The Effect of Tranexamic Acid and Gender on Intraoperative Bleeding in Orthognathic Surgery—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of tranexamic acid on postoperative blood loss

The aim of this article was to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss after maxillofacial fracture surgery. Clinical data were collected retrospectively on patients with unilateral fractures of the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) or mandibular condyle. Patients were then further divided into TXA and control groups according to whether or not TXA was used after surgery. The amount of postoperative blood loss was evaluated by negative pressure drainage volume. Data were statistically analysed. In patients with unilateral ZMC fractures, total postoperative blood loss in the TXA group was about 30 ml less than that in the control group (p = 0.006). It was significantly less on the first and second postoperative days. However, in patients with unilateral mandibular condylar fractures, there was no significant difference between the TXA and control groups (p = 0.917). TXA can reduce postoperative bleeding in patients with ZMC fractures, and the optimal usage time is on the first and second postoperative days. For patients with mandibular condylar fractures, TXA may not be used.

Does Tranexamic Acid Reduce the Need for Hypotensive Anesthesia Within Orthognathic Surgery? A Retrospective Study

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is utilized frequently in orthognathic surgery to limit blood loss and improve surgical field visualization. This antifibrinolytic has been proven effective with use of concomitant hypotensive anesthesia. Despite proven efficacy, there is a recent push to avoid perioperative hypotensive anesthesia due to risks of organ hypoperfusion, cardiac ischemia and postoperative nausea.

Aims

The aim is to study the efficacy and safety of utilizing TXA without controlled hypotensive anesthesia.

Methods

The authors identified two cohorts of subjects that underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery both with and without TXA administration and compared operative and perioperative variables. A retrospective analysis was completed evaluating intraoperative MAP measurements in subjects treated both with and without TXA using descriptive and bivariate analysis.

Results and conclusion

Sixty-three subjects met inclusion criteria. The TXA cohort experienced 11.5% less time under hypotensive anesthesia when compared to the group that did not receive TXA. Additionally, surgical length was decreased by more than 28 min when subjects received TXA. No subjects required a blood transfusion or experienced any TXA-related complications. Given the recommendations to limit hypotensive anesthesia perioperatively, TXA is a useful adjunct in orthognathic surgery to limit controlled hypotensive anesthesia.

Optimizing drug regimens and supplementation in orthognathic surgery: A comprehensive and practical guide

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to comprehensively review the literature and provide a practical guide for optimizing drug regimens and supplementation related to orthognathic surgery.

METHODS

The authors conducted a thorough review of the existing literature, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Various types of studies except case reports and reviews were included. The study applied specific inclusion criteria, focusing on perioperative and/or postoperative drugs, medications, or supplementation related to orthognathic surgery.

RESULTS

This guide included 78 studies on various medications in orthognathic surgery. It encompasses clinical trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, prospective and retrospective studies. The topics covered include antibiotics, analgesics, corticosteroids, antiemetics, hemostatic agents, local anesthetics, herbal medicine, and botulinum toxin. Pain and edema control involved specific medications, while local anesthesia utilized ropivacaine and bupivacaine. The guide also discusses mineral and vitamin supplementation. The effectiveness of hemostatic agents and antiemetics was highlighted.

CONCLUSION

Pain management, reduced swelling, enhanced wound healing, and faster recovery are among the advantages. In addition to the standard drugs and medications, the inclusion of vitamin and mineral supplements, tranexamic acid, postoperative anesthetic blocks, and preemptive antiemetics is anticipated to offer various benefits in orthognathic surgery, despite the limited available evidence.

Intravenous Application of Tranexamic Acid in Patients Undergoing Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with GRADE Quality Assessment

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a versatile antifibrinolytic agent that is widely used in modern surgeries. This review assessed the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) TXA in plastic surgery versus controls.

METHODS

This review selected English-language Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating IV TXA effects in plastic surgery from four electronic databases, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to April 9, 2023. Primary outcomes were blood loss volume (BLV) and transfusion occurrence, with operation time and surgical field assessment as secondary outcomes. IV TXA-related complications were also important indicators. Meta-analyses and qualitative analyses were conducted and the quality of the evidence was assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty RCTs with 2150 patients were included. The total standard mean difference (SMD) of BLV and pooled relative risk of transfusion occurrence between the IV TXA and the control groups were - 1.11 (95% CI, - 1.42 to - 0.80) and 0.36 (95% CI, 0.23 to 0.55) respectively, indicating a significant blood loss reduction with IV TXA treatment, while an ambiguous outcome of operation time was observed, with an SMD of - 0.22 (95% CI, - 0.42 to - 0.02). The quality of evidence for BLV and transfusion occurrence was low and medium, respectively. A quantitative analysis of surgical field assessment was not performed because of the substantial heterogeneity in scoring methods. No IV TXA-related complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In plastic surgery, IV TXA administration results in less blood loss, reduced need for transfusion and better surgical fields but probably does not increase the risk of adverse events.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

