Effect of tranexamic acid on reducing postoperative blood loss in combined hypotensive epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia for total hip replacement

Optimizing anesthesia strategies to NSCLC patients in VATS procedures: Insights from drug requirements and patient recovery patterns

Understanding the intricate relationship between cancer clinicopathological features and anesthetics dosage is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and safety during surgery. This retrospective study investigates this relationship in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). A comprehensive analysis of medical records was undertaken for NSCLC patients who underwent VATS with intravenous compound inhalation general anesthesia. Patients were categorized based on histological, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and epidural anesthesia factors. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences between the groups. The results revealed compelling insights. Specifically, patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) undergoing VATS exhibited higher dosages of rocuronium bromide and midazolam during general anesthesia, coupled with a shorter post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay compared to those with squamous cell carcinoma (sqCL). Furthermore, chemotherapy patients undergoing VATS demonstrated diminished requirements for phenylephrine and remifentanil in contrast to their non-chemotherapy counterparts. Similarly, radiotherapy patients undergoing VATS demonstrated a decreased necessity for rocuronium bromide compared to non-radiotherapy patients. Notably, patients who received epidural anesthesia in combination with general anesthesia manifested reduced hydromorphone requirements and prolonged hospital stays compared to those subjected to general anesthesia alone. In conclusion, the findings from this study indicate several important observations in diverse patient groups undergoing VATS. The higher dosages of rocuronium bromide and midazolam in LUAD patients point to potential differences in drug requirements among varying lung cancer types. Additionally, the observed shorter PACU stay in LUAD patients suggests a potentially expedited recovery process. The reduced anesthetic requirements of phenylephrine and remifentanilin chemotherapy patients indicate distinct responses to anesthesia and pain management. Radiotherapy patients requiring lower doses of rocuronium bromide imply a potential impact of prior radiotherapy on muscle relaxation. Finally, the combination of epidural anesthesia with general anesthesia resulted in reduced hydromorphone requirements and longer hospital stays, suggesting the potential benefits of this combined approach in terms of pain management and postoperative recovery. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring anesthesia strategies for specific patient populations to optimize outcomes in VATS procedures.

[Translated article] Clinical results of total hip arthroplasty assisted by robotic arm in Spain: Preliminary study

OBJECTIVES

Clinical, radiological and functional results of the first Spanish series of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty assisted by Mako® (Stryker) robotic arm at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC) in Madrid.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective and descriptive study analyzing the first 25 patients who underwent robotic-assisted THA at the HCSC, with a minimum follow-up of 4 months. Demographics, imaging studies (Mako® processing, Rx and CT), clinical parameters, functionality (modified Harris) and associated complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Average age was 67.2 years (min 47, max 88), being 56% male population sample. 88% involves primary coxarthrosis, 4% post-traumatic coxarthrosis, 4% secondary avascular necrosis and 4% secondary femoroacetabular impingement. Average surgery time was 116.9min (min 92, max 150). The average time of the first five surgeries was 122.6min, and, regarding the last five interventions, it was 108.2min. Found medical intraoperative complications were four intraoperative markers loss. Average admission time was 4.4days (min 3, max 7), with an average postoperative haemoglobin decrease of 3.08±1.08g/dl, requiring a transfusion in 12% of the cases. Three medical complications have been registered in the meantime of the admission, with a relevant case of a confusional syndrome and a fall, which resulted in a non-displaced AG1 periprosthetic fracture. The analysis of the positioning of registered implants with Mako® system shows 40.55±1.53 acetabular inclination degrees and 12.2±3.6 acetabular anteversion degrees. The postoperative image study carried out on patients, are consistent with Mako® results, as it shows an acetabular inclination of 41.2±1.7 in Rx, as well as acetabular anteversion of 16±4.6 in CT. Hip length variance ranges depending on preoperative values of 3.91mm (SD: 3.9; min -12, max 3) to 1.29mm (SD: 1.96) after surgery registered with Mako®, with an increase of an average hip length of 5.64mm (SD: 3.35). Rx simple study results show a postoperative difference between both hips of 0.5±3.08mm, which is consistent with Mako® results. Native femoral offset was stable after surgery with a showing difference both pre and post operative of the intervened hip of 0.1mm (SD: 3.7), registered with Mako®. Preoperatory modified Harris punctuation was 41.6±13.3, improving to postoperative values of 74.6±9.7 after four months since the surgery. No complications were registered in immediate postoperative (4 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Total hip arthroplasty robot-assisted achieves an adequate precision and repeatability of the implant positioning and the postoperative hip dysmetry without showing an increase of associated complications to the technique applied. Surgery time, complications and functional results in a short-time period are similar to conventional techniques applied to great series previously published.

