Autologous blood transfusion after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, prospective study comparing predonated and postoperative salvage blood

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of perioperative tranexamic acid during Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A randomized, Clinical trial

Background

Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the gold standard treatment for degenerative joint disease, but it carries a significant risk of blood loss that may require transfusion. Various techniques are implemented to reduce the possibility of the need for allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT). To this end, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) in decreasing blood loss following primary TKA.

Materials and methods

This study is a randomized controlled study of 100 cases of primary total knee arthroplasty conducted in Damascus from July 2021 to September 2022, followed up with every patient for six months. The patients were randomized into two groups. We compared intraoperative, postoperative, total, and hidden blood loss and perioperative complications.

Results

We observed a statistically significant difference between the two groups in total calculated, hidden, and postoperative blood loss. However, this difference does not seem clinically significant, as we didn't find a significant difference in allogeneic blood transfusion between the groups. Regarding complications, the TXA group had five cases of superficial wound infection and six cases of deep venous thrombosis. In contrast, the control group had eight cases of superficial wound infection and five cases of deep venous thrombosis.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the role of TXA in primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty in the hands of an experienced surgeon might be overrated. The reduced blood loss did not seem to have clinical importance and didn't affect the transfusion rates.

Efficacy of preoperative autologous blood storage in one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

One-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has the advantages of a single hospital stay, shorter rehabilitation, and reduced financial burden on patients. However, perioperative bleeding is greater with one-stage bilateral TKA than with unilateral TKA and is more likely to require allogeneic blood transfusion. At our hospital, we normally store autologous blood about 1 month before surgery to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion and avoid its adverse reactions as much as possible. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of preoperative autologous blood storage for patients undergoing one-stage bilateral TKA.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the allogeneic blood transfusion avoidance rate and the perioperative decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) level in 166 patients according to whether or not they had preoperative autologous blood stored. The patients for whom blood was stored were then subdivided according to whether the amount of blood stored was 400 mL or 200 mL.

RESULTS

Excluding allogeneic transfusion cases, the mean perioperative decrease in Hb was significantly lower in the patients with stored blood than in those without stored blood (3.5 g/dL vs 4.4 g/dL, p < 0.001). The allogeneic blood transfusion avoidance rate was significantly higher in the group with stored blood (98.5% vs 86.7%, p < 0.01). In the group with stored blood, the transfusion avoidance rate was higher, but not significantly, in the subgroup with 400 mL of blood stored than in those with 200 mL of blood stored (100% vs 97.5%) and the mean perioperative decrease in Hb was 3.5 g/dL in both blood storage volume groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative autologous blood storage can help increase the likelihood of avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing one-stage bilateral TKA.

Is bipolar sealer superior than standard electrocautery for blood loss control after primary total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether bipolar sealer (BS) is superior to standard electrocautery in patients with primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis involving comparative studies (S) to evaluate whether administration with BS (I) was associated with less blood loss (O) than standard electrocautery (C) after primary TKA (P).

METHODS

PubMed (1950-January 2017), EMBASE (1974-January 2017), the Cochrane Library (January 2017 Issue 3), and the Google database (1950-January 2017) were systematically searched. Studies were included in accordance with Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Setting including criteria. Only the patients prepared for primary TKA and administrated with BS as the intervention group and standard electrocautery as control group were included in this meta-analysis. Outcomes include need for transfusion, total blood loss, blood loss in drainage, hemoglobin at discharge, hemoglobin drop, and length of hospital stay. Continuous outcomes and discontinuous outcomes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and risk ratio (RR) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs), respectively. Stata 13.0 software was used for relevant data calculation.

RESULTS

A total of 7 clinical trials with 718 patients (398 patients in BS group and 320 in standard electrocautery group) were finally included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that administration with BS was associated with little reduction of total blood loss (WMD = -123.80, 95%CI -236.56 to -11.04, P = .031). There was no significant difference between the need for transfusion, blood loss in drainage, hemoglobin at discharge, hemoglobin drop, and length of hospital stay (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Based on the current meta-analysis, we found no evidence to support the routine use of bipolar sealer in the management of blood loss in primary TKA. Since the poor quality of the included studies, more randomized controlled trials are still needed to further identify the efficacy of BS after primary TKA.

Early Failure of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Is Surgical Approach a Risk Factor?

BACKGROUND

In an era of innovation in surgical approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA), there is concern for increasing trends of early failure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of early failure of primary THA stratified by surgical approach.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on consecutive primary THAs completed from 2007 to 2014 at a high-volume center. THAs were stratified by surgical approach. Only the direct anterior (DAA) and posterior approaches (PA) were included. The primary outcome measure was early revision (<5 years). Descriptive statistics were performed using SAS software.

RESULTS

In total, 6894 primary THAs performed between 2007 and 2014 were included. Across 2431 DAA THAs and 4463 PA THAs, there were 103 revisions overall. There was no difference in the overall revision rate for DAA THAs (1.69%) compared to PA THAs (1.39%) (P = .33). The DAA had a higher rate of early revisions for femoral component loosening compared to the PA (P = .0003). About 35.7% of DAA THAs were revised for femoral loosening compared to 8% for the PA (P = .0003). Early failure by femoral loosening occurred more often via the DAA in Dorr A bone (P = .03). The PA had a higher incidence of revision for instability (P = .04). There was no difference in modes of failure with regards to time to failure, acetabular loosening, early periprosthetic fracture, or infection.

CONCLUSION

The DAA had a higher incidence of femoral loosening while PA had a higher mode of failure due to instability. Overall revision rates were not statistically different between approaches.

