What Is the Benefit of Tranexamic Acid vs Reinfusion Drains in Total Joint Arthroplasty?

Role of Tranexamic Acid in Controlling Blood Loss in Hemiarthroplasty of the Hip: A Prospective and Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic drug, is well-established for its efficacy in reducing intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in major orthopedic surgeries, particularly total knee replacement (TKR) and spine surgeries. However, there is limited research on the role of tranexamic acid in hemiarthroplasty of the hip. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in controlling blood loss in hemiarthroplasty of the hip.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to analyze the pre- and postoperative changes in hemoglobin levels among patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the hip with and without intravenous tranexamic acid administration.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics of Government Medical College, Kannur, and St. Joseph's Hospital, Karuvanchal, Kannur. Patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the hip with 1 gm of intravenous tranexamic acid were compared with those without tranexamic acid. The sample size was calculated to be 33 in each group. Data were collected using a standardized proforma, entered into an Excel sheet (Redmond, USA), and analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2017. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.

RESULTS

The study comprised mainly elderly females with a mean age of 74.84 ± 8 years. There was a significant reduction in postoperative hemoglobin drop, requirement for postoperative blood transfusion, and total drain output for the initial three postoperative days among patients who received intravenous tranexamic acid.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative administration of intravenous tranexamic acid significantly reduced postoperative hemoglobin drop and the need for postoperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the hip. This highlights the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in controlling blood loss in this surgical setting.

Tranexamic Acid Causes Chondral Injury Through Chondrocytes Apoptosis Induced by Activating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

PURPOSE

To investigate whether tranexamic acid (TXA) is cytotoxic in chondrocyte and cartilage tissues, as well as explore the mechanisms behind the possible toxicity in detail.

METHODS

We detected the cell viability of chondrocytes in vitro and the change of morphology and specific in vivo contents of cartilage after TXA treatment. Furthermore, we detected apoptosis in cartilage. We used apoptosis-specific staining, reactive oxygen species detection, mitochondrial membrane potential detection, flow cytometry, and western blot for apoptosis detection. Finally, we detected the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in TXA-treated chondrocytes to clarify the mechanism behind chondrocyte apoptosis.

RESULTS

TXA presented an increasing toxic effect with increasing concentrations, especially in the 100 mg/mL group. In addition, we found that 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL TXA significantly increased apoptosis in cartilage and subchondral bone. TXA could induce chondrocyte apoptosis in cell and protein levels with reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. An apoptosis inhibitor could inhibit the induced apoptosis. Next, TXA induced calcium overload in chondrocytes and increased ERS-specific protein expression, whereas ERS inhibitor blocked ERS activation and further inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that TXA had a toxic effect on chondrocytes by inducing apoptosis through ERS activation, especially in 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL groups. We recommend TXA concentrations of less than 50 mg/mL in joint surgeries.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

It is still unclear whether TXA has a toxic effect on cartilage when topically used in joint surgeries. The concentration also varies. This study provides additional evidence that TXA at high concentrations will cause cartilage damage, which will help to provide a new understanding of the clinical administration of TXA.

Cell salvage for minimising perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion in adults undergoing elective surgery