Clinical results of total hip arthroplasty assisted by robotic arm in Spain: Preliminary study

OBJECTIVES

Clinical, radiological and functional results of the first Spanish series of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty assisted by Mako® (Stryker) robotic arm at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC) in Madrid.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective and descriptive study analyzing the first 25 patients who underwent robotic-assisted THA at the HCSC, with a minimum follow-up of 4months. Demographics, imaging studies (Mako® processing, Rx and CT), clinical parameters, functionality (modified Harris) and associated complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Average age was 67.2years (min 47, max 88), being 56% male population sample. 88% involves primary coxarthrosis, 4% post-traumatic coxarthrosis, 4% secondary avascular necrosis and 4% secondary femoroacetabular impingement. Average surgery time was 116.9min (min 92, max 150). The average time of the first five surgeries was 122.6min, and, regarding the last five interventions, it was 108.2min. Found medical intraoperative complications were four intraoperative markers loss. Average admission time was 4.4days (min 3, max 7), with an average postoperative hemoglobin decrease of 3.08±1.08g/dL, requiring a transfusion in 12% of the cases. Three medical complications have been registered in the meantime of the admission, with a relevant case of a confusional syndrome and a fall, which resulted in a non-displaced AG1 periprosthetic fracture. The analysis of the positioning of registered implants with Mako® system shows 40.55±1.53 acetabular inclination degrees and 12.2±3.6 acetabular anteversion degrees. The postoperative image study carried out on patients, are consistent with Mako® s results, as it shows an acetabular inclination of 41.2±1.7 in Rx, as well as acetabular anteversion of 16±4.6 in CT. Hip length variance ranges depending on preoperative values of 3.91mm (SD: 3.9; min -12, max 3) to 1.29mm (SD: 1.96) after surgery registered with Mako®, with an increase of an average hip length of 5.64mm (SD: 3.35). Rx simple study results show a postoperative difference between both hips of 0.5±3.08mm, which is consistent with Mako® results. Native femoral offset was stable after surgery with a showing difference both pre and post operative of the intervened hip of 0.1mm (SD: 3.7), registered with Mako®. Preoperatory modified Harris punctuation was 41.6±13.3, improving to postoperative values of 74.6±9.7 after four months since the surgery. No complications were registered in immediate postoperative (4month).

CONCLUSIONS

Total hip arthroplasty robot-assisted achieves an adequate precision and repeatability of the implant positioning and the postoperative hip dysmetry without showing an increase of associated complications to the technique applied. Surgery time, complications and functional results in a short-time period are similar to conventional techniques applied to great series previously published.

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.

The use of intraoperative cell salvage in total hip arthroplasty with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy for the treatment of high hip dislocation: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) is an important component of blood management in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. However, the role of ICS is less well defined in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (SSO) which is a common surgical technique to manage high hip dislocation. This study aimed to determine the effect of ICS during THA with SSO and to identify factors associated with the ability to salvage sufficient collection for reinfusion in patients with high hip dislocation.

METHODS

We identified 178 patients who underwent THA with SSO for high hip dislocation between November 2010 and April 2021. The consecutive cohort was analyzed by logistic regression to determine the effect of ICS on postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) and to explore the associations between patient demographics, clinical and radiographic characteristics, preoperative laboratory examination, and surgical variables with the ability to generate adequate blood salvage to reinfuse.

