Effect of tranexamic acid on blood loss after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty according to the administration method: a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled study

Tranexamic Acid in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Scoping Review of Current Practices and Future Directions

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) as an antifibrinolytic agent in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is well documented; however, there remains considerable practice variability concerning the optimal route of administration and dosing protocols concerning the medication's use. Our aim was to conduct a scoping review of the literature regarding the efficacy of various methods of TXA administration in TSA and to identify knowledge gaps that may be addressed.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The PubMed and MEDLINE electronic databases were searched to identify all articles published before March 2023 investigating the administration of TXA in TSA. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were included, and data were extracted to capture information regarding intervention details and related outcomes such as blood loss, transfusion needs, and complication rates.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies were included in this review. All selected studies used either intravenous (IV) or topical TXA, with 1 study also including a combined approach of both topical and IV TXA. Of the studies that used an IV approach, the most commonly reported favorable outcomes were a reduction in blood volume loss, reduction in hemoglobin or hematocrit change, and decreased drain output. Dosing varied significantly between all identified studies because some used a standard dosing amount in grams or milligrams for all treatment group participants, whereas others used weight-based dosing amounts. All studies that used a weight-based dosing regimen as well as studies using a standard dosing amount between 1,000 and 5,000 mg reported favorable outcomes for postoperative blood loss.

CONCLUSION

Both IV and topical TXA clearly demonstrate favorable perioperative hematologic profiles in TSA. Although both approaches have demonstrated a successful association with decreased blood loss and transfusion requirements, there is no definitive benefit to choosing one over the other. Furthermore, the use of oral TXA either in combination or isolation warrants further study in TSA because of its comparable efficacy profiles and significantly lower associated costs of application.

The effect of tranexamic acid and epinephrine on visual clarity during arthroscopic shoulder surgery: A meta-analysis of RCTs

INTRODUCTION

Visual clarity in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is essential to reduce the operative time and for efficiency of repair. Tranexamic acid (TXA) in open shoulder surgery has been shown to reduce blood loss but its use in shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair for improved clarity is not understood. The purpose of this SR is to determine the effect of TXA and epinephrine on visual clarity in shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesise that visual clarity should improve in those that have TXA compared to those who do not receive TXA.

METHODS

A review of the online databases MEDLINE and Embase was conducted on 8th October 2022 according to PRISMA guidelines. The review was registered prospectively in the PROSPERO database. Randomised clinical trials reporting visual clarity and/or, operative time, volume of irrigation fluid used and mean arterial pressure were included. The studies were appraised using the CONSORT tool.

RESULTS

Seven studies met eligible criteria, all of which were double-blinded RCTs. Five studies reported no difference in visual clarity between TXA vs. saline, while two reported a significant improvement with TXA. Pooling of data showed that visual clarity was significantly better in the TXA group vs. saline, on a standardised 10-point Likert scale (mean difference 0.73 points, p=0.03). However, the use of epinephrine was reported in two studies and its administration offered significantly better visual clarity than TXA (mean difference 0.9 points, p=0.02). There was no significant difference with TXA use in MAP (mean difference 1.2mmHg, p=0.14), operative time (mean difference 6.8minutes, p=0.11), irrigation volume used (mean difference 0.2L, p=0.88), or postoperative pain (mean difference 3.89 on a 0-100 VAS, p=0.34).

CONCLUSION

The use of TXA in shoulder arthroscopy has shown to have significantly improved visual clarity in comparison to saline irrigation alone. This may not necessarily result in a significant clinical difference and may not translate to significantly less operative time or postoperative pain score. Furthermore, epinephrine use alone offers significantly better clarity than TXA. There may not be an added benefit to give both, but this area requires further research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II; systematic review.

The efficacy of topical tranexamic acid in reverse shoulder arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease blood loss in knee and hip arthroplasty. Despite there is evidence about its effectiveness when administered intravenous, its effectiveness and optimal dose when used topically has not been established. We hypothesized that the use of 1.5g (30mL) of topical TXA could decrease the amount of blood loss in patients after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-seven patients receiving a RSTA for arthropathy or fracture were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative-to-postoperative change in hemoglobin (ΔHb) and hematocrit (ΔHct) level drain volume output, length of stay and complications were evaluated for each patient.

