospitalization, and with no increase in complications.

Tranexamic acid improves early postoperative mobilization in cancer patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstruction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease perioperative blood loss, transfusions, and cost in patients undergoing resection of aggressive bone tumors and endoprosthetic reconstruction. This study explored the effect of TXA administration on postoperative mobilization in these patients.

METHODS

This study included 126 patients who underwent resection of an aggressive bone tumor and endoprosthetic reconstruction; 61 patients in the TXA cohort and 65 patients in the non-TXA cohort. Postoperative physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy notes were reviewed; patient ambulation distance and duration of therapies were recorded.

RESULTS

Patients in the TXA cohort ambulated further on all postoperative days, which was significant on postoperative Day 1 (POD1) (p = 0.002) and postoperative Day 2 (POD2) (p < 0.001). The TXA cohort ambulated 85% further per PT session 87.7 versus 47.4 ft (p < 0.001) and participated 14% longer, 36.1 versus 31.7 min (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified a significant inverse association between postoperative hospitalization length and POD1, POD2, postoperative Day 3, and total ambulation (p < 0.001). Blood transfusion was independently associated with a 1.5 day increase in postoperative hospitalization (95% confidence interval: 0.64-2.5; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

TXA administration was associated with increased postoperative ambulation and endurance. Increased postoperative ambulation was associated with decreased length of stay and increased likelihood to discharge home.

Tranexamic acid combined with compression dressing reduces blood loss in gluteal muscle contracture surgery

Background

Blood loss and incision-related complications caused by the surgical procedure to release gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) put negative effects on the surgical outcomes. Current procedures to prevent blood loss and complications are not satisfactory. The current study aimed to determine whether tranexamic acid (TXA) in combination with pressure dressing reduce the amount of blood loss, the rate of incision-related complications, and the rate of readmission for patients undergoing surgeries to release GMC.

Methods

49 GMC patients were finally included in the study and were randomly divided into two groups: study group and control group. Patients in both groups received minimally invasive surgery to release GMC except that in the study group, patients were administered a dosage of 20 mg/kg of intravenous TXA preoperatively, and 2 subsequent dosages of TXA at 10 mg/kg at two time points: 3 and 6 h after the first dose. Gauze soaked with TXA was used to pack the wound for 10 min before the incision closure. Then the wound was pressure-wrapped with a hip-spica bandage for 24 h after the surgery in the study group.

Results

The level of UBL in the study group was significantly lower compared to that in the control group. Similar results were also found for UMHD and UMAD. The incision-related postoperative complications were greatly decreased in the study group compared to those of the control group as well. So was the 30-day readmission rate. All patients in both groups reached “excellent” or “good” level with respect to the postoperative function evaluation.

Conclusions

Intravenous and topical application of TXA combined with 24 h pressure hip-spica bandage reduces perioperative blood loss, rate of incision-related complications, and the rate of readmission for GMC patients undergoing minimally invasive surgical releasing procedure.

Trial Registration Chinese Clinical and Trial Registry ChiCTR2000039216, registration date 2020/10/22, retrospectively registered

Impact of tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty when tranexamic acid was used: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

The efficacy of tourniquet use during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is thought to reduce intraoperative blood loss, improve surgical exposure, and optimize cement fixation. Tranexamic acid (TXA) use can decrease postsurgical blood loss and transfusion requirements. This review aimed to appraise the effects of tourniquet use in TKA for patients with tranexamic acid use.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted to identify relevant randomized controlled trials involving TXA plus a tourniquet (TXA-T group) and use of TXA plus no tourniquet (TXA-NT group) in TKA. Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CNKI, and Wanfang database were searched from 2010 through October 2021.

Results

We identified 1720 TKAs (1690 patients) assessed in 14 randomized controlled trials. Compared with the TXA-NT group, the TXA-T group resulted in less intra-operative blood loss (P < 0.00001) and decreased duration of surgery (P < 0.00001), however more hidden blood loss (P = 0.0004) and less knee range of motion (P < 0.00001). No significant differences were found between two groups in terms of decrease in hemoglobin (P = 0.84), total blood loss (P = 0.79), transfusion rate (P = 0.18), drainage volume (P = 0.06), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at either the day of surgery (P = 0.2), 1 day (P = 0.25), 2 day (P = 0.39), 3 day (P = 0.21), 5 day (P = 0.21), 7 day (P = 0.06) or 1 month after surgery (P = 0.16), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score at either 7 day (P = 0.10), 1 month (P = 0.08), 3 month (P = 0.22) or 6 month after the surgery (P = 0.92), Knee circumference (P = 0.28), length of hospital (P = 0.12), and complications such as intramuscular venous thrombosis (P = 0.81), deep venous thrombosis (P = 0.10), superficial infection (P = 0.45), deep wound infection (P = 0.64), and delayed wound healing (P = 0.65).

Conclusion

No big differences could be found by using or not tourniquet when use the TXA, though some benefits are related to operation time and less intra-operative blood loss by using tourniquet and TXA, Using the tourniquet was related to more hidden blood loss and less knee range of motion. More adequately powered and better-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies with long-term follow-up are required to validate this study.

Tranexamic acid use decreases transfusion rate in children with cerebral palsy undergoing proximal femoral varus derotational osteotomy

ABSTRACT

Previous studies demonstrated the safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) use in cerebral palsy (CP) patients undergoing proximal femoral varus derotational osteotomy (VDRO), but were underpowered to determine if TXA alters transfusion rates or estimated blood loss (EBL). The purpose of this study was to investigate if intraoperative TXA administration alters transfusion rates or EBL in patients with CP undergoing VDRO surgery.We conducted a retrospective review of 390 patients with CP who underwent VDRO surgery between January 2004 and August 2019 at a single institution. Patients without sufficient clinical data and patients with preexisting bleeding or coagulation disorders were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received intraoperative TXA and those who did not.Out of 390 patients (mean age 9.4 ± 3.8 years), 80 received intravenous TXA (TXA group) and 310 did not (No-TXA group). There was no difference in mean weight at surgery (P = .25), Gross Motor Function Classification System level (P = .99), American Society of Anesthesiologist classification (P = .50), preoperative feeding status (P = .16), operative time (P = .91), or number of procedures performed (P = .12) between the groups. The overall transfusion rate was lower in the TXA group (13.8%; 11/80) than the No-TXA group (25.2%; 78/310) (P = .04), as was the postoperative transfusion rate (7.5%; 6/80 in the TXA group vs 18.4%; 57/310 in the No-TXA group) (P = .02). The intraoperative transfusion rate was similar for the 2 groups (TXA: 7.5%; 6/80 vs No-TXA: 10.3%; 32/310; P = .53). The EBL was slightly lower in the TXA group, although this was not significant (TXA: 142.9 ± 113.1 mL vs No-TXA: 177.4 ± 169.1 mL; P = .09). The standard deviation for EBL was greater in the No-TXA group due to more high EBL outliers. The percentage of blood loss based on weight was similar between the groups (TXA: 9.2% vs No-TXA: 10.1%; P = .40). The number needed to treat (NNT) with TXA to avoid one peri-operative blood transfusion in this series was 9.The use of intraoperative TXA in patients with CP undergoing VDRO surgery lowers overall and postoperative transfusion rates.Level of evidence: III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Intra-articular Versus Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Primary Total Knee Replacement

Background

Total knee replacement (TKR) is an artificial joint surgical procedure that replaces the damaged articular surfaces of the knee joint. Despite several studies on the efficacy of intra-articular and intravenous Tranexamic acid (TX) use in reducing blood loss following TKR, the route of TXA administration is still an ongoing topic of debate. Our study aimed to compare total knee replacement efficacy (hemoglobin level, hematocrit level, hospital stay, and complications) of intra-articular and intravenous tranexamic acid administration.