RESULTS

In the consecutive cohort of 178 patients, cell salvage was reinfused in 107 patients (60.1%) and postoperative allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion within 3 days of implantation was administrated in 40 patients (22.5%). In multivariate analysis, the reinfusion of ICS (OR (95%CI) 0.17 (0.07-0.47)), center of rotation (COR) height ≥ 60 mm (OR (95%CI) 3.30 (1.21-9.01)), the length of SSO ≥ 30 mm (OR (95%CI) 2.75 (1.05-7.22)) and the use of drainage (OR (95%CI) 2.28 (1.04-5.03)) were identified as independent factors of postoperative allogeneic RBC transfusion. In addition, the following variables were identified as independent factors associated with the ability to generate sufficient blood salvage volume for reinfusion: COR height ≥ 60 mm (OR (95%CI) 3.47 (1.58-7.61)), limb-length discrepancy (LLD) ≥ 25 mm (OR (95%CI) 2.55 (1.15-5.65)) and length of SSO ≥ 30 mm (OR (95%CI) 2.75 (1.33-5.69)).

CONCLUSIONS

ICS was efficacious in reducing the exposure rate of postoperative RBC transfusion for high hip dislocation during THA with SSO. In addition, patients with greater COR height, larger LLD, and longer length of SSO were predisposed to generate sufficient collection for reinfusion in THA with SSO.

The optimal regimen, efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid and aminocaproic acid to reduce bleeding for patients after total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the optimal regimen, efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) and aminocaproic acid (EACA) for patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

The network meta-analysis was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline. The outcomes were total blood loss, transfusion rates, hemoglobin (HB) drop, and risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Subgroup analyses were performed among most effective regimens to determine the influences of timing and number of doses.

RESULTS

A total of 56 eligible RCTs with different regimens were assessed. For reducing total blood loss, all high doses of TXA and EACA except high dose of intra-articular (IA) TXA, as well as medium dose of combination of intravenous and intra-articular (combined IV/IA) TXA were most effective. All high doses of TXA, as well as medium dose of combined IV/IA TXA did not show inferiority in reducing transfusion rates and HB drop compared with other regimens. No regimens showed higher risk for PE or DVT compared with placebo, and no statistical differences were seen among most effective regimens in subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

As effective as high doses of EACA and TXA, medium dose (20-40 mg/kg or 1.5-3.0 g) of combined IV/IA TXA was enough to control bleeding for patients after THA without increasing risk for PE/DVT. TXA was at least 5 times more potent than EACA. Timing and number of doses had few influences on blood conserving efficacy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Association of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid With Thromboembolic Events and Mortality: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression

IMPORTANCE

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an efficient antifibrinolytic agent; however, concerns remain about the potential adverse effects, particularly vascular occlusive events, that may be associated with its use.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between intravenous TXA and total thromboembolic events (TEs) and mortality in patients of all ages and of any medical disciplines.

DATA SOURCE

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE were searched for eligible studies investigating intravenous TXA and postinterventional outcome published between 1976 and 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized clinical trials comparing intravenous TXA with placebo/no treatment. The electronic database search yielded a total of 782 studies, and 381 were considered for full-text review. Included studies were published in English, German, French, and Spanish. Studies with only oral or topical tranexamic administration were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Meta-analysis, subgroup and sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression were performed. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Vascular occlusive events and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 216 eligible trials including 125 550 patients were analyzed. Total TEs were found in 1020 (2.1%) in the group receiving TXA and 900 (2.0%) in the control group. This study found no association between TXA and risk for total TEs (risk difference = 0.001; 95% CI, -0.001 to 0.002; P = .49) for venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, venous TEs, myocardial infarction or ischemia, and cerebral infarction or ischemia. Sensitivity analysis using the risk ratio as an effect measure with (risk ratio = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.94-1.11; P = .56) and without (risk ratio = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.95-1.12; P = .52) studies with double-zero events revealed robust effect size estimates. Sensitivity analysis with studies judged at low risk for selection bias showed similar results. Administration of TXA was associated with a significant reduction in overall mortality and bleeding mortality but not with nonbleeding mortality. In addition, an increased risk for vascular occlusive events was not found in studies including patients with a history of thromboembolism. Comparison of studies with sample sizes of less than or equal to 99 (risk difference = 0.004; 95% CI, -0.006 to 0.014; P = .40), 100 to 999 (risk difference = 0.004; 95% CI, -0.003 to 0.011; P = .26), and greater than or equal to 1000 (risk difference = -0.001; 95% CI, -0.003 to 0.001; P = .44) showed no association between TXA and incidence of total TEs. Meta-regression of 143 intervention groups showed no association between TXA dosing and risk for venous TEs (risk difference, -0.005; 95% CI, -0.021 to 0.011; P = .53).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis of 216 studies suggested that intravenous TXA, irrespective of dosing, is not associated with increased risk of any TE. These results help clarify the incidence of adverse events associated with administration of intravenous TXA and suggest that TXA is safe for use with undetermined utility for patients receiving neurological care.