This study aimed to evaluate the use of tranexamic acid in craniomaxillofacial surgery by meta-analysis. A comprehensive search was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) mainly in 3 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) before August 2022. We collected and managed data for weighted mean difference of intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirement, and operation time for the study. A total of 13 randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Compared with the control group, the tranexamic acid group showed a reduction in intraoperative blood loss of 198.67 ml (95% CI: -258.84 to -138.50 ml, P <0.00001), with blood transfusion requirement decreased by 7.77 ml/kg (95% CI: -10.80 to -4.73, P <0.0001) and less operation time (weighted mean difference= -10.39 min; 95% CI: -16.49 to -4.30 min, P =0.0008).

Systematic mapping review of orthognathic surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic mapping review AIM AND SCOPE: The objective of this mapping review was to identify, describe, and organize clinical research currently available from systematic reviews and primary studies regarding co-interventions and different surgical modalities used in orthognathic surgery (OS) and their outcomes.

METHODS

Systematic reviews (SRs), randomized controlled trials, and observational studies that evaluated perioperative OS co-interventions and surgical modalities were identified in an exhaustive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Lilacs, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. Grey literature was also screened.

RESULTS

Included were 35 SRs and 253 primary studies, 103 from SRs, and another 150 identified in our search. Overall, SR quality was rated as critically low, with only two SRs rated as of high quality. 19 questions on population, interventions, comparisons, and outcomes (PICO) extracted from the SRs focused on osteosynthesis methods, surgical cutting devices, and use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and induced hypotension. Also identified were 15 research gaps. Evidence bubble maps were created to graphically depict the available evidence.

CONCLUSION

Future high-quality research, both primary and secondary, is needed to address the knowledge gaps identified in this systematic mapping review.

Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Blood Management during a High Tibial Osteotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of tranexamic acid for blood management during high tibial osteotomy (HTO). A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library database. Six studies and 208 patients were included in this meta‐analysis using Review Manager V.5.3 and Stata 15.1 software. For primary outcomes, tranexamic acid lowered the total blood loss (WMD = –219.47, 95% CI [−355.61, −83.33], P = 0.002). For secondary outcomes, a significant reduction was found for decreased hemoglobin (POD1: WMD = –9.86, 95% CI [−13.45, −6.28], P < 0.05; POD2: WMD = –8.41, 95% CI [−11.50, −5.32], P < 0.05; POD5: WMD = –11.48, 95% CI [−14.56, −8.39], P < 0.05) and drainage (total: WMD = –105.93, 95% CI [−187.08, −24.78], P < 0.05; POD1: WMD = –122.195, 95% CI [−168.902, −75.488], P < 0.05). The sex difference (male/female ratio) was determined (total blood loss: P = 0.025; total drainage amount: p = 0.018) using meta‐regression analysis. Females benefited more from tranexamic acid in terms of total blood loss (M/F > 40%: WMD = –53.11, 95% CI [−100.16, −6.05], P = 0.03; 40% ≥ M/F ≥ 20%: WMD = –362.20, 95% CI [−423.96, −300.45], P < 0.05; M/F < 20%: WMD = –263.00, 95% CI [−277.17, −248.83], P < 0.05) and total drainage (M/F > 40%: WMD = –7.11, 95% CI [−10.75, −3.47], P < 0.05; 40% ≥ M/F ≥ 20%: WMD = –104.72, 95% CI [−155.36, −54.08], P < 0.05; M/F < 20%: WMD = –222.00, 95% CI [−297.42, −146.58], P < 0.05). No significant differences were found for drainage on POD2 and POD3, wound complications, orthromboembolic events. In conclusion, tranexamic acid is effective and safe for blood management during HTO. Females appeared to benefit more from it, and an additional postoperative dose is suggested fora better effect.

Gender-specific differences in haemostatic parameters and their influence on blood loss in bimaxillary surgery

Objective

The objectives of this prospective cohort study were to establish gender-related differences in blood loss and haemostatic profiles associated with bimaxillary surgery. In addition, we aimed to identify if any gender differences could be established which might help predict blood loss volume.