Material and Methods

 A Prospective study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad. The study duration was six months (August 2020 to February 2021). A sample size of 60 patients was calculated using the WHO calculator. Patients were selected through non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; Group A was given intraarticular TXA, while group B was given intra-venous TXA following total knee replacement. Patients were followed for 48 hours. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. An Independent T-test was applied, and a P value≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 60 patients were included in the study. There were 20 (33.3%) male and female 40 (66.7%). The mean age of patients was 64.4±10.8SD. Post-operative hemoglobin level in group A was 11.09±0.39SD, and in group B was 9.93±1.73SD (p=0.03). Postoperatively, the mean HCT level in group A was 30.53±4.26SD and group B 26.88±5.48SD (p=0.01).

Conclusion

Intra-articular administration of TXA is more effective than intravenous administration in controlling postoperative blood loss following total knee replacement.

Topical Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Does It Augment the Effect of the Intravenous Administration in Patients with Moderate-to-High Risk of Bleeding? A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study aimed to compare the superimposed clinical value of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) application when it is simultaneously combined with intravenous (IV) administration versus the use of either IV TXA alone or IA TXA alone during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with moderate-to-high risk of bleeding. We hypothesized that the combined administration approach will result in a more adequate reduction in the perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion rate. Ninety-four patients undergoing primary TKA were randomly allocated into intra-articular (IA) alone, IV alone, and combined group. We used 2 g of IV TXA in the IV TXA alone and combined groups 10 minutes before tourniquet deflation. However, we applied 1.5 g TXA in 100 mL isotonic saline half topically before arthrotomy closure and half retrogradely after wound closure through the drain. Follow-up period was 6 weeks. The primary outcome measures included the drainage blood volume, total blood loss, hidden blood loss, intraoperative blood loss, and the allogenic transfusion rate. Secondary outcomes included postoperative hemoglobin drop, amount of transfused blood units, thromboembolism, and wound complications. Combined administration of TXA provided significantly better results in terms of blood volume collected by the drain, total blood loss, and hidden blood loss (p < 0.01). Contrarily, the intraoperative blood loss, the allogeneic transfusion rate, and the number of transfused units were similar in all groups (p > 0.05). The subgroup analysis revealed that a combined IA and IV TXA administration significantly reduced the total blood loss in patients with either moderate or high risk of bleeding. Moreover, the degree of hemoglobin drop was significantly lesser with the combined approach. No thromboembolic complications or wound infection occurred. In conclusion, the combined use of topical and IV tranexamic acid resulted in a significant reduction in postoperative blood loss and hemoglobin level following TKA but did not influence the rate of allogeneic blood transfusion. This is a Level I, therapeutic study.

Predicting postoperative transfusion in elective total HIP and knee arthroplasty: Comparison of different machine learning models of a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a very successful orthopedics procedure but associates with a significantly high transfusion rate.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to determine predictors of postoperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing elective hip and knee TJA patients and compare the accuracy of machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting transfusion risk.

METHODS

We utilized data from 12,642 patients undergoing primary unilateral TJA. Risk factors and demographic information were extracted, and predictive models were developed using seven ML algorithms. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to measure the predictive accuracy of each algorithm.

RESULTS

The overall transfusion rate was 18.7%. Patient-related risk factors for transfusion included age 65-85 (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.175-1.222), female (OR: 1.246), American Society of Anesthesiologists grade Ⅱ or greater (OR: 1.264-2.758). Surgical factors included operation time (OR: 1.736), drain use (OR: 2.202) as well as intraoperative blood loss (OR: 7.895). Elevated preoperative Hb (OR: 0.615), Hct (OR: 0.800), BMI (≥24 kg/m2) (OR: 0.613-0.731) and tranexamic acid use (OR: 0.375) were associated with decreased risk of postoperative transfusion. The long short-term memory networks (LSTM) and random forest (RF) models achieved the highest predictive accuracy (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The risk factors identified in the current study can provide specific, personalized postoperative transfusion risk assessment for a patient considering lower limb TJA. Furthermore, the predictive accuracies of LSTM and RF algorithms were significantly higher than the others, making them potential tools for future personalized preoperative prediction of risk for postoperative transfusion.

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in total knee arthroplasty via midvastus approach: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols were rapidly adopted in many surgeries such as fast-track arthroplasty. The study aimed to investigate the impact of ERAS protocols on the clinical effect of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) via the midvastus approach.

METHODS

A total of 69 patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA via the midvastus approach from October 2018 to June 2019 were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: ERAS group and Control group. The ERAS protocols were adopted for the ERAS group and consisted of pure juice drinking 2 h before the surgery, optimization of the preoperative anesthesia plan, phased use of tourniquets, and the use of tranexamic acid as well as a drug cocktail. The operative time, first postoperative walking time, first straight leg elevation time, postoperative hospitalization time, visual analogue scale score (VAS score), Hospital for Special Surgery score (HSS score), conventional Knee Society score (KSS), and knee range of motion (ROM) were used to assess the clinical effects in the two groups. All the included patients were followed up for 12 months.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the basic demographic information and operation time between the ERAS and Control groups (P > 0.05). The first postoperative walking time (2.11 ± 0.11 h) and first postoperative straight leg elevation time (6.14 ± 1.73 h) in the ERAS group were significantly earlier than those in the Control group (P < 0.001) and the postoperative hospitalization time was significantly shorter (3.11 ± 0.32 days). The postoperative mean VAS scores in both groups were significantly reduced compared with those before surgery (P < 0.001). The VAS scores for the ERAS group were significantly lower than those for the Control group at 1, 2, and 7 days after surgery (P < 0.001). The mean HSS scores, KSS, and knee ROM were significantly increased in both the ERAS and Control groups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery (P < 0.001). In addition, the HSS scores, KSS, and knee ROM in the ERAS group were significantly higher than those in the Control group at 1 month after surgery (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS protocols improved the clinical effects of TKA via the midvastus approach, facilitating early out-of-bed activity and comfortable postoperative rehabilitation exercise, and further increasing patient satisfaction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04873544 .

Oral tranexamic acid for an additional 24 hours postoperatively versus a single preoperative intravenous dose for reducing blood loss in total knee arthroplasty: results of a randomized controlled trial (TRAC-24)

AIMS

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), blood loss continues internally after surgery is complete. Typically, the total loss over 48 postoperative hours can be around 1,300 ml, with most occurring within the first 24 hours. We hypothesize that the full potential of tranexamic acid (TXA) to decrease TKA blood loss has not yet been harnessed because it is rarely used beyond the intraoperative period, and is usually withheld from 'high-risk' patients with a history of thromboembolic, cardiovascular, or cerebrovascular disease, a patient group who would benefit greatly from a reduced blood loss.

METHODS

TRAC-24 was a prospective, phase IV, single-centre, open label, parallel group, randomized controlled trial on patients undergoing TKA, including those labelled as high-risk. The primary outcome was indirect calculated blood loss (IBL) at 48 hours. Group 1 received 1 g intravenous (IV) TXA at the time of surgery and an additional 24-hour postoperative oral regime of four 1 g doses, while Group 2 only received the intraoperative dose and Group 3 did not receive any TXA.

RESULTS

Between July 2016 and July 2018, 552 patients were randomized to either Group 1 (n = 241), Group 2 (n = 243), or Group 3 (n = 68), and 551 were included in the final analysis. The blood loss did differ significantly between the two intervention groups (733.5 ml (SD 384.0) for Group 1 and 859.2 ml (SD 363.6 ml) for Group 2; mean difference -125.8 ml (95% confidence interval -194.0 to -57.5; p < 0.001). No differences in mortality or thromboembolic events were observed in any group.