BACKGROUND

Concerns regarding the safety and availability of transfused donor blood have prompted research into a range of techniques to minimise allogeneic transfusion requirements. Cell salvage (CS) describes the recovery of blood from the surgical field, either during or after surgery, for reinfusion back to the patient.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effectiveness of CS in minimising perioperative allogeneic red blood cell transfusion and on other clinical outcomes in adults undergoing elective or non-urgent surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases and two clinical trials registers for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews from 2009 (date of previous search) to 19 January 2023, without restrictions on language or publication status.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs assessing the use of CS compared to no CS in adults (participants aged 18 or over, or using the study's definition of adult) undergoing elective (non-urgent) surgery only.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 106 RCTs, incorporating data from 14,528 participants, reported in studies conducted in 24 countries. Results were published between 1978 and 2021. We analysed all data according to a single comparison: CS versus no CS. We separated analyses by type of surgery. The certainty of the evidence varied from very low certainty to high certainty. Reasons for downgrading the certainty included imprecision (small sample sizes below the optimal information size required to detect a difference, and wide confidence intervals), inconsistency (high statistical heterogeneity), and risk of bias (high risk from domains including sequence generation, blinding, and baseline imbalances). Aggregate analysis (all surgeries combined: primary outcome only) Very low-certainty evidence means we are uncertain if there is a reduction in the risk of allogeneic transfusion with CS (risk ratio (RR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 0.72; 82 RCTs, 12,520 participants). Cancer: 2 RCTs (79 participants) Very low-certainty evidence means we are uncertain whether there is a difference for mortality, blood loss, infection, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There were no analysable data reported for the remaining outcomes. Cardiovascular (vascular): 6 RCTs (384 participants) Very low- to low-certainty evidence means we are uncertain whether there is a difference for most outcomes. No data were reported for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Cardiovascular (no bypass): 6 RCTs (372 participants) Moderate-certainty evidence suggests there is probably a reduction in risk of allogeneic transfusion with CS (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.97; 3 RCTs, 169 participants). Very low- to low-certainty evidence means we are uncertain whether there is a difference for volume transfused, blood loss, mortality, re-operation for bleeding, infection, wound complication, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and hospital length of stay (LOS). There were no analysable data reported for thrombosis, DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE), and MACE. Cardiovascular (with bypass): 29 RCTs (2936 participants) Low-certainty evidence suggests there may be a reduction in the risk of allogeneic transfusion with CS, and suggests there may be no difference in risk of infection and hospital LOS. Very low- to moderate-certainty evidence means we are uncertain whether there is a reduction in volume transfused because of CS, or if there is any difference for mortality, blood loss, re-operation for bleeding, wound complication, thrombosis, DVT, PE, MACE, and MI, and probably no difference in risk of stroke. Obstetrics: 1 RCT (1356 participants) High-certainty evidence shows there is no difference between groups for mean volume of allogeneic blood transfused (mean difference (MD) -0.02 units, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.04; 1 RCT, 1349 participants). Low-certainty evidence suggests there may be no difference for risk of allogeneic transfusion. There were no analysable data reported for the remaining outcomes. Orthopaedic (hip only): 17 RCTs (2055 participants) Very low-certainty evidence means we are uncertain if CS reduces the risk of allogeneic transfusion, and the volume transfused, or if there is any difference between groups for mortality, blood loss, re-operation for bleeding, infection, wound complication, prosthetic joint infection (PJI), thrombosis, DVT, PE, stroke, and hospital LOS. There were no analysable data reported for MACE and MI. Orthopaedic (knee only): 26 RCTs (2568 participants) Very low- to low-certainty evidence means we are uncertain if CS reduces the risk of allogeneic transfusion, and the volume transfused, and whether there is a difference for blood loss, re-operation for bleeding, infection, wound complication, PJI, DVT, PE, MI, MACE, stroke, and hospital LOS. There were no analysable data reported for mortality and thrombosis. Orthopaedic (spine only): 6 RCTs (404 participants) Moderate-certainty evidence suggests there is probably a reduction in the need for allogeneic transfusion with CS (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.63; 3 RCTs, 194 participants). Very low- to moderate-certainty evidence suggests there may be no difference for volume transfused, blood loss, infection, wound complication, and PE. There were no analysable data reported for mortality, re-operation for bleeding, PJI, thrombosis, DVT, MACE, MI, stroke, and hospital LOS. Orthopaedic (mixed): 14 RCTs (4374 participants) Very low- to low-certainty evidence means we are uncertain if there is a reduction in the need for allogeneic transfusion with CS, or if there is any difference between groups for volume transfused, mortality, blood loss, infection, wound complication, PJI, thrombosis, DVT, MI, and hospital LOS. There were no analysable data reported for re-operation for bleeding, MACE, and stroke.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In some types of elective surgery, cell salvage may reduce the need for and volume of allogeneic transfusion, alongside evidence of no difference in adverse events, when compared to no cell salvage. Further research is required to establish why other surgeries show no benefit from CS, through further analysis of the current evidence. More large RCTs in under-reported specialities are needed to expand the evidence base for exploring the impact of CS.

Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in Octogenarians Compared with Septuagenarians: Is There a Real Difference?

BACKGROUND

The increasing frequency of total hip arthroplasty (THA) as well as an aging population indicate that the need for revision THA will continue to grow, especially in older and potentially medically complex patients. The purpose of this study was to compare THA revision indications, perioperative complications, and readmissions between octogenarian and septuagenarian patients. We hypothesized that patients aged 80 to 89 years would have similar outcomes to patients aged 70 to 79 years undergoing revision THA.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2019, 572 revision THAs were performed at a single tertiary care hospital. Patients were stratified by age group: 70 to 79 years (n = 407) and 80 to 89 years (n = 165). Indication for revision, perioperative medical complications, and 90-day readmission were identified for each patient. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used to compare the groups. Logistic regression was used to assess medical complications and readmissions.