Complications of Tranexamic Acid in Orthopedic Lower Limb Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is increasingly used in orthopedic surgery to reduce blood loss; however, there are concerns about the risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate TXA safety in patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgical procedures.

Design

A meta-analysis was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases in January 2020 using the following string (Tranexamic acid) AND ((knee) OR (hip) OR (ankle) OR (lower limb)) to identify RCTs about TXA use in patients undergoing every kind of lower limb surgical orthopedic procedures, with IV, IA, or oral administration, and compared with a control arm to quantify the VTE complication rates.

Results

A total of 140 articles documenting 9,067 patients receiving TXA were identified. Specifically, 82 studies focused on TKA, 41 on THA, and 17 on other surgeries, including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, intertrochanteric fractures, and meniscectomies. The intravenous TXA administration protocol was studied in 111 articles, the intra-articular in 45, and the oral one in 7 articles. No differences in terms of thromboembolic complications were detected between the TXA and control groups neither in the overall population (2.4% and 2.8%, respectively) nor in any subgroup based on the surgical procedure and TXA administration route.

Conclusions

There is an increasing interest in TXA use, which has been recently broadened from the most common joint replacement procedures to the other types of surgeries. Overall, TXA did not increase the risk of VTE complications, regardless of the administration route, thus supporting the safety of using TXA for lower limb orthopedic surgical procedures.

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.

Finding the optimal control level of intraoperative blood pressure in no tourniquet primary total knee arthroplasty combine with tranexamic acid: a retrospective cohort study which supports the enhanced recovery strategy

Background

With the use of tranexamic acid and control of the blood pressure during the operation, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without tourniquet can be achieved. There is no exact standard for the control level of blood pressure during no tourniquet TKA. We explored the optimal level of blood pressure control during no tourniquet TKA surgery with the use of tranexamic acid in this study.

Methods

Patients underwent TKA were divided into three groups: the mean intraoperative systolic blood pressure in group A was < 90 mmHg, 90–100 mmHg in group B, > 100 mmHg in group C. Total blood loss (TBL), intraoperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, maximum hemoglobin drop, operation time, and postoperative hospitalization days were recorded.

Results

Two hundred seventy-eight patients were enrolled, 82 in group A, 105 in group B, and 91 in group C. Group A (663.3 ± 46.0 ml) and group B (679.9 ± 57.1 ml) had significantly lower TBL than group C (751.7 ± 56.2 ml). Group A (120.2 ± 18.7 ml) had the lowest intraoperative blood loss than groups B and C. Group C (26.0 ± 4.1 g/l) had the largest Hb change than groups A and B. Group A (62.3 ± 4.7 min) had the shortest operation time. The incidence rate of postoperative hypotension in group A (8, 9.8%) was significantly greater than groups B and C. No significant differences were found in other outcomes.

Conclusion

The systolic blood pressure from 90 to 100 mmHg was the optimal strategy for no tourniquet primary TKA with tranexamic acid.

Impact of Epidural Versus General Anesthesia on Major Lumbar Surgery in Elderly Patients