CONCLUSION

These data support the hypothesis that in TKA, a TXA regime consisting of IV 1 g perioperatively and four oral 1 g doses over 24 hours postoperatively significantly reduces blood loss beyond that achieved with a single IV 1 g perioperative dose alone. TXA appears safe in patients with history of thromboembolic, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1595-1603.

[Effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid combined with intraoperative controlled hypotension on reducing perioperative blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty]

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) combined with intraoperative controlled hypotension (ICH) for reducing perioperative blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

The clinical data of 832 patients with initial THA due to osteonecrosis of femoral head between January 2017 and July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received TXA treatment, and 439 patients (hypotension group) received ICH treatment with an intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) below 80 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) while 393 patients (normotension group) received standard general anesthesia with no special invention on blood pressure. There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, basic arterial pressure, hip range of motion, internal diseases, preoperative hemoglobin (HB) and hematocrit (HCT), coagulation function, surgical approach, and TXA dosage between the two groups ( P>0.05). The perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion, anesthesia and operation time, hospitalization stay, postoperative range of motion, and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The patients were further divided into MAP<70 mm Hg group (group A), MAP 70-80 mm Hg group (group B), and normotension group (group C). The perioperative blood loss and postoperative complications were further analyzed to screen the best range of blood pressure.

Results

The intraoperative MAP, total blood loss, dominant blood loss, recessive blood loss, blood transfusion rate and blood transfusion volume, anesthesia time, operation time, and hospitalizarion stay in the hypotension group were significantly lower than those in the normotension group ( P<0.05). The postoperative hip flexion range of motion in the hypotension group was significantly better than that of the normotension group ( Z=2.743, P=0.006), but there was no significant difference in the abduction range of motion between the two groups ( Z=0.338, P=0.735). In terms of postoperative complications, the incidence of postoperative hypotension in the hypotension group was significantly higher than that in the normotension group ( χ ²=6.096, P=0.014), and there was no significant difference in the incidence of other complications ( P>0.05). There was no stroke, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis in the two groups, and no patients died during hospitalization. Subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference in total blood loss, dominant blood loss, and recessive blood loss in groups A and B during the perioperative period ( P>0.05), which were significantly lower than those in group C ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in blood transfusion rate, blood transfusion volume, and incidence of acute myocardial injury between 3 groups ( P>0.05); the incidence of acute kidney injury in group A was significantly higher than that in group B, and the incidence of postoperative hypotension in group A was significantly higher than that in groups B and C ( P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups B and C ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of TXA and ICH has a synergistic effect. Controlling the intraoperative MAP at 70-80 mm Hg can effectively reduce the perioperative blood loss during the initial THA, and it is not accompanied by postoperative complications.

The Safety and Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Oncology Patients Undergoing Endoprosthetic Reconstruction and a ROTEM-Based Evaluation of Their Hemostatic Profile: A Pilot Study

Simple Summary

Tranexamic acid can be an effective and safe way to reduce perioperative bleeding following an endoprosthetic reconstruction of a lower limb after a bone tumor resection. Tranexamic acid does not result in a complete shutdown of the fibrinolysis, supporting its safe use without increasing the risk of thromboembolic complications.

Abstract

Background: An endoprosthetic reconstruction in musculoskeletal oncology patients is associated with significant blood loss. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) for these patients and to assess any changes in their hemostatic profile using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed including 61 patients with primary or metastatic bone tumors who underwent surgery. Group A (n = 30) received both intravenous and local TXA whereas Group B (n = 31) was the control group. The primary outcomes were perioperative blood loss and blood unit transfusions and the secondary outcomes included the incidence of thromboembolic complications and a change in blood coagulability as reflected by ROTEM parameters. Results: The median difference in blood loss between the two groups was 548.5 mL, indicating a 29.2% reduction in the 72 h blood loss following TXA administration (p < 0.001). TXA also led to a reduced transfusion of 1 red blood cell (RBC) unit per patient (p < 0.001). The two groups had similar rates of thromboembolic complications (p = 0.99). The antifibrinolytic properties of TXA were confirmed by the significantly higher INTEM, FIBTEM and EXTEM LI60 (p < 0.001, p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively) values in the TXA group. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid was associated with a significant reduction in perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements without a complete shutdown of the fibrinolysis. Larger studies are warranted to assess the frequency of these outcomes in musculoskeletal oncology patients.

One Versus Two Doses of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce blood loss and postoperative transfusions in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There is no consensus on the ideal dosing regimen in the literature, although there is a growing body of literature stating there is little benefit to additional doses. Our study compared one versus two doses of TXA in primary TKA and its effect on postoperative transfusion rate. We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing primary TKA at our two high-volume arthroplasty centers between 2013 and 2016. Patients were included if they underwent unilateral primary TKA, and received one or two doses of intravenous TXA. Patients receiving therapeutic anticoagulation were excluded. Our primary outcome was postoperative transfusion rate. Secondary outcomes included blood loss, length of stay, rate of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE), readmission and reoperation.A total of 1,191 patients were included: 891 received one dose and 300 received two doses. There was no significant difference in rate of transfusion, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE), blood volume loss, and reoperation. There was a significantly higher risk of readmission (6.7 vs. 2.4%, odds ratio [OR] 2.96, p < 0.001) and reoperation (2.0 vs. 0.6%, OR 3.61, p = 0.024) in patients receiving two doses. These findings were similar with subgroup analysis of patients receiving only aspirin prophylaxis.In unilateral TKA, there is no difference in transfusion rate with one or two doses of perioperative TXA. There was no increased risk of thromboembolic events between groups, although the two-dose group had a higher rate of readmission and reoperation. Given the added cost without clear benefit, these findings may support administration of one rather than two doses of TXA during primary TKA.

Tranexamic Acid Has No Effect on Postoperative Hemarthrosis or Pain Control After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autograft: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

The purpose of this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the use of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing primary bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) regarding postoperative hemarthrosis, pain, opioid consumption, and quadriceps atrophy and activation.

METHODS

A controlled, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted in 110 patients who underwent ACLR with BPTB autograft. Patients were equally randomized to the control and experimental groups. The experimental group received two 1-g boluses of IV TXA, one prior to tourniquet inflation and one prior to wound closure; the control group did not receive TXA. If a clinically significant hemarthrosis was evident, the knee was aspirated and the volume of blood (in milliliters) was recorded. Additionally, we recorded perioperative blood loss (in milliliters); visual analog scale scores on postoperative days 1, 4, and 7 and at postoperative weeks 1, 6, and 12; postoperative opioid consumption on postoperative days 1, 4, and 7; range of motion (ROM) and ability to perform a straight leg raise at postoperative weeks 1, 6, and 12; and preoperative and postoperative thigh circumference ratio.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in perioperative blood loss between the TXA and control groups (32.5 mL vs 35.6 mL, P = .47). In the TXA group, 23 knees were aspirated; in the control group, 26 knees were aspirated (P = .56). No significant difference in postoperative hemarthrosis volume was seen in patients who received IV TXA versus those who did not (26.7 mL vs 37.3 mL, P = .12). There was no significant difference in visual analog scale scores between the 2 groups (P = .15); in addition, there was no difference in postoperative opioid consumption (P = .33). No significant difference in ROM, ability to perform a straight leg raise, or postoperative thigh circumference ratio was observed (P > .05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

IV TXA in patients who undergo ACLR with BPTB autograft does not significantly impact perioperative blood loss, postoperative hemarthrosis, or postoperative pain levels. Additionally, no significant differences were seen in early postoperative recovery regarding ROM or quadriceps reactivation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Are The Applications of Tranexamic Acid in Reverse Hybrid Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) The Same as Those in Fully Cemented TKA?: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Traditional fully cemented prosthesis for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has many disadvantages. Current studies have shown that the effects of mixed fixation TKA are the same as or even better than those of fully cemented TKA. We aimed to compare the total blood loss (TBL) in the two fixation types of TKA and the hemostatic effects of different doses of tranexamic acid (TXA) for reverse hybrid TKA.