Transfusion rate using intravenous tranexamic acid in hip revision surgery

INTRODUCTION

Hip revision surgery is associated with a high probability of the necessity for a blood transfusion. Different studies support the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) to decrease the rate of transfusions in primary hip surgery. Nevertheless, the use of this drug in hip revision surgery has not yet been widely accepted. The aim of our study was to establish the rate of blood transfusion with and without TXA in hip revision surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 125 hip revision surgery patients operated on between 2011 and 2014. We divided our series into 2 groups: the TXA group with 61 patients (in which a 1000 mg dose of TXA was used before the skin incision and a second identical dose after skin closure) and a control group with 64 patients. We analysed the red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates and their odds risk as well as the presence of collateral complications.

RESULTS

Average RBC transfusion was 2.7 units/patient (range 0-6) in the control group compared to 1.6 units/patient (range 0-6) in the TXA group. A 90.11% (odds ratio [OR] 0.098; confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.04; p<0.0029) odds risk reduction for transfusion of at least 1 unit of erythrocyte blood cell was observed in the TXA group. Complications associated with the TXA were similar in both groups.

INTERPRETATION

The benefits of TXA have been shown in elective hip replacement. In this study, TXA proved to be safe and efficacious in reducing the need for transfusions following revision total hip arthroplasty.

Perioperative comparison of blood loss and complications between simultaneous bilateral and unilateral total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the blood loss and complications between simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (SBTKA) and unilateral total knee arthroplasty (UTKA).

METHODS

This study included 54 SBTKAs and 70 UTKAs performed between 2013 and 2014. Groups were compared with respect to blood loss, hemoglobin, hematocrit, D-dimer, blood transfusion, and complications.

RESULTS

Hemoglobin between the groups was not significantly different (P>0.05). In the SBTKA group, the hematocrit on the 3rd postoperative day was lower (P<0.05), and the D-dimer on the 1st postoperative day was higher (P<0.05) than in the UTKA group. The total drain output of the UTKA group was not significantly different from any unilateral side of the SBTKA group (P<0.05). The mean autologous red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the mean allogeneic RBC transfusion requirement was higher in the SBTKA group than in the UTKA group (P<0.001). The total drainage of the SBTKA group was significantly more than the UTKA group, but the total drain output of the UTKA group was not significantly different from any unilateral side of the SBTKA group (P>0.05). Also, the mean allogeneic RBC transfusion requirement was higher in the SBTKA group than in the UTKA group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the rate of complication between SBTKA and UTKA is similar. The total drainage and transfusion of SBTKA are not twice that of UTKA, and after treatment, hemoglobin could be increased to a similar level. Thus, SBTKA is an effective and safe option.

Transfusion rate using intravenous tranexamic acid in hip revision surgery

INTRODUCTION

Hip revision surgery is associated with a high probability of the necessity for a blood transfusion. Different studies support the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) to decrease the rate of transfusions in primary hip surgery. Nevertheless, the use of this drug in hip revision surgery has not yet been widely accepted. The aim of our study was to establish the rate of blood transfusion with and without TXA in hip revision surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 125 hip revision surgery patients operated on between 2011 and 2014. We divided our series into 2 groups: the TXA group with 61 patients (in which a 1000 mg dose of TXA was used before the skin incision and a second identical dose after skin closure) and a control group with 64 patients. We analysed the red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates and their odds risk as well as the presence of collateral complications.

RESULTS

Average RBC transfusion was 2.7 units/patient (range 0-6) in the control group compared to 1.6 units/patient (range 0-6) in the TXA group. A 90.11% (odds ratio [OR] 0.098; confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.04; p<0.0029) odds risk reduction for transfusion of at least 1 unit of erythrocyte blood cell was observed in the TXA group. Complications associated with the TXA were similar in both groups.

INTERPRETATION

The benefits of TXA have been shown in elective hip replacement. In this study, TXA proved to be safe and efficacious in reducing the need for transfusions following revision total hip arthroplasty.

The efficacy and safety of autologous blood transfusion drainage in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials

Background

Autologous blood transfusion drainage (ABTD) has been used for many years to reduce blood loss in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We evaluate the current evidence concerning the efficiency and safety of ABTD used in TKA compared with conventional suction drainage (CSD).

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and four Chinese databases. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of ABTD versus CSD in TKA were included in the meta-analysis.

Results

Sixteen RCTs involving 1534 patients who compared the effects of ABTD versus CSD were included. Five of the RCTs were performed in Asia, ten in Europe, and one in North America. Patients in the ABTD group had a lower blood transfusion rate (OR: 0.25 [0.13, 0.47]; Z = 4.27, P < 0.0001) and fewer units transfused per patient (WMD: −0.68 [−0.98, −0.39]; Z = 4. 52, P < 0.00001) than did patients in the CSD group. Wound complications, deep vein thrombosis, febrile complications, post-operative hemoglobin days 5–8, drainage volume, and length of hospital stay did not differ significantly between the two types of drainage systems.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that ABTD is a safe and effective method that yields a lower blood transfusion rate and fewer units transfused per patient in TKA compared with CSD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-016-1301-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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

We sought to compare the efficacy and cost of reinfusion drains vs tranexamic acid (TA) in primary total joint athroplasty (TJA) patients. We randomized 186 primary TJAs (71 hips, 115 knees) to standard drains (61/186), autologous reinfusion drains (60/186), or single dose (20 mg/kg) of TA (65/186). There was a statistically significant (P < .0001) less drop in hemoglobin levels (2.98 mg/dL; range, 0.5-6.10) in the TA group compared with standard drains (P < .0001) and reinfusion drains (P < .0061). There was no significant difference in transfusion rates. At $581.89, the unit cost of the reinfusion system is substantially higher than the standard drain ($7.56) and TA ($35.91/g). The results of this randomized controlled trial demonstrate that TA is more efficacious and provides cost savings compared with reinfusion drains as a blood management tool for TJA.

Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss and need of blood transfusion in total knee arthroplasty: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study in Indian population

Introduction:

For quite a few years, tranexamic acid (TEA) has been used during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce blood loss. However, no consensus exits regarding its timing and doses.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a prospective, randomized double-blinded study of 56 patients in the Indian population undergoing TKA from 2011 to 2012. A dose of 10 mg/kg body weight of TEA (three doses) was given in one group and normal saline was administered in the other.

Results:

The mean blood loss in the TEA unilateral group was 295 mL ± 218 mL and in the placebo group was 482 mL ± 186 mL (P < 0.005). In the bilateral TEA group, the mean blood loss was 596 mL ± 235 mL and in the placebo group was 1349 mL ± 41 mL (P < 0.005).

Conclusion:

The number of patients requiring blood transfusion reduced substantially. There was no increase in the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. TEA reduces intraoperative and postoperative blood loss and thus reduces the need of allogenic blood transfusion.

Are Routine Blood Salvage/Preservation Measures Justified in All Patients Undergoing Primary TKA and THA?

A sequential series of 366 primary total knee arthroplasties and 320 total hip arthroplasties was reviewed to determine the incidence of allogeneic transfusion. Surgery was performed under regional anesthesia and all patients had a hemovac drain for 24°. Tourniquet hemostasis in TKA was maintained through wound closure. Coumadin, SCD and TED hose were utilized for DVT prophylaxis. No additional blood conservation measures were employed. The transfusion incidence in primary TKA was 2.2% (males .6%/females 3.5%). The transfusion incidence in THA was 1.9%, (males .8%/females 2.6%). The low incidence of allogeneic transfusion in a contemporary series of primary TKA and THA, especially in males, would question the need for routine blood preservation techniques in this group of patients.

Thromboembolic disease after knee arthroplasty is rare in Southern Iran

BACKGROUND

Thromboembolic disease (TED) after knee arthroplasty occurs infrequently in Iran. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of TED in patients with osteoarthritis undergoing knee replacement in Southern Iran while on prophylaxis.

MATERIALS & METHODS

In a case series study from January to December 2012, 100 consecutive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) candidates were evaluated for TED by clinical evaluation and Doppler sonography preoperatively and 2 months postoperatively and by clinical evaluation one year after surgery. The patients in this study randomly received either warfarin or enoxaparin prophylactically.

RESULTS

A total of 77 women and 23 men with mean age of 67 years (52-82 years) entered the study. The average hemoglobin drop of 2.7 g with warfarin and 3.3 with enoxaparin was observed. No case of TED, pulmonary embolus (PE), major bleeding, post-thrombotic syndrome, or hemarthrosis was observed.

CONCLUSION

No clinically significant DVT was found using either enoxaparin or warfarin prophylaxis after TKA in Southern Iran. Relatively excessive postoperative bleeding was observed, particularly with enoxaparin.

Blood management protocol for total knee arthroplasty to reduce blood wastage and unnecessary transfusion

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes of 2 cohorts of patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) before and after the introduction of a blood management protocol.

METHODS

Records of 97 and 96 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral TKA before and after introduction of the blood management protocol, respectively, were reviewed. Before introduction of the protocol, patients were cross-matched for blood before surgery. Transfusion after surgery was at the discretion of the surgeons or the on-call doctors. After introduction of the protocol, only patients with a preoperative haemoglobin level of <110 g/l underwent 'type and screening' of blood group. 2 units of blood were cross-matched preoperatively when multiple red-cell antibodies were identified or postoperatively when blood transfusion was required. Only patients with a postoperative haemoglobin level of <80 g/l or being symptomatic received blood transfusion until the haemoglobin level reached >100 g/l. Those with a postoperative haemoglobin level of 80 to 100 g/l were given iron sulphate 300 mg twice daily for a month.

RESULTS

The 2 groups did not differ significantly in age, sex ratio, pre- and post-operative haemoglobin levels, and drain output. Comparing outcome before and after introduction of the protocol, the transfusion rate (10.3% vs. 3.1%, p=0.046), crossmatch rate (100% vs. 3.1%, p<0.001), and crossmatch to transfusion ratio (9.7:1 vs. 1:1, p<0.001) decreased. Among transfused patients, the decreased postoperative haemoglobin level indicated a lower transfusion trigger point (100 g/l vs. 75 g/l, p<0.006) No patient developed infection, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular complications within 30 days.

CONCLUSION

The blood management protocol for TKA is effective in reducing unnecessary allogeneic blood transfusions and wastage of unused blood, without an increase in postoperative complications.

Comparison of therapeutic effects between drainage blood reinfusion and temporary clamping drainage after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the therapeutic effects between drainage blood reinfusion and temporary clamping drainage after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis to provide a basis for clinical practice.