Materials and methods

Fifty-four patients (22 males; 32 females) undergoing bimaxillary surgery for skeletal dentofacial deformities were eligible for inclusion. Blood samples were taken 1 day preoperatively and 48 h postoperatively for detailed gender-specific coagulation analysis incorporating global coagulation assays (endogenous thrombin potential) and specific coagulation parameters. Blood loss was measured at two different time points: (1) the end of surgery, visible intraoperative blood loss (IOB) using ‘subtraction method’; and (2) 48 h postoperatively perioperative bleeding volume (CBL-48 h) using ‘haemoglobin-balance method’ and Nadler’s formula. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to identify relevant parameters affecting the amount of blood loss.

Results

Significant differences in IOB and CBL-48 h were observed (p < 0.001). Men had higher IOB versus women, lacking statistical significance (p = 0.056). In contrast, men had significantly higher CLB-48 h (p = 0.019). Reduced CBL-48 h was shown to be most closely associated with the level of Antithrombin-III being decreased in females.

Conclusions

Male gender is associated with higher IOB and CBL-48 compared with females. Gender does not affect IOB regarding haemostatic profile but does correlate strongly with procedure length. Conversely, CBL-48 is closely associated with gender-specific imbalances in the anticoagulant system.

Clinical relevance

Knowledge of gender-related differences will help clinicians establish predictive factors regarding excessive blood loss in orthognathic surgery and identify at-risk patients.

The effect of tranexamic acid on blood loss in orthognathic surgery: a randomized, placebo-controlled, equivalence study

Orthognathic surgery can cause substantial bleeding. Recent meta-analyses concluded that there is a statistically significant reduction in perioperative blood loss with the preventive use of tranexamic acid (TA). However, the mean reported difference in bleeding was moderate, and the clinical relevance of this blood-sparing effect remains debated. We therefore conducted a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled equivalence study of the effect of TA in patients undergoing Lefort I or bimaxillary osteotomies. Our main outcome measure was total blood loss on postoperative day 1. The equivalence margin was ± 250 ml for the difference in blood loss and its 95% confidence interval. One hundred and forty-seven patients were randomized, of which 122 underwent bimaxillary osteotomies. Blood loss in the treatment group was 682 ± 323 vs. 875 ± 492 ml. The mean difference in bleeding was -132 [-243; -21] ml as per-protocol, but -193 [-329; -57] ml in intention-to-treat: the limits of this confidence interval exceeded the margin of equivalence. Similar results were obtained when analysing only patients undergoing bimaxillary osteotomy. Haemoglobin decreased by 1.8 ± 1.2 g/dl with TA, vs. 2.6 ± 1.1 g/dl with placebo (p<0.001). Our study did not demonstrate equivalence between TA and placebo on perioperative blood loss in orthognathic surgery. TA may reduce blood loss but without evidence of clinical consequences.

Determination of blood loss in bimaxillary surgery: does the formula and the time point affect results?

The amount of blood loss determined in orthognathic surgery differs greatly among studies. This can be attributed to the inhomogeneity in study cohorts analysed, but may also be a result of the varying methodologies used for blood loss determination. However, this has yet to be explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the formula and time point used to measure blood loss affect the blood loss volume, determined in a homogeneous cohort undergoing bimaxillary surgery. Blood loss was calculated at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively using the haemoglobin balance method and the formula of Hurle et al. The estimated total blood volume was established based on the formulae of Nadler et al. and Choi et al. Differences in blood loss volume with respect to time point and formula were analysed and compared. Fifty-four patients were included in the final analysis. Statistically significant differences in blood loss were observed: a significant increase in the blood loss volume from 24 hours to 48 hours postoperatively was detected. When comparing the formulae used, blood loss differed significantly at 24 hours after surgery; however no such difference resulted at 48 hours postoperatively. These findings imply that the time point of measuring blood loss is highly relevant, whereas the formulae applied seem to have less of an impact on the blood loss volumes calculated.

Tranexamic Acid in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing blood loss and decreasing surgery duration in craniomaxillofacial surgery. Methods: The literature was searched systematically for all comparative studies of the effect of TXA on craniomaxillofacial surgery with placebo to evaluate the efficacy of TXA in craniomaxillofacial surgery. The primary outcome was intraoperative blood loss, and secondary outcomes were postoperative hematocrit, postoperative hemoglobin, and operation duration. Results: This systematic review included 16 studies consisting of 958 patients. Meta-analysis revealed that compared with the placebo group, the TXA group showed a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss of 139.81 mL (95% confidence interval, CI: -179.66 to -99.96 mL; p < 0.01), a shortening of the maxillary surgery duration of 15.48 min (95% CI: -21.03 to -9.92 min; p < 0.01), an elevation of the postoperative hemoglobin level of 0.74 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.42 to 1.07 mg/dL; p < 0.01), and a limited effect on increasing the postoperative hematocrit level of 1.77% (95% CI: 0.17 to 3.36; p = 0.03). Conclusion: The use of TXA in craniomaxillofacial surgery can effectively reduce intraoperative blood loss, maintain elevate postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and reduce the operation duration.