METHODS

From September 2018 to November 2020, 233 patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing unilateral TKA were randomly divided into four groups: groups 1 and 2: fully cemented TKA + intra-articular injection (IAI) of either 1 g TXA (n = 54) or 2 g TXA (n = 60); groups 3 and 4: reverse hybrid TKA + IAI of either 1 g TXA (n = 56) or 2 g TXA (n = 63). All patients were administered intravenous drip of TXA (20 mg/kg) as the basic drug. Perioperative and follow-up data of all patients were compared.

RESULTS

The TBL in groups 1, 2, and 3 was higher than that in group 4 (P < 0.0001). The TBL in group 1 was significantly less than that in group 3 (P < 0.05). Although there was no significant difference in blood transfusion demand among the four groups (P > 0.05), the number of anemic patients who did not meet the standard of blood transfusion in group 4 decreased significantly (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in pain, function or thrombotic complications among all patients.

CONCLUSION

The TBL in reverse hybrid TKA is larger than in fully cemented TKA. For reverse hybrid TKA, the hemostatic effect of TXA with 2 g of IAI was significantly better than with 1 g. Although this method does not reduce the need for blood transfusion, it can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative anemia.

Is there a role of tranexamic acid in rheumatoid arthritis with total knee arthroplasty? Findings from a multicenter prospective cohort study in China

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has proven to be effective in reducing the blood loss associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with osteoarthritis. However, there still exists a paucity of evidence regarding the effectiveness of intravenous TXA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of intravenous TXA on blood loss after TKA in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 405 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had undergone TKA were categorized into two groups based on the protocol of TXA use. TXA group (n = 248): patients received 15 mg/kg TXA prior to operation. Control group (n = 157): patients received no TXA. The outcome measurements such as, total blood loss (TBL), intraoperative blood loss (IBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), transfusion, drainage, the timing of first ambulation, the length of stay (LOS), total hospitalization costs, the results of 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), the incidence of thromboembolic events and other complications were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

The mean TBL, IBL, HBL, volume of transfusion and drainage were significantly lower in TXA group than in Control group. The rate of transfusion was significantly lower in TXA group than in Control group. There was a favorable effect in early ambulation for patients in TXA group, compared with patients in Control group. In addition, TXA group had shorter LOS, lower hospitalization costs and higher postoperative SF-12 score than Control group. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis and other complications did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

TXA can effectively diminish blood loss, reduce transfusion, shorten LOS and decrease hospitalization costs after TKA in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis, without increasing the risk of complications.

[Perioperative blood management for total hip/knee arthroplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To review the perioperative blood management (PBM) of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

Recent researches on PBM for TKA and THA were comprehensively read and summarized. Then the advantages and disadvantages of various measures together with the clinical experience of West China Hospital of Sichuan University were evaluated from three aspects, including optimizing hematopoiesis, reducing blood loss and blood transfusion, which could provide a basis for clinical selection.

RESULTS

There are many PBM methods in TKA and THA, among which the optimization of hematopoiesis mainly includes the application of perioperative iron and erythropoietin. Measures to reduce bleeding include the use of tourniquet, intraoperative controlled hypotension, and perioperative antifibrinolytic agents. Autologous blood transfusion includes preoperative autologous blood donation, hemodilution and cell salvage. Allogeneic blood transfusion is the ultimate treatment for anemia. The application of erythropoietin combined with iron therapy for blood mobilization before surgery together with intraoperative controlled hypotension for bleeding control and the multiple use of tranexamic acid can achieve satisfactory clinical results.

CONCLUSION

In the perioperative period of TKA and THA, single or multiple use of different blood management measures should be considered carefully according to the physical and economic conditions of patients individually, so as to reduce the blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion optimally, and finally accelerate the recovery of patients.

Tranexamic Acid Is Beneficial to Patients Undergoing Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Patients from August 2018 to May 2020 were retrospectively studied. Clinical data were obtained including gender, age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, history of aspirin, prepostoperative hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb), thrombotic events, blood transfusion requirement, hospital length of stay, size of osteotomy gap, and wound complications such as wound hematoma and infection. 52 patients were enrolled in the tranexamic acid group (TA group), and 48 patients were enrolled in the nontranexamic acid group (NTA group); there were no significant differences between both groups in terms of gender, age, BMI, preoperative Hb, size of osteotomy gap, incidence of smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, history of aspirin, thrombotic events, blood transfusion requirement, and wound hematoma and infection. The mean hospital length of stay was 9.4 ± 1.0 days in the TA group and 11.0 ± 1.2 days in the NTA group (P < 0.001), the blood loss was 296.0 ± 128.7 ml in the TA group and 383.3 ± 181.3 ml in the NTA group (P < 0.05), and the postoperative Hb level was 120.8 ± 15.0 g/l in the TA group and 109.5 ± 13.8 g/l in the NTA group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the administration of TXA is beneficial to patients undergoing OWHTO via decreasing hospital length of stay, reducing blood loss, and maintaining higher postoperative Hb levels.

[Safety and effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty in patients with hypothyroidism]

Objective

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with hypothyroidism.

Methods

Sixty-three patients with hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism group) and 63 euthyroid patients without history of thyroid disease (control group) who underwent primary unilateral THA between November 2009 and November 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective case control study. There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, body mass index, hip side, reason for THA, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level, and preoperative Harris score ( P>0.05). The perioperative thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T ₄) levels, the hypothyroidism-related and other complications during hospitalization, the decrease in Hb, perioperative total blood loss, blood transfusion rate, length of hospital stays, and 90 days readmissions rate in the two groups were recorded and evaluated. The periprosthetic joint infection, aseptic loosening of the prosthesis, and hip Harris score during follow-up were recorded.

Results

The differences in the TSH and T ₄ of hypothyroidism group between pre- and 3 days post-operation were significant ( P>0.05) and no hypothyroidism-related complications occurred after THA. The decrease in Hb and perioperative total blood loss in the hypothyroidism group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of transfusion rate, length of hospital stays, and 90 days readmission rates ( P>0.05). No significant difference in the rate of complications (liver dysfunction, heart failure, pulmonary infection, urinary infection, and wound complication) between the two groups was found ( P>0.05) except for the rate of intramuscular vein thrombosis which was significantly lower in the hypothyroidism group, and the rate of postoperative anemia which was significantly higher in the hypothyroidism group ( P<0.05). The two groups were followed up 1.0-9.9 years (mean, 6.5 years). At last follow-up, Harris score in both groups were significantly higher than those before operation ( P<0.05). An increase of 39.5±12.3 in hypothyroidism group and 41.3±9.3 in control group were recorded, but no significant difference was found between the two groups ( t=0.958, P=0.340). During the follow-up, 1 case of periprosthetic joint infection occurred in the hypothyroidism group, no loosening or revision was found in the control group.

Conclusion

With the serum TSH controlled within 0.5-3.0 mU/L and T ₄ at normal level preoperatively, as well as the application of multiple blood management, hypothyroid patients can safely go through THA perioperative period and effectively improve joint function, quality of life, and obtain good mid-term effectiveness.