METHODS

Data from 83 patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty were retrospectively analyzed. The 83 patients were divided into a drainage blood reinfusion group (DR group, n = 45) and a temporary clamping drainage group (CD group, n = 38). In the DR group, postoperative drainage blood was used for autotransfusion. In the CD group, closed drainage was adopted, and the drainage tube was clamped for 2 h postoperatively followed by patency. The postoperative drainage amount, hemoglobin level, rate and average volume of allogeneic blood transfusion, swelling and ecchymosis of the affected knee joint, time to straight-leg raising and range of active knee flexion were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The total drainage volume was higher in the DR group than in the CD group (P = 0.000). The average volume of postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion (P = 0.000) and the decrease in the hemoglobin level 24 h after total knee arthroplasty (P = 0.012) were lower in the DR group than in the CD group. Swelling and ecchymosis of the affected knee joint, time to straight-leg raising and the range of active knee flexion were improved in the DR group compared with the CD group (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with temporary clamping drainage, drainage blood reinfusion after total knee arthroplasty can reduce the allogeneic blood transfusion volume and is conducive to early rehabilitation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Warfarin cessation is non-essential in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty--a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Warfarinised patients frequently present for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Current practice of heparin 'bridging' is potentially cumbersome and hazardous. The research question is if cessation of warfarin is necessary for TKA.

METHODS

The study design was a retrospective case-control series of 61 warfarinised patients and 61 control patients undergoing TKA. TKA was performed by the senior author using a medial parapatellar approach without tourniquet. The target perioperative international normalised ratio (INR) for warfarinised patients was 2-2.2. Primary outcomes were changes in haemoglobin, transfusion requirements and complication rates.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between control and warfarin group in mean perioperative Hb (g/L) (pre-op 140 vs 141, day 0 115 vs 115, day 1 108 vs 111, P = 0.63), transfusion rates (14.75% vs 9.83%, P = 0.58), total complication rate (9.8% vs 9.8%, P = 0.75), demographics, range of motion or length of stay. There was a statistically significant higher use of the re-infusion drain in the warfarinised group (47.5% vs 24.6%, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

This study supports the hypothesis that warfarin cessation is non-essential in patients undergoing TKA. This data is applicable to a patient group using re-infusion drains. Limitations of this study are typical of a small non-controlled observational study.

No additional benefit with use of a fibrin sealant to decrease peri-operative blood loss during primary total knee arthroplasty

Blood loss remains a substantial problem associated TKA. This study evaluated the efficacy of a fibrin sealant on: (1) blood loss; (2) blood transfusions; and (3) length of stay. We evaluated the records of 113 consecutive patients with sealant and 70 without sealant. There was no significant difference in the hemoglobin levels (all 9.5-10 g/dL) on each of three postoperative days. There was also no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood loss or the total perioperative blood loss in both groups. The mean requirement in each patient was 2.5 ± 2.4 units in the fibrin sealant group compared to 2.0 ± 0.8 units in the non-fibrin sealant group. We have stopped using fibrin sealant based on this study.

Saline-coupled bipolar sealing in simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty

Background

The efficacy of saline-coupled bipolar sealing devices in joint arthroplasty is uncertain, and the utility in simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been reported.

Methods

This study compares the use of bipolar sealing and conventional electrocautery in 71 consecutive patients. The experimental and control groups were matched for age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and preoperative hemoglobin. Variables of interest included blood loss, transfusion requirements, and operative characteristics.

Results

In comparison to patients treated with conventional electrocautery, those treated with the bipolar sealer were 35% less likely to require transfusion. The median number of transfusions per case was also significantly lower in the experimental group. Hemoglobin change, total blood loss, and length of stay were not significantly different between the groups. The experimental group had longer operative times.

Conclusions

Bipolar sealing shows promise as a blood loss reduction tool in simultaneous bilateral TKA. The marginal savings attributed to reduced transfusion rates with use of the bipolar sealer did not exceed the additional per-case expense of using the device. The decision to use the device with the goal of less blood loss must come with the additional expense associated with its use.

Sealing of the intramedullar femoral canal in a TKA does not reduce postoperative blood loss: a randomized prospective study

BACKGROUND

Sealing of the femoral canal, usually with autologous bone, is a surgical procedure that is often performed during TKA surgery to decrease blood loss in the postoperative period. However, evidence as to the effectiveness of this surgical procedure is not conclusive. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of this surgical action in reducing postoperative blood loss and the blood transfusion rate.

METHODS

A randomized prospective study that included 201 TKAs divided into three groups (67 in each one) was carried out. The three groups were; A) bone graft sealing, B) cement sealing and C) unsealed canal. All groups were comparable with regard to pre and intra-operative data. The haemoglobin decrease at 2, 24 and 72 h was compared to the preoperative haemoglobin value. Subsequently, blood drainage at 12 and 24h and the rate of blood transfusion were also assessed. The different complications that arose were reported.

RESULTS

No statistical differences were obtained with regard to blood drainage at 12h (p=0.102) and 24h (p=0.542), the haemoglobin value decrease at 72 h (p=0.95) and the number of blood transfusions (p=0.597) in the three groups studied.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference, whether sealing the femoral canal with a bone graft, cement or when it was left unsealed, in decreasing blood loss or blood transfusion requirements in the postoperative period.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic type I.

Intraoperative blood salvage in revision total hip arthroplasty: who benefits most?

The purpose of the present study was to identify factors that predict reinfusion following intraoperative blood salvage (IOBS). We retrospectively identified 298 patients who underwent aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty at our institution between February 2005 and January 2007. Of these, 160 (53.7%) received reinfusion from IOBS. In the reinfusion group, an average of 850 mL (range, 300-4300) of fluid was collected and an average of 270 mL (range, 135-1350) of red blood cells was returned. Exchange of both the femoral and acetabular components, use of a trochanteric osteotomy, increased body mass index, and advanced age were associated with reinfusion. Based on these results, surgeons may consider using IOBS on patients with these preoperative characteristics.