Sex-dependent effects of tranexamic acid on blood-brain barrier permeability and the immune response following traumatic brain injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic agent used to reduce bleeding in various conditions including traumatic brain injury (TBI). As the fibrinolytic system also influences the central nervous system and the immune response, TXA may also modulate these parameters following TBI.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of TXA on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and changes in immune and motor function in male and female mice subjected to TBI.

METHODS

Wild-type and plasminogen deficient (plg-/-) mice were subjected to TBI then administered either TXA/vehicle. The degree of BBB breakdown, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), motor dysfunction, and changes in inflammatory subsets in blood and brain were determined.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Tranexamic acid significantly reduced BBB breakdown, and increased blood neutrophils in male mice 3 hours post-TBI. In contrast, TXA treatment of female mice increased BBB permeability and ICH but had no effect on blood neutrophils at the same time-point. TXA improved motor function in male mice but still increased BBB breakdown in female mice 24 hours post-TBI. Brain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) antigen and activity levels were significantly higher in injured females compared to males. Because TXA can promote a pro-fibrinolytic effect via u-PA, these sex differences may be related to brain u-PA levels. TXA also increased monocyte subsets and dendritic cells in the injured brain of wild-type male mice 1 week post-TBI. Plg-/- mice of both sexes had reduced BBB damage and were protected from TBI irrespective of treatment indicating that TXA modulation of the BBB is plasmin-dependent. In conclusion, TXA is protective post-TBI but only in male mice.

Intravenous tranexamic acid reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements after periacetabular osteotomy

AIMS

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. There remains a lack of prospective evidence for the use of TXA in patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The purpose of this study was to determine if intravenous (IV) TXA is effective in reducing calculated blood loss and transfusions after PAO.

METHODS

This was a single-centre prospective double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial of 81 patients aged 12 to 45 years undergoing elective PAO by a single surgeon. The intervention group (n = 40) received two doses of IV TXA of a maximum 1 g in each dose; the control group (n = 41) received two doses of 50 ml 0.9% saline IV. The primary outcome was perioperative calculated blood loss. Secondary outcomes included allogenic transfusions and six-week postoperative complications.

RESULTS

There were no differences in demographics or intraoperative variables between study groups. The TXA group demonstrated lower mean calculated blood loss (1,265 ml, (SD 321) vs 1,515 ml, (SD 394); p = 0.002) and lower frequency of allogenic transfusion (10%/n = 4 vs 37%/n = 15; p = 0.008). Regression analyses associated TXA use with significant reductions in calculated blood loss (p < 0.001) and transfusion (p = 0.007) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, preoperative haemoglobin, cell-saver volume, intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure, and operating time. No patients suffered venous thromboembolic complications.

CONCLUSION

In this trial, IV TXA decreased postoperative calculated blood loss by 293 ml and reduced the frequency of allogenic transfusions by 73% (37% vs 10%) following PAO. TXA may be safe and effective for reducing blood loss in patients undergoing PAO. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1151-1157.

Is there a hidden blood loss in orthognathic surgery and should it be considered? Results of a prospective cohort study

The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate the parameter 'hidden blood loss' (HBL) in the context of orthognathic surgery, incorporating undetected bleeding volumes occurring intra- and postoperatively. Orthognathic bleeding volumes were recorded at three different time points. At the end of the operation the visible intraoperative blood loss (VBL) was measured. Additionally, the perioperative blood loss was calculated 24 h and 48 h postoperatively using the 'haemoglobin balance method'. Analysis of the HBL was based on the difference between the visible intraoperative blood loss (VBL) and calculated blood loss (CBL), determined 48 h after surgery. 82 patients (male 33, female 49) were included in this study, of whom 41 underwent bimaxillary surgery and of whom 41 underwent Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO). Statistically significant differences with reference to the absolute bleeding volumes were found when comparing the two treatment modalities. In terms of HBL, a bleeding volume of 287.2 ml (±265.9) in the bimaxillary group and 346.9 ml (±271.3) in the BSSO cohort was recorded. This accounted for 32.2% (bimaxillary surgery) and 62.6% (BSSO) of the CBL after 48 h (BIMAX vs. BSSO, p < 0.001). HBL is a valuable adjunct to record within the perioperative management of orthognathic surgery to further improve patient safety and postoperative outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used during craniofacial and orthognathic surgery (OS). However, results of the literature are inconsistent due to specific type of surgery and a small sample of studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of TXA in bimaxillary OS.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared effect of TXA on bimaxillary OS with placebo. Outcomes of interests included intraoperative blood loss, allogenic transfusion, operation time, and volume of irrigation fluid. Random effects models were chosen considering that heterogeneity between studies was anticipated, and I ² statistics were used to test for the presence of heterogeneity.