Effectiveness and Safety of the Combined Use of Tranexamic Acid: A Comparative Observational Study of 1909 Cases

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TA) use in lower‑limb arthroplasty has been valued in these surgeries high‑risk hemorrhagic due to its antifibrinolytic action. The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the combined intravenous (IV) and intraarticular (IA) administration of TA in lower‑limb arthroplasty.

METHODS

We conduct a prospective observational study between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017, including all programmed lower‑limb arthroplasties. Patients were divided into four groups: no TA, 15 mg/kg IV TA, 3 g IA TA, and 15 mg/kg IV and 3 g IA. The effect on calculated total blood loss (milliliter of red blood cell [RBC]), hemoglobin, transfusion, and duration of hospitalization was studied after adjustment on age, American Society of Anesthesiologists, surgery, and postoperative curative anticoagulation. Complications related to TA administration were systematically reported.

RESULTS

A total of 1909 patients were included - "no TA," n = 184; "IV," n = 1137; "IA," n = 214; and "IV + IA," n = 374. In the IV + IA group, a decrease in blood loss was observed compared to the no TA group (+ 220 ml 95% confidence interval [CI] [184; 255] of RBC P < 0.001) and in the IA group (+ 65 ml 95% CI [30; 99] of RBC P < 0.001). The length of hospital stay of the IV + IA group was shorter compared to the no TA group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.35, 95% CI [0.29; 0.43], P < 0.001) to the IA group (HR 0.57, 95% CI [0.48; 0.69], P < 0.001) and the IV group (HR 0.45, 95% CI [0.39; 0.50], P < 0.001). One case of deep vein thrombosis occurred in the group without TA.

CONCLUSION

Administration of combined TA appears effective and safe; further studies are needed in order to establish a consensual protocol.

Does well-controlled overt hypothyroidism increase the risk of total knee arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Overt hypothyroidism is widely accepted as a risk factor for adverse events following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, no prior study has preoperatively reversed hypothyroidism and reevaluated its risk. This retrospective study aimed at investigating whether well-controlled overt hypothyroidism would still increase the risk of TKA.

METHODS

Between November 2009 and November 2016, patients diagnosed with overt hypothyroidism but well controlled and underwent TKA were compared with euthyroid TKA patients. Data were extracted from our departmental database. Chi-squared test and t-tests were used for comparisons.

RESULTS

Hypothyroid patients had more blood loss and lower postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit level than the control group (all P < 0.05). Although the postoperative anaemia rate was lower in the control group (P = 0.01), there was no significant difference in the transfusion rate between the two groups (2.99% versus 7.46%, P = 0.10) or in the rates of other complications (P > 0.05). Interestingly, intramuscular venous thrombosis rate in hypothyroid patients was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.49% versus 9.70%, P = 0.00). Clinical outcome scores were comparable between the two groups throughout the course. And only one case of infection occurred in the hypothyroid patients.

CONCLUSION

Well-controlled overt hypothyroidism did not increase the risk of TKA, except for perioperative blood loss. Surgeons should be aware that even if hypothyroidism is reversed, the risk of more perioperative blood loss still exists and that, consequently, perioperative blood management is still essential in this population.

Effectiveness of preemptive antifibrinolysis with tranexamic acid in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have undergone total knee arthroplasty are at increased risk of requiring a blood transfusion. This study is designed to compare the effects of preemptive antifibrinolysis of single-dose and repeat-dose tranexamic acid (TXA) in in RA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS/DESIGN

The study will be a double-blind randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups of RA patients. Group A will be given 100 ml normal saline twice daily starting from 3 days before the operation, Group B will be given TXA 1.5 g twice daily starting from 3 days before the operation. All patients will be given TXA 1.5 g 30 min before the operation. The primary outcomes will be evaluated with total blood loss and hidden blood loss. Other outcome measurements such as, fibrinolysis parameters, inflammatory factors, visual analogue scale for post-operative pain, analgesia usage, coagulation parameters, transfusion, the length of stay (LOS), total hospitalization costs, the incidence of thromboembolic events and other complications will be recorded and compared. Recruitment is scheduled to begin on 1 August 2020, and the study will continue until 31 May 2021.

DISCUSSION

In current literature there is a lack of evidence with regard to the efficacy of TXA in RA patients. The findings of this study, whether positive or negative, will contribute to the formulation of further recommendations on the use of TXA in RA patients undergoing TKA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000029720 . Registered 14 February 2020.

The Effect of Tranexamic Acid and Tourniquet Use on Tibial Cement Penetration in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasties

Background

In this study, our aim was to compare the effects of tourniquet and tranexamic acid (TXA) use on tibial cement penetration in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using radiograph images. In addition, we also aimed at investigating the effects of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and bone mineral density on cement penetration.

Methods

One hundred seventy patients who underwent TKA for primary osteoarthritis were retrospectively evaluated. TXA was administered to patients in group 1 (n = 96), and tourniquet application was used in patients in group 2 (n = 74). Tibial cement penetration was evaluated radiologically on a total of 4 zones: 2 anteroposterior and 2 lateral zones. In addition, age, gender, BMI, and bone mineral density were recorded in each group.

Results

The mean cement penetration in the total study population was 2.34 ± 0.24 mm, with a mean of 2.33 ± 0.25 mm in the TXA group and a mean of 2.35 ± 0.24 mm in the tourniquet group (P = .453). A negative correlation was detected between BMI and anteroposterior 1 values in the total and TXA groups (P = .022 and P = .029). In the evaluation of the differences between genders, significantly higher penetration values were observed only in the females in the tourniquet group (P = .024).

Conclusions

The use of TXA instead of a tourniquet does not reduce the depth of cement penetration in TKA. The clinical implications of individual-induced penetration differences may be significant for future implant survival.

Intraoperative Intravenous and Intra-Articular Plus Postoperative Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Combined intraoperative intravenous and intra-articular tranexamic acid (TXA) is 1 of the most effective administration routes to decrease the amount of perioperative blood loss during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the additive effect of postoperative intravenous TXA administration remains unclear. We hypothesized that the postoperative repeated-dose intravenous administration of TXA would provide lower perioperative blood loss.

METHODS

We performed a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving patients undergoing primary TKA. A total of 100 patients who were managed with combined intraoperative intravenous and intra-articular TXA were randomly assigned to receive 3 postoperative 1,000-mg doses of intravenous TXA (TXA group) or 3 postoperative doses of intravenous normal saline solution (placebo group) in a 1:1 ratio. The prespecified primary outcome was perioperative blood loss calculated from patient blood volume and the difference in hemoglobin from preoperatively to postoperative day 3. A post hoc power analysis showed that the number of patients allocated to either the TXA group (n = 46) or the placebo group (n = 54) possessed >80% power to detect a 200-mL difference in perioperative blood loss.

RESULTS

In the intention-to-treat analysis, we found no significant differences in perioperative blood loss between the TXA group and the placebo group through postoperative day 3 (578 ± 229 compared with 640 ± 276 mL, respectively; 95% confidence interval for the difference, -40 to 163 mL; p = 0.23). The prevalence of postoperative thrombotic events did not differ between the 2 groups (4.3% compared with 3.7%, respectively; p > 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative intravenous TXA had no additive effect in reducing perioperative blood loss in patients receiving intraoperative combined intravenous and intra-articular TXA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Tranexamic Acid in Patients With Cancer Undergoing Endoprosthetic Reconstruction: A Retrospective Review

INTRODUCTION

Endoprosthetic reconstruction presents a significant risk of perioperative blood loss. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent used to reduce blood loss in orthopaedic procedures. The safety and efficacy of TXA in arthroplasty are well documented. There is, however, a dearth of literature exploring the safety and efficacy of TXA in musculoskeletal oncology patients. This retrospective, comparative study explores the effects of TXA on perioperative blood loss, blood transfusion rates, venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurrence, and hospital stay in patients undergoing resection of an aggressive bone tumor and endoprosthetic reconstruction.