RESULTS

Patients receiving TXA has significant less drain output in both for arthropathy (ARSA) (104 vs. 195mL, p=0.004) and fracture (FRSA) (47 vs. 79mL, p=0.01). Systemic blood loss was slightly lower in TXA group, but this was not statistically significant (ARSA, ΔHb 1.67 vs. 1.90mg/dL, FRSA 2.61 vs. 2.7mg/dL, p=0.79). This was also observed in hospital length of stay (ARSA 2.0 vs. 2.3 days, p=0.34; 2.3 vs. 2.5, p=0.56) and need of transfusion (0% AIHE; AIHF 5% vs. 7%, p=0.66). Patients operated for a fracture had a higher rate of complications (7% vs. 15.6%, p=0.04). There were no adverse events related to TXA administration.

CONCLUSION

Topical use of 1.5g of TXA decreases blood loss, especially on the surgical site without associated complications. Thus, hematoma decrease could avoid the systematic use of postoperative drains after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

[Translated article] The efficacy of topical tranexamic acid in reverse shoulder arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease blood loss in knee and hip arthroplasty. Despite there is evidence about its effectiveness when administered intravenous, its effectiveness and optimal dose when used topically have not been established. We hypothesised that the use of 1.5g (30mL) of topical TXA could decrease the amount of blood loss in patients after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-seven patients receiving a RSTA for arthropathy or fracture were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative-to-postoperative change in haemoglobin (ΔHb) and hematocrit (ΔHct) level drain volume output, length of stay and complications were evaluated for each patient.

RESULTS

Patients receiving TXA has significant less drain output in both for arthropathy (ARSA) (104 vs. 195mL, p=0.004) and fracture (FRSA) (47 vs. 79mL, p=0.01). Systemic blood loss was slightly lower in TXA group, but this was not statistically significant (ARSA, ΔHb 1.67 vs. 1.90mg/dL, FRSA 2.61 vs. 2.7mg/dL, p=0.79). This was also observed in hospital length of stay (ARSA 2.0 vs. 2.3 days, p=0.34; 2.3 vs. 2.5, p=0.56) and need of transfusion (0% AIHE; AIHF 5% vs. 7%, p=0.66). Patients operated for a fracture had a higher rate of complications (7% vs. 15.6%, p=0.04). There were no adverse events related to TXA administration.

CONCLUSION

Topical use of 1.5g of TXA decreases blood loss, especially on the surgical site without associated complications. Thus, haematoma decrease could avoid the systematic use of postoperative drains after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Tranexamic Acid Treatment Reduces Blood Loss After Elective and Semi-Urgent Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Introduction

Post operative blood loss after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is associated with the need for blood transfusion and prolonged hospital stay, among other complications. Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces perioperative blood loss and is effective when delivered systemically or locally. We compared the effects of TXA on perioperative blood loss between elective and semi-urgent RSA.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent either elective or semi-urgent RSA for fracture repair, with and without TXA treatment. Demographics, clinical records, and laboratory results were collected and analyzed to compare peripheral blood hemoglobin concentrations before and after surgery, the need for blood transfusion, and length of hospital stay between the 2 groups.

Results

In a cohort of 158 patients, 91 (58%) underwent elective RSA. TXA was administered in 91 (58%) patients from the entire group. TXA administration was associated with a significant decrease in post operative hemoglobin concentration reduction in both the elective and fracture groups (P = .026 and P = .018, respectively), a significant decrease in post operative blood transfusion rates (P = .004 and P = .003, respectively), and a decrease in the need for prolonged hospitalization (P = .038 and P = .009, respectively).

Discussion

The local application of TXA during RSA yielded a significant reduction in perioperative blood loss. We showed a significant positive effect of local TXA administration during RSA that is comparable for both elective and semi-urgent patients. Due to the baseline characteristics of fracture patients, their clinical benefits may be more notable.

Conclusions

The positive outcomes for surgical patients with the use of TXA during RSA can possibly cause future consideration in clinical practice.

Tranexamic acid is not associated with decreased infection risk after primary shoulder arthroplasty: a cohort study of 9276 patients

BACKGROUND

The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) is associated with less blood loss and reduced transfusion risk after shoulder arthroplasty surgery. Recent studies have shown lower odds of postoperative infection after hip or knee arthroplasty with its use. The purpose of this study was to determine whether TXA use reduces the risk of infection after primary elective shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a US integrated health care system's shoulder arthroplasty registry. Patients aged 18 years who underwent primary elective anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis or primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty for rotator cuff arthropathy were included (2013-2020). We compared patients who received preoperative intravenous TXA to those who did not receive TXA by assessing the risk for revision due to deep infection within 5 years' follow-up using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. Interaction between TXA and diabetes status was analyzed separately.