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of epidural anesthesia (EA) versus general anesthesia (GA) in elderly patients undergoing lower lumbar spine fusion surgeries.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Lumbar spine surgery can be performed under GA or regional anesthesia. GA is more commonly used in lumbar spine surgery, which renders the patient motionless throughout the procedure and provides a secure airway. Although EA is associated with superior hemodynamic status, reduced duration of operation, less health care cost, and lower rate of surgical complications when compared with GA. Controversy still exists with regard to the optimum choice of anesthesia for major lumbar spine surgery, especially in elderly patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From September 2016 to August 2017, consecutive patients aged 70 years or older who underwent lower lumbar fusion surgery with EA or GA were enrolled in the study. Recorded data for all patients included: age, sex, medical conditions; surgical time, operation procedure, blood loss; intraoperative hypertension and tachycardia; occurrence of nausea, vomiting, delirium, or cardiopulmonary complications. Postoperative pain and satisfaction were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 89 patients were included. Of these, 42 patients underwent GA and 47 patients underwent EA. The number of patients experiencing hypertension and tachycardia during anesthesia was significantly increased in the GA group when compared with EA. Patients with EA had significantly less delirium, nausea, and vomiting. The average Visual Analog Scale scores were significantly higher in the GA group at 0-8 hours after surgery. Patients underwent EA were more satisfied than patients with GA.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an association between those who received EA and superior perioperative outcomes. However, some concerns including airway security, operation duration, and obesity, must be carefully evaluated. In addition, it should be noted that this study was retrospective and selection bias may probably exist which may interfere with the results.

Comparative efficacy and safety of different hemostatic methods in total hip arthroplasty: a network meta-analysis

Background

It is unclear which kind of interventional therapy is the best when reducing blood loss in patients prepared for total hip arthroplasty (THA). We performed this network meta-analysis to rank the best intervention arm for blood loss control in THA patients.

Methods

We searched electronic databases about randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare three treatments (topical tranexamic acid (TXA), intravenous TXA, and topical fibrin sealant (FS)) versus placebo for the people prepared for THA. Traditional and network meta-analyses were performed. The quality assessment was conducted using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. The network meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 13.0 software.

Results

Finally, a total of 32 RCTs were included in this network meta-analysis. Topical TXA, intravenous TXA, and topical FS significantly decreased the need for transfusion and total blood loss when compared with placebo. And intravenous TXA ranks the first hemostasis agent for reducing the need for transfusion and total blood loss. There was no significant difference between these three treatments (intravenous TXA, topical TXA, and topical FS) in the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Conclusion

Intravenous TXA may be the best way to reduce the need for transfusion and total blood loss. More direct studies that focused on topical TXA versus FS are needed in the future.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in patients undergoing majororthopaedic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Among the various pharmacological options to decrease peri-operative bleeding, tranexamic acid appears to be one of the most interesting. Several trials have consistently documented the efficacy of this synthetic drug in reducing the risk of blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. The safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in major orthopaedic surgery, particularly regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism, was systematically analysed in this review. A systematic search of the literature identified 73 randomised controlled trials involving 4,174 patients and 2,779 controls. The raw overall incidence of venous thromboembolism was 2.1% in patients who received intravenous tranexamic acid and 2.0% in controls. A meta-analytic pooling showed that the risk of venous thromboembolism in tranexamic acid-treated patients was not significantly different from that of controls (risk difference: 0.01%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.05%, 0.07%; risk ratio: 1.067, 95% CI: 0.760-1.496). Other severe drug-related adverse events occurred very rarely (0.1%). In conclusion, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that intravenous tranexamic acid is a safe pharmacological treatment to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery.

Exclusion criteria and adverse events in perioperative trials of tranexamic acid: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an inexpensive therapy effective at minimizing perioperative blood loss and transfusion. However, it remains underutilized due to safety concerns. To date, no evidence-based guidelines exist identifying which patients should not receive TXA therapy. This study determined patient groups for whom safety information regarding TXA is lacking due to common exclusion from perioperative TXA trials.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic review searching the databases Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) administering systemic TXA perioperatively to elective or emergent surgery patients were eligible. Our primary outcome was to describe exclusion criteria of RCTs, and the secondary outcome was TXA safety. A descriptive synthesis of exclusion criteria was performed, and TXA safety was assessed by meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 268 eligible RCTs were included. Meta-analysis showed that systemic TXA did not increase risk of adverse events compared to placebo or no intervention (relative risk, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.12). Patient groups commonly excluded from perioperative TXA trials, and thus potentially lacking TXA safety data, were those with major comorbidities, a history of thromboembolism, medication use affecting coagulation, TXA allergy, and coagulopathy. Exclusion of patients with major comorbidities may not be necessary; we showed that the risk of adverse events was similar in studies that excluded patients with major comorbidities and those that did not.

