Subcutaneous Injection of Tranexamic Acid to Reduce Bleeding During Dermatologic Surgery: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

Subcutaneous Tranexamic Acid at the End of Life in a Patient With Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant vascular disorder characterized by vascular malformations, which cause frequent bleeding events including epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding.1 We describe the management of an 84-year-old woman with HHT who received end-of-life care on a palliative care ward. When the patient was unable to swallow her tranexamic acid tablets, this was converted to a continuous subcutaneous infusion, which was continued for a week until death. She had no significant bleeding events or site reactions. To our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe the palliative management of a patient with HHT at the end of life. This also adds to the current evidence base that subcutaneous tranexamic acid may be a safe and effective alternative to oral administration. Further research is needed to improve understanding of the appropriate patient selection, safety, and efficacy.

Effects of Preoperative Intravenous Versus Subcutaneous Tranexamic Acid on Postoperative Periorbital Ecchymosis and Edema Following Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Comparative Study

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of preoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) administered intravenously (IV) versus subcutaneously on postoperative ecchymosis and edema in patients undergoing bilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

METHODS

A prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of patients undergoing bilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty at a single-center. Eligible participants were randomized to preoperatively receive either (1) 1 g of TXA in 100 ml normal saline IV, (2) 50 µl/ml of TXA in local anesthesia, or (3) no TXA. Primary outcomes included ecchymosis and edema at postoperative day 1 (POD1) and 7 (POD7). Secondary outcomes included operative time, pain, time until resuming activities of daily living, patient satisfaction, and adverse events.

RESULTS

By comparison (IV TXA vs. local subcutaneous TXA vs. no TXA), ecchymosis scores were significantly lower on POD1 (1.31 vs. 1.56 vs. 2.09, p = 0.02) and on POD7 (0.51 vs. 0.66 vs. 0.98, p = 0.04) among those that received TXA. By comparison (IV TXA vs. local subcutaneous TXA vs. no TXA), significant reductions in edema scores occurred in those that received TXA on POD1 (1.59 vs. 1.43 vs. 1.91, p = 0.005) and on POD7 (0.85 vs. 0.60 vs. 0.99, p = 0.04). By comparison (IV TXA vs. local subcutaneous TXA vs. no TXA) patients treated with intravenous and local subcutaneous TXA preoperatively were more likely to experience shorter operative times (10.8 vs. 11.8 vs. 12.9 minutes, p = 0.01), reduced time to resuming activities of daily livings (1.6 vs. 1.6 vs. 2.3 days, p < 0.0001), and higher satisfaction scores at POD1 (8.8 vs. 8.7 vs. 7.9, p = 0.0002). No adverse events occurred were reported.

CONCLUSION

In an analysis of 106 patients, preoperative TXA administered either IV or subcutaneously safely reduced postoperative ecchymosis and edema in patients undergoing upper eyelid blepharoplasty. While statistical superiority between intravenous versus local subcutaneous TXA treatment was not definitively identified, our results suggest clinical superiority with IV dosing.

The Effect of Topical Tranexamic Acid on Postrhinoplasty Periorbital Ecchymosis and Eyelid Edema

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of topical tranexamic acid application in overcoming periorbital ecchymosis and eyelid edema in patients who have undergone open-technique rhinoplasty.

METHODS

Fifty patients were included in the study and divided into two groups: those who had topical tranexamic acid applied and those who did not (controls). In the tranexamic acid group, tranexamic acid-soaked pledgets were placed under the skin flap in a way that both sides could reach the osteotomy area and left for 5 minutes. In the control group, isotonic saline-soaked pledgets were placed under the skin flap in the same manner and left for 5 minutes. Digital photographs were obtained on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. Eyelid edema and periorbital ecchymosis were scored by two different examiners and averaged for comparison.

RESULTS

Edema that developed in the patients who had tranexamic acid applied was significantly less than in the control group on postoperative day 1. There was no difference between the two groups on postoperative day 3 or 7. Ecchymosis that developed in patients who had tranexamic acid applied was significantly less than in the control group on all days.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical tranexamic acid applied to the surgical field immediately after osteotomy in rhinoplasty surgery reduces the development of postoperative periorbital ecchymosis. In addition, the topical tranexamic acid application also reduces the development of eyelid edema in the early postoperative period.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, II.