Results

Totally 6 RCTs were identified. Tranexamic acid resulted in significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -264.82 mL; 95% CI: -380.60 to -149.04 mL) and decreased amounts of irrigation fluid (WMD = -229.23 mL; 95% CI: -399.63 to -58.83 mL). However, TXA had no remarkable impact on risk of allogenic blood transfusion (pooled risk ratio = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.20-1.23), operation time (WMD = -8.71 min; 95% CI: -20.98 to 3.57 min), and length of hospital stay (WMD = -0.24 day; 95% CI: -0.62 to 0.14 day). No TXA-associated severe adverse reactions or complications were observed.

Conclusions

Currently available meta-analysis reveals that TXA is effective in decreasing intraoperative blood loss; however, it does not reduce the risk of allogenic blood transfusion in bimaxillary OS.

Orthognathic Surgery-Induced Fibrinolytic Shutdown Is Amplified by Tranexamic Acid

PURPOSE

Little is known of the systemic effects of oral and maxillofacial surgery on the hemostatic balance, including the biochemical effects of tranexamic acid (TXA), on fibrin clot lysis. The present study investigated the effects of orthognathic surgery on fibrin lysis, fibrin structure, and D-dimer and evaluated the effect of TXA on these fibrinolytic measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present double-blind, controlled, and randomized, placebo study included patients referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital of Southern Denmark-Esbjerg from August 2014 through September 2016. The patients were elective and had a diagnosis of maxillary or mandibular deficiency, either excessive or asymmetric. All patients underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (OS) with or without maxillary segmentation or additional genioplasty. The patients were blindly randomized to treatment with TXA or placebo. The primary predictor variable was OS. The secondary predictor variable was an intravenous dose of 1 g of TXA or equivalent placebo preoperatively. Blood samples were collected before surgery and 5 hours after the initiation of surgery. The primary outcome variable was lysis of fibrin. The fibrin structure properties and D-dimer were secondary outcome measures. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for the within-group comparisons. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for the between-group comparisons.

RESULTS

The sample included 96 patients; 45 received placebo and 51 received TXA. Fibrin lysis decreased after OS (P < .001). The fibrinolytic shutdown decreased significantly more in the TXA group than in the placebo group (P < .001). OS altered the fibrin structure properties with comparable effects in the 2 groups. D-dimer increased postoperatively but significantly less so in the TXA group than in the control group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

OS is associated with fibrinolytic shutdown and alters fibrin structure properties, driving the hemostatic balance in a prothrombotic direction. The fibrinolytic shutdown is significantly amplified by TXA.

The Role of Antifibrinolytics in Reducing Blood Loss During Craniofacial or Orthognathic Surgical Procedures: A Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Use of antifibrinolytic drugs in craniofacial and orthognathic surgery seems quite promising and has strong advocates. However, supporting evidence is controversial and limited by a small sample of individual studies. We sought to systematically review and meta-analyze the available data regarding the role of preoperative or intraoperative antifibrinolytic drugs (eg, tranexamic acid, aprotinin, or aminocaproic acid) in craniofacial and orthognathic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science through April 19, 2018, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Outcomes of interest included the volume of blood loss, volume of transfusions, and operative time. A meta-analysis was performed with a random-effects model using Review Manager (RevMan) software (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark).

RESULTS

We identified 32 eligible studies with 749 patients undergoing craniofacial surgery and 546 undergoing orthognathic surgery. Meta-analysis showed that antifibrinolytic use led to statistically significant decreases in blood loss and blood transfusions for craniofacial procedures in adult or pediatric patients and to significantly less blood loss during orthognathic surgical procedures. Operative time did not significantly differ for either type of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Antifibrinolytics can significantly reduce blood loss in craniofacial surgical procedures including pediatric craniosynostosis and adult rhinoplasties and in orthognathic surgical procedures, as well as transfusion requirements in pediatric craniofacial surgical procedures. However, the clinical significance of the medications is still questionable because of the relative paucity of information on adverse effects and the usual small volume loss during those operations.