CONCLUSION

Sufficient evidence exists to develop perioperative guidelines for TXA use in many populations. Further studies evaluating perioperative TXA use in patients with a history of thromboembolism are warranted.

Optimal use of tranexamic acid for total hip arthroplasty: A network meta-analysis

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been demonstrated to minimize blood loss after total hip arthroplasty. There are three main routes: intravenous (IV), intra-articular (topical), and combined (IV and topical) but little consensus support which is most effective and safe. We performed network meta-analysis.to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of three different administration routes of TXA.

Methods

Twenty-five randomized controlled trials (RCT) were evaluated. Interventions were classified as: combined, IV multiple, IV single, topical and placebo. The primary outcome was effectiveness (transfusion rate, total blood loss, and total drain out). The secondary outcome was safety, based on the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Results

A total of 2227 patients were included in the 5 categories: 564 IV single, 319 IV multiple, 398 topical, 120 combined, and 826 placebo. A network meta-analysis identified the most effective interventions in terms of reducing the need for transfusion as follows: combined = 98.2%, IV single = 54.0%, IV multiple = 78.6%, topical = 66.1%, placebo = 0.0%. Compared with placebo, the IV single, IV multiple, topical, and combined interventions showed no difference in the rate of occurrence of DVT and PE.

Conclusions

A network meta-analysis indicated that combined administration of TXA (IV and topical) was effective in reducing the transfusion rate after hip arthroplasty compared with IV or topical alone. As no high-risk patients were evaluated in the RCTs, it is not known whether the combined method is safer for patients susceptible to DVT or PE.

The Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Direct Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective in reducing blood loss in total joint arthroplasty (TJA), but concerns still remain regarding the drug's safety. The purpose of this direct meta-analysis was to evaluate and establish a basis for the safety recommendations of the combined clinical practice guidelines on the use of TXA in primary TJA.

METHODS

A search was completed for studies published before July 2017 on TXA in primary TJA. We performed qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing and a direct comparison meta-analysis. We used the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 3 or greater as a proxy for patients at higher risk for complications in general and performed a meta-regression analysis to investigate the influence of comorbidity burden on the risk of arterial thromboembolic event and venous thromboembolic event (VTE).

RESULTS

Topical, intravenous, and oral TXA were not associated with an increased risk of VTE after TJA. In addition, meta-regression demonstrated that TXA use in patients with an ASA status of 3 or greater was not associated with an increased risk of VTE after total knee arthroplasty.

CONCLUSION

Although most studies included in our analysis excluded patients with a history of prior thromboembolic events, our findings support the lack of evidence of harm from TXA administration in patients undergoing TJA. Moderate evidence supports the safety of TXA in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty with an ASA score of 3 or greater. The benefits of using TXA appear to outweigh the potential risks of thromboembolic events even in patients with a higher comorbidity.

The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent commonly used to reduce blood loss in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of TXA in primary THA to support the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine on the use of TXA in primary total joint arthroplasty.

METHODS

A search was performed using Ovid-MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Reviews, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify all publications before July 2017 on TXA in primary THA. We completed qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing of all included studies. Direct and indirect comparisons were analyzed using a network meta-analysis followed by consistency testing of the results.

RESULTS

Two thousand one hundred thirteen publications underwent critical appraisal with 34 publications identified as representing the best available evidence for inclusion in the analysis. Topical, intravenous, and oral TXA formulations provided reduced blood loss and risk of transfusion compared to placebo, but no formulation was clearly superior. Use of repeat doses, higher doses, or variation in timing of administration did not significantly reduce blood loss or risk of transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong evidence supports the use of TXA to reduce blood loss and risk of transfusion after primary THA. No specific routes of administration, dosage, dosing regimen, or time of administration provides clearly superior blood-sparing properties.

Tranexamic acid use during total hip arthroplasty: A single center retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that has shown promise in reducing blood loss during total hip arthroplasty (THA). Several studies have reported side effects of high-dose TXA administration, including myocardial infarction (MI), thromboembolic events, and seizures. These possible side effects have prevented the widespread adoption of TXA in the surgical community.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 564 primary and revision THAs performed at a single academic center. Surgical patients received either no TXA or 1 g IV TXA at the beginning of surgery followed by a second bolus just before the surgical wound closure, at the surgeon's discretion. We analyzed differences in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), estimated blood loss (EBL), and adverse events in patients receiving TXA versus patients not receiving TXA up to 2 days following surgery.