RESULTS

The study sample included 9276 shoulder arthroplasties performed by 153 surgeons at 43 hospitals. The mean age was 70.0 years and 48% were male. The 5-year probability of revision for deep infection was 0.8% and 0.7% for patients with and without TXA, respectively. We failed to observe a difference in infection risk after adjustment for confounders and surgeon differences (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-1.80, P = .998). Further, no differences were observed in patients with (HR 1.64, 95% CI 0.42-6.44, P = .481) or without diabetes (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.40-1.55, P = .488).

CONCLUSION

In a multicenter cohort of more than 9000 primary shoulder arthroplasty procedures, the use of preoperative TXA was not associated with a decrease in the 5-year probability of revision for deep infection.

The effect of single-dose, preoperative intravenous tranexamic acid on early postoperative pain scores after rotator cuff repair: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is commonly used in upper and lower limb arthroplasty to limit blood loss and postoperative hematoma formation. The role of TXA in rotator cuff repair (RCR) surgery is less defined. This trial assessed the effect of preoperative TXA on early postoperative pain scores.

METHODS

A randomized double-blind trail was conducted in 89 patients undergoing RCR. Patients were randomized to either 2 g of intravenous TXA or placebo at induction. The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS)-pain score at day 3 postoperation, with secondary outcomes including VAS-pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and Constant scores at 2, 8, 24, and 52 weeks.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in VAS-pain scores between groups at day 3 postoperation. Pain scores were significantly better in the TXA group at 8 weeks. There was no difference between groups at any time point in the ASES or Constant score. The TXA group had improved motion at 6 months with a reduced rate of secondary adhesive capsulitis.

CONCLUSION

TXA did not improve postoperative pain scores after RCR, however, patients who received the intervention demonstrated greater range of motion at 6 months with lower rates of secondary adhesive capsulitis.

Tranexamic acid achieves less blood loss volume of in primary shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of level I randomized controlled trials

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss in knee and hip arthroplasty, but the effectiveness in shoulder arthroplasty is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate current level I randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of TXA in primary shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

A protocol for the study was designed and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021230398). The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the following search strategy: "shoulder replacement" OR "shoulder arthroplasty" OR "reverse shoulder arthroplasty" AND "tranexamic acid." All randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was followed. Outcomes include blood loss, drain output, hemoglobin, thromboembolic complications, and blood transfusion.

Results

Five randomized controlled trials of 435 patients (219 patients in the TXA group and 216 patients in the non-TXA group) were included in the systematic review. The results indicated that the group using TXA had less total blood loss (MD, -249.56 mL; 95% confidence interval [CI] -347.60 to -151.52), less drainage output (MD, -113.72 mL; -155.92 to -71.52 95% CI), and less of a change in hemoglobin (MD, -0.68 g/dl; -0.94 to -0.42 g/dl 95% CI). No significant differences in blood transfusion (risk ratio 0.40; -0.11 to 1.45 95% CI) or thromboembolic events (risk ratio 0.13, 0.02 to 1.12 95% CI) were observed. Subgroup analyses showed that there was no significant difference in total blood loss, drainage output, or change in hemoglobin between single dose and multiple doses.

Conclusions

TXA in primary shoulder arthroplasty can reduce blood loss, drain output, and hemoglobin changes. Subgroup analysis showed that multiple TXA doses have similar results compared with single dose in primary shoulder arthroplasty. More randomized controlled trials comparing different administration routes of TXA in primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty are required.

Clinical Effectiveness of Intraoperative Tranexamic Acid Use in Shoulder Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used across surgical specialties to reduce perioperative bleeding. It has been shown to be effective in spinal surgery and lower limb arthroplasty. Among all languages, there are no systematic reviews or meta-analyses investigating its clinical effectiveness for all types of shoulder surgery.

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical effectiveness of TXA in all types of shoulder surgery, including open and arthroscopic procedures. To investigate the effect of TXA on bleeding and non-bleeding-related outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A protocol for the study was designed and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020185482). The literature search included the MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases. All randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of TXA against placebo, in all types of shoulder surgery, were included. Assessments were undertaken for risk of bias and certainty of evidence. The primary outcome was total blood loss. Secondary outcomes included those not directly related to bleeding. Data from comparable outcomes were pooled and analyzed quantitatively or descriptively, as appropriate.