RESULTS

Aseptic loosening was a more common indication for revision in patients aged 70 to 79 years (33.4% versus 26.7%; p < 0.001), while periprosthetic fracture was a more common indication for revision in those aged 80 to 89 years (30.9% versus 13.0%). Perioperative medical complications occurred more often in octogenarians (10.9% versus 3.0%; p = 0.001), with arrythmia being the most common type. Patients aged 80 to 89 years were at increased risk for medical complications (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5 to 7.3; p = 0.004) and readmission (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.7 to 6.3; p < 0.001) when adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and indication for revision. Octogenarians had a higher rate of reoperation following first-time revision than septuagenarians (10.3% versus 4.2%, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Octogenarians more commonly underwent revision THA for periprosthetic fracture and had higher rates of perioperative medical complications, 90-day readmissions, and reoperations than septuagenarians. Such findings should be considered when counseling patients on both primary and revision THAs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Effects of Pre-Donated Autologous Blood Transfusion on Peri-Operative Hemoglobin Concentration and Mid-Term Health Outcomes in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

The effects of auto-BT in primary TKA on the perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and mid-term health outcomes are unknown. This study was performed to analyze the detailed changes in the perioperative Hb concentration before and after the operation (days 0–14 postoperatively), cardiovascular events, and mortality rate within 1 and 5 years postoperatively. One hundred patients undergoing primary TKA with auto-BT using 800 mL of preoperatively collected blood at the authors’ institution were included. The mean Hb concentration before and after autologous blood collection was 12.7 ± 1.1 and 11.7 ± 1.2 g/dL, respectively. After primary TKA with auto-BT, the mean Hb concentration on day 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 was 10.2 ± 1.2, 9.9 ± 1.2, 10.4 ± 1.3, 10.5 ± 1.3, and 11.0 ± 1.3 g/dL, respectively. Only one (1%) patient required additional allogenic blood transfusion. No patients developed cardiovascular events, and the 1- and 5-year postoperative mortality rate was 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively. Primary TKA with auto-BT showed relatively small perioperative changes in the Hb concentration, a low incidence of cardiovascular events, and a low mortality rate within 1 and 5 years postoperatively. These findings suggest that auto-BT, in which blood is preoperatively collected, is beneficial for patient safety and health, even if its cost-effectiveness may be debatable.

Combined treatment of intraoperative cell-salvage and tranexamic acid for primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty: Are there added benefits?

BACKGROUND

Blood management strategies in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are essential in reducing intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion and associated complications. This study investigates whether using intraoperative cell-salvage (ICS) with tranexamic acid (TXA) has additional effects on blood loss and allogeneic transfusion in primary THA. Additionally, we evaluated the financial impact of using ICS on our institution.

METHODS

Using an institutional database, 1171 cases of primary unilateral THA performed between May 2015 and January 2016 were identified. Subjects were separated into those who received only TXA (n = 323) and those who received TXA and ICS (n = 848). Calculated blood loss and post-operative blood transfusions were assessed using logistic regression. Drop in hematocrit was assessed using linear regression. Multivariable models adjusted for intraoperative blood transfusions, pre-operative autologous blood donation, anticoagulation medications, sex, and body mass index. Pricing data was used to calculate the costs associated with these interventions.

RESULTS

The likelihood of post-operative allogeneic blood transfusion was similar for the combined group relative to the TXA group (OR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.26, 1.54), as was the likelihood of any post-operative blood transfusion (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.63, 2.01). There was no correlative relationship between use of ICS and hematocrit drop when accounting for baseline hematocrit (R² = 0.118). Factoring in rental, service fees, and disposable equipment, the utilization of ICS added $146 to each case, resulting in a gross expenditure of over $123,000 during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of ICS with TXA for primary unilateral THA did not improve blood loss or transfusion outcomes compared to TXA alone. As there was no observed clinical benefit to combined treatment, additional costs associated with routine usage of ICS may not be justifiable. Our institution would have reduced expenditures for blood loss management products by 85% during the study period if all patients had only received TXA.

Perioperative Blood Management Strategies for Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: Where Do We Currently Stand on This Matter?