RESULTS

Significantly higher Hb and Hct values were found across all time points among patients undergoing primary posterior or revision THA who had received TXA. In addition, transfusion rates were significantly decreased in both primary posterior THAs and revision THAs when TXA was administered. Patients who received TXA experienced significantly fewer adverse events than those who did not for all surgery types.

CONCLUSION

Administration of low-dose intravenous (IV) and intra-articular (IA) TXA does not appear to increase rates of adverse events and may be effective in minimizing blood loss, as reflected by Hb and Hct values following THA.

The effect of oral versus intravenous tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss after primary total hip arthroplasty: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the administration of multiple boluses of oral and intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) postoperatively was equivalent in reducing blood loss in primary THA.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients were randomized into two groups: oral TXA group (54 patients receiving 1 dose of 20 mg/kg intravenous TXA 5-10 min before skin incision and 3 doses of 2 g oral TXA 4 h, 10 h and 16 h postoperatively) and intravenous TXA group (54 patients receiving 1 dose of 20 mg/kg intravenous TXA 5-10 min before skin incision and 3 doses of 1 g intravenous TXA 6 h, 12 h and 18 h postoperatively). The primary outcomes were total blood loss, hidden blood loss, length of hospital stay, hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) drop. The secondary outcomes were the level of inflammation markers and complications.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the mean total blood loss or hidden blood loss [728.4 (645.8-806.9) mL vs 703.6 (576.9-832.8) mL, p = 0.745; 634.6 (552.0-715.7) mL vs 606.4 (480.1-734.5) mL, p = 0.710] and length of hospital stay was similar between the two groups. No patients received allogenic blood transfusion. The Hb and Hct drop on the first and second postoperative days were similar (p > 0.05). The level of inflammation markers did not reach statistical significance. The incidence of complications did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple boluses of oral TXA and intravenous TXA postoperatively are equivalent in reducing blood loss, Hb and Hct drop in primary THA without increasing the risk of thromboembolic diseases and wound complications.

Hypotensive Epidural Anesthesia Reduces Blood Loss in Pelvic and Sacral Bone Tumor Resections

BACKGROUND

Resection of pelvic and sacral tumors can cause severe blood loss, complications, and even postoperative death. Hypotensive epidural anesthesia has been used to mitigate blood loss after elective arthroplasty, but to our knowledge, it has not been studied as an approach that might make resection of pelvic and sacral tumors safer.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purposes of this study were (1) to compare the blood loss and blood product use for patients undergoing pelvic and sacral tumor surgery under standard anesthesia or hypotensive epidural anesthesia; (2) to assess the frequency of end-organ damage with the two techniques; and (3) to compare 90-day mortality between the two techniques.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2014, 285 major pelvic and sacral resections were performed at one center. A total of 174 (61%) had complete data sets for analysis of blood loss, transfusion use, complications, and mortality at 90 days. Of those, 102 (59%) underwent hypotensive epidural anesthesia, whereas the remainder received standard anesthetic care. The anesthetic approach was determined by the anesthetists in charge of the case with hypotensive epidural anesthesia exclusively performed by one of two subspecialty trained anesthetists as their routine for major pelvic or sacral surgery. The groups were comparable in terms of potential confounding variables such as age, gender, tumor volume, and operation performed. Hypotensive epidural anesthesia was defined as a technique using an extensive epidural block up to T2-3 dermatome, peripherally administered low-concentration intravenous adrenaline infusion, and using unimpeded spontaneous respiration to achieve controlled hypotension, precise rate control of the heart, and enhanced velocity of venous return, all aggregated thus to minimize blood loss during pelvic surgery while preserving vital perfusion. The groups were assessed for perioperative blood loss calculated from pre- and postsurgery hemoglobin and transfusion use as well as postoperative complications, morbidity, and mortality at 90 days.