RESULTS

Eight randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review, and data from 7 of these studies were pooled in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in 2 of 3 outcomes measuring perioperative bleeding with TXA compared with controls: estimated total blood loss (mean difference, -209.66 mL; 95% CI, -389.11 to -30.21; P = .02) and postoperative blood loss as measured by drain output (mean difference, -84.8 mL; 95% CI, -140.04 to -29.56; P = .003). Hemoglobin reduction was reduced but not statistically significant (mean difference, -0.33 g/dL; 95% CI -0.69 to 0.03; P = .07). This result became significant with sensitivity analysis excluding arthroscopic procedures.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that TXA was effective in reducing blood loss in shoulder surgery. Larger randomized controlled trials with low risk of bias for specific surgical shoulder procedures are required.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

TXA can be used across shoulder surgery to reduced perioperative blood loss. The use of TXA may have other beneficial features, including reduced postoperative pain and reduced operative time.

A single dose of tranexamic acid reduces blood loss after reverse and anatomic shoulder arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Hematoma formation and the need for blood transfusions are commonly reported complications after shoulder arthroplasty. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used in hip and knee arthroplasty to decrease perioperative blood loss. The role of TXA is still being established in shoulder arthroplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing intravenous TXA vs. placebo in 60 patients undergoing primary anatomic or reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Of these patients, 29 received a placebo whereas 31 received a single dose of 2 g of intravenous TXA. Patient demographic characteristics, as well as drain tube output, blood loss, hematoma formation, transfusion requirement, length of hospital stay, and pain score, were recorded. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks to assess for complications.

RESULTS

Patients who received TXA had a lower drain tube output at all time points: 41 mL vs. 133 mL at 6 hours, 75 mL vs. 179 mL at 12 hours, and 94 mL vs. 226 mL at 24 hours (P < .001 for all). They also had a higher postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level (12.3 g/dL vs. 11.4 g/dL, P = .009), lower change in Hb level (1.7 g/dL vs. 2.3 g/dL, P = .011), lower total Hb loss (0.078 g vs. 0.103 g, P = .042), lower blood volume loss (0.55 L vs. 0.74 L, P = .021), higher postoperative hematocrit level (36.7% vs. 34.6%, P = .020), and lower hematocrit change (5.4% vs. 7.6%, P = .022). There was no significant difference in pain score or length of hospital stay, and no patients required a transfusion.

CONCLUSION

A single dose of 2 g of intravenous TXA decreases blood loss and drain tube output in primary anatomic and reverse arthroplasty of the shoulder. No differences were detected in the occurrence of complications, need for transfusion, pain score, or length of hospital stay. With the mounting evidence now available, patients undergoing elective primary shoulder arthroplasty should be given intravenous TXA to decrease perioperative blood loss.

Tranexamic acid use to decrease blood loss in primary shoulder and elbow replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an inexpensive antifibrinolytic agent that significantly reduces peri-operative blood loss and transfusion requirements after total hip and knee replacement. This meta-analysis demonstrates the effects of TXA on blood loss in total shoulder replacement (TSR) and total elbow replacement (TER).

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL from inception to September 03, 2020 for randomised controlled trial (RCTs) and observational studies. Our primary outcome was blood loss. Secondary outcomes included the need for blood transfusion, and post-operative venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. Mean differences (MD) and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

RESULTS

Four RCTs and five retrospective cohort studies (RCS) met eligibility criteria for TSRs, but none for TERs. RCT data determined that TXA administration significantly decreased estimated total blood loss (MD -358mL), post-operative blood loss (MD -113mL), change in haemoglobin (Hb) (MD -0.71 g/dL) and total Hb loss (MD -35.3g) when compared to placebo. RCS data demonstrated significant association between TXA administration and decreased in post-operative blood loss, change in Hb, change in Hct and length of stay. There was no significant difference in transfusion requirements or VTE complications.

CONCLUSION

TXA administration in safe and effective in patients undergoing primary TSR: it significantly decreases blood loss compared with placebo and is associated with shorter length of stay compared with no treatment. No significant increase in VTE complications was found. TXA administration should be routinely considered for patients undergoing TSR. Further research is needed to demonstrate the treatment effect in patients undergoing TER.