METHODS

For the study, charts from a total of 90 patients who underwent resection of an aggressive bone tumor and endoprosthetic reconstruction were reviewed; of these patients, 34 were in the TXA group and 56 in the non-TXA group. Study participants composed of a heterogeneous group of patients with primary bone sarcoma and metastatic osseous disease. Patients in the TXA group received 1 g of topical TXA administered into the wound bed before closure. The Hemoglobin Balance method was used to calculate blood loss. Patients were followed for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing proximal femur replacement and distal femur replacement in the TXA group experienced a 796 and 687 mL reduction in 72-hour mean blood loss, respectively (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.006). Average blood transfusions decreased by 0.45 U of packed red blood cells per patient in the TXA group (P = 0.048) and transfusion incidence decreased by 21.1% compared with the non-TXA group (P = 0.04). Patients undergoing proximal femur replacement in the TXA group left the hospital 2.2 days earlier than those in the non-TXA group (P = 0.0004). No increase in VTE rate was observed with TXA use.

DISCUSSION

This study found results similar to total joint arthroplasty with regard to TXA's effect on perioperative blood loss, transfusion rates, hospital stay, and VTE occurrence. It provides initial data to support the efficacy of topical TXA use in this patient cohort.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Hemostatic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Carbazochrome Sodium Sulfonate in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with postoperative anemia, allogeneic transfusion, and stress immune responses to surgery. Carbazochrome sodium sulfonate (CSS) reduces bleeding through several mechanisms. We assessed the effect of CSS combined with tranexamic acid (TXA) on postoperative anemia, blood transfusion, and inflammatory responses.

METHODS

This study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 200 patients undergoing unilateral primary TKA. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group A received TXA plus topical and intravenous CSS; group B received TXA plus topical CSS only; group C received TXA plus intravenous CSS only; group D received TXA only.

RESULTS

Total blood loss in groups A (609.92 ± 221.24 mL), B (753.16 ± 247.67 mL), and C (829.23 ± 297.45 mL) was lower than in group D (1158.26 ± 334.13 mL, P < .05). There was no difference in total blood loss between groups B and C. We also found that compared with group D, the postoperative swelling rate, biomarker level of inflammation, visual analog scale pain score, and range of motion at discharge in groups A, B, and C were significantly improved (P < .05). No thromboembolic complications occurred. There were no differences in transfusion rate, intraoperative blood loss, platelet count, or average length of stay among the 4 groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

CSS combined with TXA was more effective than TXA alone in reducing perioperative blood loss and inflammatory response and did not increase the incidence of thromboembolism complications.

Identifying Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Infection Following Elective Lower-Extremity Total Joint Arthroplasty

This article addresses the importance of identifying risk factors associated with postoperative infection following elective lower-extremity total joint arthroplasty. Specifically, this review discusses risk factors recognized by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons that should be carefully considered and assessed by the orthopaedic team in collaboration with the primary care provider before proceeding with surgery.

Daily Postoperative Complete Blood Counts After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty May Not Always Be Necessary

As the incidence of primary total hip and knee arthroplasties increases and reimbursement models shift toward a more quality-based model, orthopedic surgeons must focus on maintaining quality while containing costs. With current blood conservation strategies, serial laboratory testing after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) may not always be necessary. This study investigated the need for routine postoperative complete blood counts (CBCs) by determining preoperative and postoperative day 1 hemoglobin values that predict the need for a postoperative blood transfusion. Data were used to estimate potential cost savings. The medical records of all patients who underwent primary unilateral TJA performed by a single surgeon between October 2014 and September 2017 were reviewed. Patient demographic and procedural data were recorded, and statistical and cost analyses were performed. Of 108 TJAs, 9 (8.3%) patients received a blood transfusion during their postoperative inpatient stay. A preoperative hemoglobin value of 12.5 g/dL or less and a postoperative day 1 hemoglobin value of 10 g/dL or less were strong predictors of meeting the threshold transfusion trigger for a postoperative blood transfusion (area under the curve, 0.845 and 0.943, respectively). A 56% cost reduction ($845) could have been achieved by eliminating CBCs performed after postoperative day 1 in patients at low risk for transfusion. Patients with preoperative hemoglobin value levels greater than 12.5 g/dL and postoperative day 1 hemoglobin value levels greater than 10 g/dL may not require routine serial CBC monitoring after primary TJA. The cost savings in a high-volume joint center could be significant. [Orthopedics. 2020; 43(1): e31-e36.].

Preoperative sleep quality affects postoperative pain and function after total joint arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study

Background

The relationship between preoperative sleep quality and postoperative clinical outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is unclear. We performed a prospective cohort study to determine whether preoperative sleep quality was correlated with postoperative outcomes after TJA.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 994 patients underwent TJA. Preoperative sleep measures included scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and a ten-point sleep quality scale. The primary study outcome measured was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score to 12 weeks postoperation. The consumption of analgesic rescue drugs (oxycodone and parecoxib) and postoperative length of stay (LOS) were recorded. We also measured functional parameters, including range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), and Harris hip score (HHS).

Results

The mean age for total knee and hip arthroplasties was 64.28 and 54.85 years, respectively. The PSQI scores were significantly correlated with nocturnal and active pain scores and ROM and functional scores from postoperative day 1 (POD1) to POD3. In addition, significant correlation was noted between the correlation between the active pain scores and ESS scores in the TKA group at postoperative 3 months. The consumption of analgesics after joint arthroplasty was significantly correlated with the PSQI scores. Moreover, significant correlations were noted between the sleep parameters and postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS).

Conclusion

Preoperative sleep parameters were correlated with clinical outcomes (i.e., pain, ROM, function, and LOS) after TJA. Clinicians should assess the sleep quality and improve it before TJA.

Reduction of Blood Loss by Tranexamic Acid Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

This study involved a meta-analysis of 36 published studies to examine the efficacy of intravenous (IV) and intra-articular (IA) tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing blood loss, drain output, thromboembolic complications, and hospital stay following total hip and total knee arthroplasty. This study also evaluated whether treatment with a combination of both IA and IV TXA has an effect on these outcomes. Lastly, this study attempted to analyze the method and technique of TXA administration in order to establish a best practice for its use in reducing overall blood loss in arthroplasty procedures.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database were screened. Studies comparing IV TXA with IA TXA or with combined IV and IA TXA were included. Data including total blood loss, drain output, thromboembolic complications, and hospital stay, where available, were analyzed using meta-analysis with fixed effects. Results are presented as the standardized mean difference (SMD), and meta-regression was employed to explore plausible demographic contributions to heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials, 3 prospective cohort studies, and 5 retrospective cohort studies with 5,499 patients were included in this review. IA administration during total knee arthroplasty showed a significant advantage in terms of total blood loss (SMD = -0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.027 to -0.02, I = 78.2%) and drain output (SMD = -0.30, 95% CI = -0.43 to -0.18). There was no significant difference between IV and IA administration in total hip arthroplasty. Combined IA plus IV TXA was associated with a significant reduction in blood loss versus IV TXA alone in both total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. IV TXA dosing varied, as 14 (39%) of the studies used a weight-based approach while 22 (61%) used a standard dose. Twenty-seven (96%) of 28 studies of IA administration used standard dosing while 1 study followed a weight-based protocol. There was no difference in symptomatic thromboembolic complications, with overall rates in total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty of 1.0% and 1.0% for IV administration and 1.1% and 0.3% for IA administration, respectively. There was no difference in length of hospital stay for IV versus IA TXA administration.