RESULTS

There was less mean blood loss in the hypotensive epidural anesthesia group (1457 mL, SD 1721, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1114-1801 versus 2421 mL, SD 2297, 95% CI, 1877-2965; p = 0.003). Patients in the hypotensive epidural anesthesia group on average received fewer packed red cell transfusions (2.7 units, SD 2.9, 95% CI, 2.1-3.2 versus 3.9 units, SD 4.4, 95% CI, 2.9-5.0; p = 0.03). There were no differences in the proportions of patients experiencing end-organ injury (7%, n = seven of 102 versus 6%, n = four of 72; p = 0.72). With the numbers available, there was no difference in 90-day mortality rate between groups (1.9%, n = two of 102 versus 1.3%, n = one of 72; p = 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that hypotensive epidural anesthesia resulted in less blood loss, fewer transfusions, and no apparent increase in serious complications in pelvic and sacral tumor surgery performed in the setting of a high-volume tertiary sarcoma referral hospital. We recommend that further collaborative studies be undertaken to confirm our results with hypotensive epidural anesthesia in surgery for pelvic tumors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

The efficiency and safety of fibrin sealant for reducing blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with substantial blood loss. The objective of present systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficiency and safety of administration of fibrin sealant (FS) for reducing blood loss in patients undergoing primary THA.

METHODS

Potential relevant studies were identified from electronic databases including Medline, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, web of science and Cochrane Library. Gray academic studies were also identified from the reference list of included studies. There was no language restriction. Pooling of data was carried out by using RevMan 5.1.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. Current meta-analysis indicated that there were significant differences in terms of total blood loss (MD = -153.77, 95% CI: -287.21 to -20.34, P = 0.02), postoperative hemoglobin level (MD = -0.25, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.05, P = 0.02) and transfusion rate (RD = -0.12, 95% CI: -0.22 to -0.03, P = 0.01) between groups. No significant differences were found regarding the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (RD = 0.00, 95% CI: -0.01to 0.01, P = 0.51) or other side effects.

CONCLUSION

Administration of fibrin sealant in total hip arthroplasty may reduce total blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin decline and transfusion requirements. Moreover, no adverse effect was related to FS. Due to the limited quality of the evidence currently available, higher quality RCTs are required.

Intravenous versus topical tranexamic acid in primary total hip replacement: A systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with substantial blood loss. Tranexamic acid (TXA) could reduce perioperative blood loss. The optimal administration routine of TXA remains controversial. The objective of the present systemic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness and safety of various application methods of tranexamic acid in primary THA.

METHODS

Potential relevant literature was identified from electronic databases including Medline, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, web of science and Cochrane Library. Grey academic studies were also identified from the references of the included literature. There was no language restriction. The pooling of data was carried out by using RevMan 5.1.

RESULTS

Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two non-RCTs involving 1614 patients met the inclusion criteria. Current meta-analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in terms of total blood loss (MD = -30.04, 95% CI: -114.67 to 54.59, P = 0.49), postoperative hemoglobin level (MD = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.68 to 0.10, P = 0.14), transfusion rate (RD = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.5 to -0.00, P = 0.09), length of stay ((MD = -0.14, 95% CI: -0.30 to 0.01, P = 0.07) or operation time ((MD = 1.00, 95% CI: -0.31 to 2.31, P = 0.14) between treatment groups. No significant differences were found regarding the incidence of adverse effects such as wound infection (RD = -0.01, 95% CI: -0.06 to 0.04, P = 0.66), myocardial infarction (MI) (RD = -0.01, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.02, P = 0.61), deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (RD = 0.00, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.01, P = 0.51) or pulmonary embolism (PE) (RD = RD = 0.00, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.01, P = 0.63) between groups.

CONCLUSION

The topical administration of TXA in THA carried similar hemostasis effects compared with intravenous use without an increased risk of thrombotic complications. No other adverse effect was identified. Topical TXA application was a simple, safe, effective and cost-effective adjunct for blood management following primary THA. For patients with a high risk of thromboembolic events, there may be benefits with topical administration.

Noteworthy literature in regional anesthesia 2013

The regional anesthesia literature was quite active in the calendar year 2013. In typical fashion, the literature was composed of articles representing neuraxial analgesia, peripheral nerve blocks, patient outcomes, regional anesthesia adjuvant medications, and patient safety. The goal of this article is to summarize and present the most relevant articles from each of these arenas.