Effectiveness of an autologous transfusion system following cemented and non-cemented revisions of total hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to analyse the efficacy of blood autotransfusion using a continuous autologous transfusion system in revisions of total hip arthroplasty (THA). We looked at whether administration of allogeneic blood units was reduced in these cases and if there is a difference between cemented and non-cemented revisions.

METHODS

Between January 2011 and December 2011, patients being treated with revision THA were included (n = 411). The following parameters were analysed: patient age, gender, weight (kg), height (cm), body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)), surgical diagnosis, treatment and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification score. The difference between pre- and post-operative haemoglobin (Hb, g/dl), amount of peri-operative blood loss (ml), amount of retransfused washed shed blood and amount of allogeneic and/or autologous transfusion (ml) were recorded.

RESULTS

In both the cemented and non-cemented revision THA groups, there was no significant difference between pre- and post-operative Hb with or without using an autotransfusion system. In 92 of 186 cemented cases using an autologous transfusion system (49.5%) and 38 of 117 non-cemented cases using an autologous transfusion system (32.5%), allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) was required. Cemented procedures using an autologous transfusion system got significantly more ABTs than non-cemented procedures using an autologous transfusion system (p = 0.0042, odds ratio = 2.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of an autologous transfusion system did not reduce the amount of ABT in revision THA in the patient cohort reported here. In our opinion, general blood management is required before and during surgery to reduce administration of ABT.

The increased total cost associated with post-operative drains in total hip and knee arthroplasty

In a consecutive series of 536 unilateral primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and 598 unilateral primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), the use of a post-operative drain was associated with $538 additional cost per THA, and $455 for TKA. The use of a drain increased hospital length of stay (LOS) for THA, but not for TKA. In both groups, the use of a drain increased estimated blood loss (EBL) and increased the amount of allogeneic blood transfused. Over the 10-week period, drain use was associated with a total cost of $432,972 for our institution. Data from this study would favor a selective approach to the use of drains in primary joint arthroplasties.

The efficacy of unilateral use of a blood reinfusion device in one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of unilateral use of a blood reinfusion device in one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective cohort study on 100 patients having one-stage bilateral TKA. In 50 of these patients (study group), a blood reinfusion device was applied on one knee and a standard suction drain on the other, and they were compared with 50 matched controls who received bilateral suction drains (control group). The hemoglobin (Hb) level, the hematocrit (Hct) and the platelet count were checked preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and the third and seventh days postoperatively. The total drain output and the amount of allogeneic blood transfusion were also compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the total drain output and required amount of allogeneic blood transfusions between groups (p>0.05). However, the study group had significantly lower Hb and Hct values by the first day postoperatively and significantly lower platelet count values by the third day postoperatively than the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with use of bilateral suction drains, unilateral use of reinfusion device was not advantageous in reducing allogeneic transfusion in one-stage bilateral TKA.

Pre-operative autologous blood donation versus no blood donation in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomised trial

PURPOSE

During total knee arthroplasty (TKA) blood loss can be significant and in spite of all techniques for reducing blood loss there is still a significant possibility for blood transfusions. For blood loss management during TKA, pre-operative autologous blood donation (PABD) is still a standard of care. In this prospective randomised study we have evaluated the efficacy of PABD in patients undergoing TKA to answer the question whether there is any need for autologous blood donations during TKA and, if yes, for which group of patients.

METHODS

Patients were randomised to three groups. In group 1 patients did not donate autologous blood, in group 2 patients donated 1 dose 72 hours prior to TKA and in group 3 patients donated autologous blood 14 days prior to TKA. In all patients haemoglobin, haematocrit, thrombocyte and reticulocyte values, iron concentrations (Fe, unsaturated iron binding capacity, total iron binding capacity), activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and intra-operative and post-operative blood loss were measured and compared.

RESULTS

With PABD there was no reduction in allogeneic blood transfusions and a large number of taken doses of autologous blood was discarded, which significantly increased the cost of treatment for these patients. For patients undergoing TKA, PABD can provoke iatrogenic anaemia and thereby increase the likelihood of the need for allogeneic blood transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of our study showed that PABD in non-anaemic patients is not justified and is not economically feasible.

Does single use of an autologous transfusion system in TKA reduce the need for allogenic blood?: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Mechanical autotransfusion systems for washed shed blood (WSB) were introduced to reduce the need for postoperative allogenic blood transfusions (ABTs). Although some authors have postulated decreased requirements for ABT by using autologous retransfusion devices, other trials, mostly evaluating retransfusion devices for unwashed shed blood (USB), verified a small or no benefit in reducing the need for postoperative ABT. Because of these contradictory findings it is still unclear whether autologous retransfusion systems for WSB can reduce transfusion requirements.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We therefore asked whether one such autologous transfusion system for WSB can reduce the requirements for postoperative ABT.

METHODS

In a prospective, randomized, controlled study, we enrolled 151 patients undergoing TKA. In Group A (n=76 patients), the autotransfusion system was used for a total of 6 hours (intraoperatively and postoperatively) and the WSB was retransfused after processing. In Control Group B (n=75 patients), a regular drain without suction was used. We used signs of anemia and/or a hemoglobin value less than 8 g/dL as indications for transfusion. If necessary, we administered one or two units of allogenic blood.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients (33%) in Group A, who received an average of 283 mL (range, 160-406 mL) of salvaged blood, needed a mean of 2.1 units of allogenic blood, compared with 23 patients (33%) in Control Group B who needed a mean of 2.1 units of allogenic blood.