CONCLUSIONS

IA TXA, either alone or in conjunction with IV TXA, reduces total blood loss and/or drain output in total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. Optimal methodology remains to be clarified; however, there are substantial economic benefits of utilizing either IV or IA TXA, with greater cost benefits when using IA TXA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Effectiveness and Safety of the Combined Use of Tranexamic Acid: A Comparative Observational Study of 1909 Cases

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TA) use in lower-limb arthroplasty has been valued in these surgeries high-risk hemorrhagic due to its antifibrinolytic action. The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the combined intravenous (IV) and intraarticular (IA) administration of TA in lower-limb arthroplasty.

METHODS

We conduct a prospective observational study between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017, including all programmed lower-limb arthroplasties. Patients were divided into four groups: no TA, 15 mg/kg IV TA, 3 g IA TA, and 15 mg/kg IV and 3 g IA. The effect on calculated total blood loss (milliliter of red blood cell [RBC]), hemoglobin, transfusion, and duration of hospitalization was studied after adjustment on age, American Society of Anesthesiologists, surgery, and postoperative curative anticoagulation. Complications related to TA administration were systematically reported.

RESULTS

A total of 1909 patients were included - "no TA," n = 184; "IV," n = 1137; "IA," n = 214; and "IV + IA," n = 374. In the IV + IA group, a decrease in blood loss was observed compared to the no TA group (+220 ml 95% confidence interval [CI] [184; 255] of RBC P < 0.001) and in the IA group (+65 ml 95% CI [30; 99] of RBC P < 0.001). The length of hospital stay of the IV + IA group was shorter compared to the no TA group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.35, 95% CI [0.29; 0.43], P < 0.001) to the IA group (HR 0.57, 95% CI [0.48; 0.69], P < 0.001) and the IV group (HR 0.45, 95% CI [0.39; 0.50], P < 0.001). One case of deep vein thrombosis occurred in the group without TA.

CONCLUSION

Administration of combined TA appears effective and safe; further studies are needed in order to establish a consensual protocol.

Intra-articular tranexamic acid as an adjunct to intravenous tranexamic acid for simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background

Intra-articular tranexamic acid (TXA) as an adjunct to intravenous TXA was reported to decrease perioperative blood loss during unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there have been no randomized controlled trials comparing intravenous versus combined intravenous and intra-articular TXA administration in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA.

Methods

We randomly assigned 77 patients with 154 involved knees undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA to the intravenous TXA group (intra-articular placebo for each knee) or combined TXA group (1000 mg of intra-articular TXA for each knee) with 1:1 treatment allocation. In both groups, 1000 mg of TXA was given intravenously twice, just before surgery and 6 h after the initial administration. Other perioperative medications, surgical procedures, and blood management strategies were the same for all patients. The primary outcome was perioperative blood loss calculated from blood volume and change in hemoglobin from preoperative to postoperative day 3.

Results

Intention-to-treat analysis showed no statistically significant differences in perioperative blood loss until postoperative day 3 (1067 ± 403 mL in the intravenous TXA group vs. 997 ± 345 mL in the combined TXA group [95% CI, − 240 to 100 mL], P = 0.42). No patients required allogenic blood transfusion. The incidence of thrombotic events did not differ between groups (12% in the intravenous TXA group vs. 9% in the combined TXA group; P = 0.73).

Conclusions

The addition of intra-articular TXA did not reduce perioperative blood loss in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA compared with placebo.

Trial registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network UMIN000026137. Registered 14 February 2017.

Tranexamic acid may benefit patients undergoing total hip/knee arthroplasty because of haemophilia

BACKGROUND

The lower limb joints, including hip and knee, are the most commonly involved joints in haemophilic arthropathy. With a higher risk of transfusion, total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) are still the first choice after failure of conservative treatment. In the present study, we aimed to analyze clinical outcomes and complications rate after total joint arthroplasty of the lower limbs using tranexamic acid (TXA) or not.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with haemophilia A undergoing 24 TKA and 18 THA were evaluated in this retrospective study (No. 201302009). Based on using TXA or not, they were divided into either TXA (12 knees and 10 hips) or Non-TXA groups (12 knees and 8 hips). Total blood loss, intraoperative blood loss, total amount of FVIII usage, range of motion, inflammatory biomarkers, joint function, pain status, complication rate and patient satisfaction were assessed and compared at a mean follow-up of 68 months.

RESULTS

Usage of TXA can decrease not only the perioperative blood loss (p = 0.001), transfusion rate (p = 0.017) and supplemental amount of FVIII (p < 0.001) but also swelling ratio, surgical joint pain. Moreover, compared with non-TXA group, the patients in TXA group had a lower level of inflammatory biomarkers and better joint function.

CONCLUSION

The hemophiliacs treated with TXA had less perioperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, a lower ratio of postoperative knee swelling, less postoperative joint pain, lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers and better joint function. Further studies need performing to assess the long-term effects of TXA in these patients.

Multi-route applications of tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Perioperative bleeding during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an ongoing problem for surgeons. Intravenous or topical application of tranexamic acid (TXA) can effectively stop bleeding, but there is still no uniform standard for the best method of administration and dose.

METHODS

From October 2016 to September 2018, 218 patients with unilateral primary knee osteoarthritis requiring knee replacement were enrolled and randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 (n = 55) received intra-articular injection (IAI) of TXA and peri-articular injection (PAI) of placebo, group 2 (n = 55) received IAI of placebo and PAI of TXA, group 3 (n = 51) received IAI of TXA and PAI of TXA, and group 4 (n = 57) received double placebo (IAI of placebo and PAI of placebo). The demographic characteristics, surgical indices, hematological indices, wound healing history, and thromboembolic events were investigated.

RESULTS

Eight patients were lost to follow-up and 210 patients were included in the analysis. The median TBLs in patients who received IAI of TXA and PAI of placebo and those who received IAI of placebo and PAI of TXA were 470.81 ml and 481.54 ml, respectively. These TBL levels were significantly higher compared to those in patients who received IAI of TXA and PAI of TXA (359.18 ml, P ≤ .001), but significantly lower compared to those in patients who received the double placebo (522.71 ml, P ≤ .001). Compared to other groups, more patients in the double placebo group needed a blood transfusion (P = .013). In the short-term, the double placebo group had higher VAS pain scores and less ROM after surgery (P = .011 and P = .001, respectively). In the long-term (6-month follow-up), there were no significant differences in ROM, VAS, DVT, PE, or wound-related complications.

CONCLUSION

The combined use of IAI and PAI of TXA can significantly reduce the TBL and the need for blood transfusion without delaying wound healing or increasing the risk of DVT and PE. In the short-term after surgery, this combined method reduces the pain VAS scores and improves the ROM; however, there are no long-term effects on VAS and ROM.

The combined administration of systemic and topical tranexamic acid for total hip arthroplasty: Is it better than systemic?

OBECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined intravenous and topical use of tranexamic acid (TXA) on total blood loss and transfusion rate in total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

This prospective randomized study included 57 patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty between September 2016 and September 2017. The IV administration group (Group 1) consisted of 26 patients (mean age: 63.73 ± 10.29 years), while the IV and topical administiration group (Group 2) consisted of 22 patients (62.82 ± 8.31 years). Demographic data and outcomes were obtained through a review of individual medical records. Medical comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), ASA and CCI, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels, postoperative transfusion records and 90-day joint-related (implant subsidence, dislocation, postoperative anemia, deep infection, hematoma and/or wound problem, postoperative periprosthetic fracture) readmission rate and complication rate were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), the level of preoperative Hb values, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and Charleson Comorbidty Index (CCI) rating (p > 0.05). The mean postoperative Hgb in the group 2 was higher by a small amount compared to the group 1. No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the Hgb values (p = 0.562). Hgb Delta in the group 2 was lower than that of the group 1. The difference between the groups in the Hgb Delta values was not statistically significant (p = 0.268). The mean total blood loss was lower in the group 2 than in the group 1 but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.788). There was no significant difference observed in terms of any adverse complications among the 2 groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combined administration of IV and topical TXA compared with IV alone can decrease total blood loss and the number of blood transfusions required without increasing the risk of DVT or/and PE in total hip arthroplasty. But the statistical analysis and clinical relevance is not significant.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I Therapeutic Study.

Intra-Articular Tranexamic Acid Mitigates Blood Loss and Morphine Use After Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for blood loss reduction. Given limited evidence on potential relationship between the TXA and improvement of pain control and functional outcome after TKA, this study aimed at comparing the blood loss, pain scores, morphine consumption, and knee flexion across the TXA administration routes.

METHODS

The 228 primary TKA were randomized into no TXA use (No-TXA), intra-articular TXA (15 mg/kg) use (IA-TXA), and intravenous TXA (10 mg/kg) use (IV-TXA). A multivariate regression analysis was used for comparing perioperative blood loss (PBL), drain output, average number of units of blood transfused (ANUBT), visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain, amount of morphine consumption, and knee flexion angle.

RESULTS

The IA-TXA and IV-TXA group had 193.26 (P < .01) and 160.30 mL (P < .01) less PBL than No-TXA, respectively. No-TXA significantly required higher ANUBT than IA-TXA and IV-TXA (P = .03). The IA-TXA group had lower VAS at 6 (P = .04), 12 (P = .03), and 24 hours (P = .02) postoperative when compared to No-TXA, while IV-TXA had no effect. The IA-TXA required 18.26 mg less total morphine at 48 hours than No-TXA (P = .02), whereas IV-TXA used insignificantly (5.31 mg; P = .31) less total morphine at 48 hours than No-TXA. Both TXA routes tended to improve knee flexion, but not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Both IA-TXA and IV-TXA could significantly reduce PBL and ANUBT. The IA-TXA could significantly mitigate VAS and morphine use after TKA. Hence, IA-TXA could minimize blood loss and may be considered as an adjunct to pain control following TKA.

Impact of tranexamic acid use on blood loss and transfusion rates following femoral varus derotational osteotomy in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

Previous studies have established the safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing blood loss after total joint arthroplasty and spinal fusion surgery; however, literature regarding the effectiveness of intraoperative TXA in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of intraoperative TXA in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements for children with CP undergoing a proximal femoral varus derotational osteotomy (VDRO).

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 258 children with CP who underwent VDRO performed at the author's institution between 2004 and 2017. In all, 36 subjects underwent VDRO surgery with administration of intravenous TXA and 222 subjects underwent VDRO without administration of TXA. Outcome measures including blood loss, transfusion requirements and venous thromboembolic events were compared between groups using t-tests and chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

No significant differences were seen in the rates of transfusion between groups for the entire hospitalization (TXA group: 11.1% versus No TXA group: 19.8%), intraoperatively (TXA: 2.8% versus No TXA: 9.0%) or postoperatively (TXA: 8.3% versus No TXA: 14.4%). Intraoperative estimated blood loss (TXA: 144.4 mL versus No TXA: 159.0 mL) and percentage blood loss (TXA: 8.9% versus No TXA: 9.2%) were similar between groups. No major thromboembolic complications events occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

The use of TXA was not associated with thromboembolic complications in this series of children with CP undergoing VDRO surgery. Though there was a trend toward lower rates of intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion with TXA use in these patients, the differences were not significant, possibly due to low estimated blood loss in both groups and sample size.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III- retrospective comparative study.

Finding the Optimal Regimen for Oral Tranexamic Acid Administration in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have confirmed that, compared with intravenous and intra-articular formulations, oral tranexamic acid (TXA) provides equivalent reduction in blood loss, at a substantially reduced cost and greater ease of administration. However, the optimal oral dosage regimen to achieve maximum blood-loss reduction remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a regimen of multiple doses of oral TXA on blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 200 patients were randomized to 1 of 4 interventions. Group A received a single dose of 2.0 g of TXA orally at 2 hours preoperatively. In addition to this same preoperative dose, Group B received 1.0 g of TXA orally at 3 hours postoperatively, Group C received 1.0 g of TXA orally at 3 and 9 hours postoperatively, and Group D received 1.0 g of TXA orally at 3, 9, and 15 hours postoperatively. All patients received a 1.0-g topical dose of TXA. The primary outcome was total blood loss. Secondary outcomes included hemoglobin reduction, transfusion rate, thromboembolic complications, and adverse events.

RESULTS

The mean total blood loss (and standard deviation) was significantly less in Groups B, C, and D (792.2 ± 293.0, 630.8 ± 229.9, and 553.0 ± 186.1 mL, respectively) than in Group A (983.6 ± 286.7 mL) (p < 0.001). Moreover, Groups C and D had a lower mean reduction in hemoglobin than did Groups A and B. However, no differences were identified between Groups C and D for blood loss and hemoglobin reduction. Additionally, no differences were observed among the groups regarding thromboembolic complications and transfusions.

CONCLUSIONS

The multiple postoperative doses of oral TXA further reduced blood loss compared with a single preoperative bolus. The regimen of a preoperative dose and 3 postoperative doses of oral TXA produced maximum effective reduction of blood loss in total hip arthroplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Comparison of intravenous, topical or combined routes of tranexamic acid administration in patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effects of intravenous, topical and combined routes of tranexamic acid (TXA) administration on blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).

DESIGN

This was a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) wherein the weighted mean difference (WMD) and relative risk (RR) were used for data synthesis applied in the random effects model. Stratified analyses based on the surgery type, region, intravenous and topical TXA dose and transfusion protocol were also conducted. The main outcomes included intraoperative and total blood loss volume, transfusion rate, low postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) level and postoperative Hb decline. However, the secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS) and/or occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

SETTING

We searched the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL databases for RCTs that compared different routes of TXA administration.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients undergoing TKA or THA.

INTERVENTIONS

Intravenous, topical or combined intravenous and topical TXA.

RESULTS

Twenty-six RCTs were selected, and the intravenous route did not differ substantially from the topical route with respect to the total blood loss volume (WMD=30.92, p=0.31), drain blood loss (WMD=-34.53, p=0.50), postoperative Hb levels (WMD=-0.01, p=0.96), Hb decline (WMD=-0.39, p=0.08), LOS (WMD=0.15, p=0.38), transfusion rate (RR=1.08, p=0.75) and VTE occurrence (RR=1.89, p=0.15). Compared with the combined-delivery group, the single-route group had significantly increased total blood loss volume (WMD=198.07, p<0.05), greater Hb decline (WMD=0.56, p<0.05) and higher transfusion rates (RR=2.51, p<0.05). However, no significant difference was noted in the drain blood loss, postoperative Hb levels and VTE events between the two groups. The intravenous and topical routes had comparable efficacy and safety profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of intravenous and topical TXA was relatively more effective in controlling bleeding without increased risk of VTE.