Total hip replacement (THR) has proved to be a reliable treatment for the end stage of hip osteoarthritis. It is a common orthopaedic procedure with excellent results, but is associated with significant blood loss and high rates of allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT). The potential complications and adverse events after ABT, combined with the ongoing research, have resulted in multimodel, multidisciplinary blood management strategies adoption, aiming to reduce the blood loss and transfusion rates. Many reviews and meta-analyses have tried to demonstrate the best blood management strategies. The purpose of this study is to review any evidence-based blood conserving technique, dividing them in three stages: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative.

No benefit of autologous transfusion drains in total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS

Autologous blood transfusion drains are commonly used to reduce allogeneic blood transfusion rate after total knee arthroplasty. There is conflicting evidence as to whether autologous transfusion drains (ABT drains) were effective when restrictive transfusion triggers were used. The aim of our study was to ascertain where, as a part of a blood management protocol, autologous blood transfusion drains reduce the allogeneic blood transfusion rate after total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

Two-hundred total knee arthroplasty patients were included in the prospective randomized controlled study. After implantation, a Redon drain without vacuum assistance (control, n = 100) or an autologous blood transfusion drain (ABT group, n = 100) was used. Demographic and operative data were collected. The blood loss, total blood loss, blood values and transfusion rate were documented.

RESULTS

The blood loss in the drains was significantly increased for the ABT group (409 vs. 297 ml, p < 0.001). There was a non-significant trend towards a higher total blood loss for ABT patients (1844 vs. 1685 ml, n.s.). The allogeneic blood transfusion rate was similar for both groups (8 vs. 9%, n.s.). Similarly, the number of transfused blood units was comparable between both groups (0.2U/patient vs. 0.17U/patient n.s.).

CONCLUSION

In combination with restrictive blood transfusion triggers, ABT drains had no positive effect on the allogeneic blood transfusion rate. The blood loss in ABT drains was higher. As a consequence, the use of ABT drains was discontinued.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Intra-articular Application is More Effective Than Intravenous Application of Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The optimal administration route of tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and the effect of TXA on hidden blood loss and total blood loss are undetermined. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of intravenous versus intra-articular application of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

A total of 150 patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomly distributed to 3 groups (IV, intra-articular, and control group; each 50 patients) and administrated TXA (1 g IV and 50 mL intra-articular saline, 1 g intra-articularly and 50 mL intra-articular saline, and 0 g and 50 mL intra-articular saline, respectively). The amount of total and hidden blood loss (HBL), drainage, transfusion, changes in hemoglobin levels, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Intra-articular use of TXA reduced more total blood loss (P = .011) and reduced more total 48 hours drainage volume than IV use of TXA (P < .001). Two patients received transfusion in IV and control group. No deep venous thrombosis or other severe complications had occurred. The HBL volume had no significant difference among the control, IV, and intra-articular groups (708.6 ± 308.2, 651.7 ± 302.9, and 625.2 ± 252.1 mL, respectively; which was 65.6%, 70.8%, and 81.1% of the total loss).

CONCLUSION

Intra-articular administration of TXA significantly reduced total blood loss and drainage volume to a greater degree than IV injection in total knee arthroplasty without reduction of HBL.

Effect of tranexamic acid administration on bleeding in primary total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of tranexamic acid to decrease perioperative bleeding in patients who have undergone a total hip arthroplasty operation and to evaluate drug safety.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Observational, prospective, controlled and randomized study on the efficacy of tranexamic acid as a method to reduce bleeding in primary hip replacement surgery. We included 134 patients operated during 2014 in our centre, who were divided into 2 groups according to whether or not they had received tranexamic acid. The main study variables were haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, the amount of blood collected from the post-operative drain in the first 12, 24 and 48hours and transfusion requirements.

RESULTS

Post-operative haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were statistically higher (P<.001) in the group with treatment. During the first 48hours bleeding values from the group that did not receive TAX were higher compared to patients treated with tranexamic acid. Statistically significant differences (P=.001) were found as to the need for transfusion according to group, more transfusions were performed in the cohort that had not received tranexamic acid: 25.37% compared to 4.48% for the group with tranexamic acid. No adverse events related to administration of tranexamic acid were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of tranexamic acid has proved to be an effective and safe method to reduce peri-operative bleeding in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty and avoids allogenic blood transfusion. Therefore, tranexamic acid treatment could entail a financial saving for the healthcare system and expose the patient to less risk.