CONCLUSIONS

We found the use of an autotransfusion system did not reduce the rate of postoperative ABTs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[The 2013 Seville Consensus Document on alternatives to allogenic blood transfusion. An update on the Seville Document]

Since allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) is not harmless, multiple alternatives to ABT (AABT) have emerged, though there is great variability in their indications and appropriate use. This variability results from the interaction of a number of factors, including the specialty of the physician, knowledge and preferences, the degree of anemia, transfusion policy, and AABT availability. Since AABTs are not harmless and may not meet cost-effectiveness criteria, such variability is unacceptable. The Spanish Societies of Anesthesiology (SEDAR), Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH), Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH), Critical Care Medicine (SEMICYUC), Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH) and Blood Transfusion (SETS) have developed a Consensus Document for the proper use of AABTs. A panel of experts convened by these 6 Societies have conducted a systematic review of the medical literature and have developed the 2013 Seville Consensus Document on Alternatives to Allogeneic Blood Transfusion, which only considers those AABT aimed at decreasing the transfusion of packed red cells. AABTs are defined as any pharmacological or non-pharmacological measure aimed at decreasing the transfusion of red blood cell concentrates, while preserving patient safety. For each AABT, the main question formulated, positively or negatively, is: « Does this particular AABT reduce the transfusion rate or not?» All the recommendations on the use of AABTs were formulated according to the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.

[The 2013 Seville Consensus Document on alternatives to allogenic blood transfusion. An update on the Seville Document]

Since allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) is not harmless, multiple alternatives to ABT (AABT) have emerged, though there is great variability in their indications and appropriate use. This variability results from the interaction of a number of factors, including the specialty of the physician, knowledge and preferences, the degree of anemia, transfusion policy, and AABT availability. Since AABTs are not harmless and may not meet cost-effectiveness criteria, such variability is unacceptable. The Spanish Societies of Anesthesiology (SEDAR), Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH), Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH), Critical Care Medicine (SEMICYUC), Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH) and Blood Transfusion (SETS) have developed a Consensus Document for the proper use of AABTs. A panel of experts convened by these 6 Societies have conducted a systematic review of the medical literature and have developed the 2013 Seville Consensus Document on Alternatives to Allogeneic Blood Transfusion, which only considers those AABT aimed at decreasing the transfusion of packed red cells. AABTs are defined as any pharmacological or non-pharmacological measure aimed at decreasing the transfusion of red blood cell concentrates, while preserving patient safety. For each AABT, the main question formulated, positively or negatively, is: "Does this particular AABT reduce the transfusion rate or not?" All the recommendations on the use of AABTs were formulated according to the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.

[The "Seville" Consensus Document on Alternatives to Allogenic Blood Transfusion. Sociedades españolas de Anestesiología (SEDAR), Medicina Intensiva (SEMICYUC), Hematología y Hemoterapia (AEHH), Transfusión sanguínea (SETS) Trombosis y Hemostasia (SETH)]

The Consensus Document on Alternatives to Allogenic Blood Transfusion (AABT) has been drawn up by a panel of experts from 5 scientific societies. The Spanish Societies of Anesthesiology (SEDAR), Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC), Hematology and Hemotherapy (AEHH), Blood Transfusion (SETS) and Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH) have sponsored and participated in this Consensus Document. Alternatives to blood transfusion have been divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological, with 4 modules and 12 topics. The main objective variable was the reduction of allogenic blood transfusions and/or the number of transfused patients. The extent to which this objective was achieved by each AABT was evaluated using the Delphi method, which classifies the grade of recommendation from A (supported by controlled studies) to E (non-controlled studies and expert opinion). The experts concluded that most of the indications for AABT were based on middle or low grades of recommendation, "C", "D", or "E", thus indicating the need for further controlled studies.

Blood loss control with two doses of tranexamic Acid in a multimodal protocol for total knee arthroplasty

Average blood loss after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) usually ranges from 1500 to 1900 cc, including both the postoperative drain and hidden blood loss. This represents about 46% of TKA patients requiring postoperative blood transfusion. Not only the risks of disease transmission but also those of ABO incompatibility, infection due to immunosupression, increased procedure costs, and increased length of hospital stay, are potential problems that foster blood saving strategies. In this study, 71 unilateral TKAs using a multimodal protocol to decrease blood loss were compared to 61 historical cases. Patients in both groups underwent cemented TKA with the same system, surgical technique, and multimodal protocol (MIS approach, plug in the femoral canal, tourniquet removal after wound closure and compressive bandage, analgesic periarticular infiltration with vasoconstrictor, postoperative drain at atmospheric pressure, opened 2 hours after the end of the surgical procedure and removed after 24 hours). The study series incorporated intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) infusion in 2 doses of 10-15 mg/kg, 15 minutes before tourniquet release and 3 hours later. Results showed no transfusion requirements in the TXA series (0%), with 23/61 (37.7%) transfusions in the control, with an average cost decrease of 240 euros per patient. Visible bleeding in 24h significantly decreased from 553.36 cc (range 50-1500) to 169.72 cc (range 10-480) in the TXA series. As a conclusion, implementing a TXA-based multimodal protocol produced significant decrease in the transfusion rate, visible blood loss, and cost per patient, thus proving effectiveness and efficiency in the surgical management of TKA.

The effect of postoperative pain on postoperative blood loss after sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty

Background

Bilateral total knee arthroplasty is generally accompanied by a significant amount of blood loss. We investigated the relationship between the intensity of pain and the amount of blood loss in the early postoperative period after bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted on 91 patients who underwent elective sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. All patients received combined spinal and epidural anesthesia. Patients were divided into three groups based on their scores on the verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) for pain at 6 hours postoperatively. The VNRS was classified as follows; mild pain (n = 34, VNRS score 0-4), moderate pain (n = 24, VNRS score 5-6), and severe pain (n = 33, VNRS score 7-10). We compared the mean arterial pressures and the amount of blood loss during the first 24 postoperative hours in the three groups. Factors influencing postoperative blood loss were analyzed.

Results

Postoperative mean arterial pressures and blood loss were not different among the groups. Of the factors examined, the amount of postoperative blood loss was only dependent on the amount of intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Early postoperative pain has no effect on postoperative blood pressure and the amount of blood loss after bilateral total knee arthroplasty. For postoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood loss is the main determinant.

An individualized pre-operative blood saving protocol can increase pre-operative haemoglobin levels and reduce the need for transfusion in elective total hip or knee arthroplasty

We have prospectively evaluated the efficacy of an individualized pre-operative blood saving protocol in elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The primary aim was to obtain a pre-operative haemoglobin (Hb) level of > or =14 g dL(-1). A reduction in requirements for allogeneic transfusion was considered the second aim. Several strategies are available for increasing pre-operative Hb levels and reducing red blood cell (RBC) transfusions following THA or TKA, but the success of these programmes depends on selecting the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Three hundred and five patients with an indication of elective THA or TKA were individually assigned to the following strategies according to Hb and ferritin levels and medical conditions: (a) no pre-operative intervention, (b) oral iron therapy, (c) intravenous (i.v.) iron therapy, (d) recombinant human erythropoietin alpha with i.v. iron and (e) pre-operative autologous donation (PAD) plus oral iron. Eighty-two percent of the patients reached a pre-operative Hb level of > or =14 g dL(-1) compared with 62% of patients with Hb levels of > or =14 g dL(-1) at the baseline visit. Treatment with PAD showed a significant reduction in the pre-operative Hb levels. The rate of RBC transfusion was 18.8% compared with 31.5% of matched historic group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, all patients scheduled to undergo THA or TKA should be candidates for an individualized pre-operative blood salvage programme.

Blood management in total knee arthroplasty: a comparison of techniques

Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are at high risk for postoperative anemia and allogeneic blood transfusions. Risks associated with allogeneic blood exposure (ie, infection, fluid overload, and longer hospital stays) have prompted alternative blood management strategies. The main goal of this study was to evaluate whether a single change in the clinical blood management of patients undergoing TKA reduced the severity of postoperative anemia or the need for allogeneic blood transfusions. A second goal of this study was to assess the financial impact of the change on the institution. This study compared perioperative cell salvage, preoperative autologous blood donation, and the practice of using allogeneic blood alone in patients undergoing TKA. Clinical and financial data of 154 unique cases of primary TKA at the Mayo Clinic Arizona were retrospectively reviewed. Transfusion rates were 25%, 18%, and 52% respectively for patients in the cell salvage, preoperative autologous blood donation, and allogeneic blood only groups. Respective relative risk reductions were 51.9% (P=.007) and 65.4% (P=.002) with the use of cell salvage or preoperative autologous blood donation versus allogeneic alone. Cell salvage and preoperative autologous blood donation were found to significantly reduce the requirements for allogeneic blood transfusions; these techniques were found to be roughly equivalent in clinical benefit when compared to the use of allogeneic blood alone. The logistical advantages of cell salvage (ie, no preoperative blood donation, no risk of wasting blood units) were associated with greater costs to the institution.

Allogeneic transfusion after predonation of blood for elective spine surgery

The literature suggests preoperative autologous blood donation in total joint arthroplasty is associated with increased overall transfusion rates compared with nondonation and is not cost-effective for all patients. We asked whether the amount of intraoperative blood loss and blood replacement differs between autologous donors and nondonors in elective spine surgery and whether the rates of allogeneic blood transfusions differ between the two groups; we then determined the cost of wasted predonated units. We retrospectively reviewed 676 patients who underwent elective lumbar spine surgery and compared relevant data to that in a matched cohort of 51 patients who predonated blood and 51 patients who received only cell-saver blood and underwent instrumented spinal fusion. Patients who predonated blood had similar blood loss as patients who did not predonate, but they had more blood replacement (1391 cc compared with 410 cc). Patients who predonated blood also had a lower preoperative hemoglobin level and wasted a half unit of blood on average. There was no major difference in allogeneic blood transfusion rates between the two groups. Our data suggest for short, instrumented lumbar fusion surgeries in patients with a normal coagulation profile, preoperative blood donation is not beneficial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study.

Preoperative autologous blood donation in primary total knee arthroplasty: critical review of current indications

Preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) is a well established transfusion practice in elective orthopaedic surgery, involving immunologic and infective advantages but also involving exposure to not negligible risks, and costs as well. The aim of this study was to assess the real need for blood transfusions in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Between January 2000 and July 2005, 214 patients underwent primary unilateral TKA. Altogether, 416 autologous blood units were collected, however only 47 (11.3%) were transfused. Thirty-eight patients (17.8%) received autologous blood, while 4 of them (10.5%) also received allogeneic blood. Based on the results of this study, PABD should be recommended in well selected patients undergoing TKA: older female patients with a low basal haemoglobin level.

Preoperative epoetin alfa vs autologous blood donation in primary total knee arthroplasty

This prospective randomized trial compared preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) with epoetin alfa in patients undergoing primary total knee reconstruction. Fifty adult patients with pretreatment hemoglobin level of 100 to 130 g/L were randomized to either epoetin alfa 40,000 U at preoperative days 14 and 7 or to a standard PAD protocol. Patient characteristics and operative blood loss were similar between groups. Baseline hematological parameters for epoetin alfa vs PAD were not significantly different; however, by the day of surgery the epoetin alfa group had significantly higher hemoglobin (130 vs 114 g/L; P < .001), hematocrit (0.408 vs 0.352; P < .001), and reticulocyte count (3.4 vs 2.1 x 10(9) cells per liter; P < .001). These differences remained significant for 1 to 2 days postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of allogeneic transfusions between groups (28% for epoetin alfa vs 8% for PAD; P = .1383). Both treatments were generally well tolerated. Epoetin alfa appears to be a safe alternative to PAD in patients who are at risk for transfusion in the perioperative period following total knee arthroplasty.

Preoperative autologous blood donation in primary total knee arthroplasty: a single-centre experience on 214 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) is a widespread practice in elective orthopedic surgery, it is controversial whether this procedure avoids allogeneic blood transfusions in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study on 214 consecutive patients undergoing PABD before elective primary TKA.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients (17.8%) were transfused with autologous red blood cells (RBC), while four of them (10.5% of those requiring transfusions, 1.9% of all patients) also received allogeneic RBC. The transfused patients were, in most cases, female and had significantly lower basal and preoperative haemoglobin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this study, PABD is not necessary in most patients undergoing TKA, although older female patients with low basal haemoglobin levels could benefit from a predeposit programme and/or erythropoietin support in order to reduce the risk of exposure to allogeneic blood.

Perioperative autotransfusion in total hip and knee arthroplasty

We assessed the OrthoPAT Orthopedic Perioperative Autotransfusion System (Zimmer Inc, Warsaw, Ind) in reducing the need for allogeneic blood in hip or knee arthroplasty. Patients (N = 398) were divided into 5 cohorts: unilateral primary hip (n = 131), unilateral revision hip (n = 38), unilateral primary knee (n = 179), unilateral revision knee (n = 26), and bilateral primary knee (n = 24). Primary or revision hip arthroplasties with no preoperative autologous blood donation, knee arthroplasties with no preoperative autologous blood donation, and unilateral primary hip arthroplasties were 2.7, 2.3, and 2 times less likely (P < .05), respectively, to use allogeneic blood with OrthoPAT. We conclude that OrthoPAT use significantly reduced the risk of receiving allogeneic blood transfusions in defined patient subsets.

The use of reinfusion drains after total knee arthroplasty in patients treated with low molecular weight heparin for thromboembolic prophylaxis

The effect of closed-suction drainage with red-cell reinfusion on patients receiving low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been previously studied. Therefore, our goals were to determine the effect of reinfusion drains and LMWH on allogeneic transfusions and wound complications after TKA by comparing patients treated with and without drains. Overall, transfusion rates were lower in the drain group (40% vs 15%, P=.04). Patients with reinfusion drains had a significantly higher rate of allogeneic transfusion (15.8%) than those predonating autologous blood and no drain (5.4%, P=.0003). The drain group had lower rates of wound complications (P=not significant). We were unable to demonstrate the efficacy of red-cell reinfusion as a substitute for autologous donation in TKA.

Investigation of the use of drained blood reinfusion after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomised controlled study

PURPOSE

To compare the use of a blood salvage and reinfusion system with standard allogeneic blood transfusion after total knee arthroplasty--a procedure associated with significant postoperative blood loss.

METHODS

Between June 2002 and May 2004, 60 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were randomly allocated into a reinfusion group (n = 26) or a control group (n = 34). Patients in the reinfusion group had their blood reinfused from drains within 6 hours of surgery. Both groups received allogeneic blood transfusions according to specified transfusion criteria if the haemoglobin level fell below 90 g/l, or in the presence of severe anaemic symptoms. Haemoglobin levels and drain output were recorded daily for 3 consecutive days after surgery.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in demographic data, drain output, total blood loss, and mean postoperative haemoglobin levels. Significantly more allogeneic blood was required by the control group than by the reinfusion group (p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative reinfusion of drained blood reduced the need for blood transfusion after total knee arthroplasty, while having an effect on postoperative haemoglobin level equivalent to standard allogeneic blood transfusion.

Preoperative Evaluation and Methods to Reduce Blood Use in Orthopedic Surgery

Major elective orthopedic surgery may be associated with significant blood loss and allogeneic transfusion risk. Identifying patients at risk for allogeneic transfusion is best accomplished with a thorough preoperative evaluation of the patient's hematopoietic system, which, unfortunately, is not always carried out. An evaluation of the hematopoietic system begins with an evaluation of the patient's hemoglobin level a minimum of 30 days before the scheduled surgical procedure. This allows for expedited diagnosis and treatment of underlying comorbidities. An unexplained low level of hemoglobin or a hemoglobin level low enough to increase the patient's allogeneic risk should cause elective surgery to be deferred until an evaluation can be preformed and blood management strategies put in place.

Blood management: issues and options

Blood management in the perioperative period of the total joint arthroplasty procedure has evolved over the last 3 decades. Strategies have changed and are changing based on a better understanding of blood loss and blood replacement options in this patient population. Patient-specific options based on preoperative hemoglobin levels and patient comorbidities as well as anticipated blood loss have been developed and studied. Patient-specific blood management programs have provided cost-efficient care with low morbidity.