Bleeding management in palliative medicine: subcutaneous tranexamic acid - retrospective chart review

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneously (SC) administered tranexamic acid.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of the use of SC tranexamic acid in a single palliative care centre. We reviewed the use of this approach since it was introduced in our locality 2 years ago. All clinical notes, medication administration records and infusion monitoring documentation were examined to ascertain therapeutic aim, efficacy and tolerability.

RESULTS

SC tranexamic acid was administered to 22 patients. The most common causes of bleeding were coagulopathy (5), bleeding tumours (9) and thrombocytopaenia (5). The therapeutic aim was either to prevent (6) or treat (16) bleeding and was achieved in 17/22 patients. During this 2-year period, our experience evolved resulting in a greater use of short bolus infusions to achieve more rapid control of bleeding events. Both short and continuous SC infusions were well tolerated with no instances of SC site reactions. One patient developed a suspected arterial thrombus in the last hours of life around the time of converting from oral (PO) to SC tranexamic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

SC administration of tranexamic acid appears to be an effective and well tolerated alternative option for the palliative management of bleeding when the PO and intravenous routes are not available. Further research is needed to clarify tranexamic acid's safety in palliative populations.

Tranexamic Acid Prevention of Hemorrhagic Complications Following Interpolated Flap Repair: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is increasingly being used to prevent hemorrhagic complications after dermatologic surgery. Interpolated flap repairs following Mohs micrographic surgery are at risk for increased bleeding events and unplanned health care utilization, particularly among patients on antithrombotic medication.

OBJECTIVE

To assess bleeding events after interpolated flap repair in patients receiving TXA compared with those who did not.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review identified interpolated flap repairs in a 5-year period. Hemorrhagic complications were analyzed, defined as major bleeding events, which included all unplanned medical visits, and minor bleeding events, which included any unplanned patient phone calls or messages through electronic medical record.

RESULTS

One hundred fifteen patients had interpolated flap repair during the 5-year period, of which 21 (18.3%) received TXA postprocedure. Twenty-seven bleeding events were identified in the non-TXA group compared with 1 event in the TXA-treated group. Patients who received TXA were less likely to have had a bleeding event (28.7% vs 4.8%, p < .01).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing interpolation flap repair were less likely to experience a bleeding event after subcutaneous injection of TXA.

Tranexamic acid in burn surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Burn injury causes a coagulopathy that is poorly understood. After severe burns, significant fluid losses are managed by aggressive resuscitation that can lead to hemodilution. These injuries are managed by early excision and grafting, which can cause significant bleeding and further decrease blood cell concentration. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic that has been shown to reduce surgical blood losses; however, its use in burn surgery is not well established. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the influence TXA may have on burn surgery outcomes. Eight papers were included, with outcomes considered in a random-effects model meta-analysis. Overall, when compared to the control group, TXA significantly reduced total volume blood loss (mean difference (MD) = -192.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -297.73 to - 87.14; P = 0.0003), the ratio of blood loss to burn injury total body surface area (TBSA) (MD = -7.31; 95% CI = -10.77 to -3.84; P 0.0001), blood loss per unit area treated (MD = -0.59; 95% CI = -0.97 to -0.20; P = 0.003), and the number of patients receiving a transfusion intraoperatively (risk difference (RD) = -0.16; 95% CI = -0.32 to - 0.01; P = 0.04). Additionally, there were no noticeable differences in venous thromboembolism (VTE) events (RD = 0.00; 95% CI = -0.03 to 0.03; P = 0.98) and mortality (RD = 0.00; 95% CI = -0.03 to 0.04; P = 0.86). In conclusion, TXA can potentially be a pharmacologic intervention that reduces blood losses and transfusions in burn surgery without increasing the risk of VTE events or mortality.

Efficacy of local infiltration of tranexamic acid in subcutaneous surgery: A protocol from a single medical center

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to explore efficacy of locally injected tranexamic acid (TXA) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL for reduction perioperative bleeding and postoperative complications in subcutaneous tumor excisions. We present the protocol and also compare results between the group of use antithrombotic group and not used.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study. Fifty-three patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 14): using antithrombotic drugs (antiplatelet or anticoagulants) with locally injected TXA. Group 2 (n = 17): using antithrombotic drugs without locally injected TXA. Group 3 (n = 22): not using antithrombotic drugs but with locally injected TXA. TXA was diluted to 1 mg/mL for use based on our experience. All patients were operated by 1 surgeon in 1 single medical center in Taipei from March 1st, 2020, to March 31st 2022. Outcomes such as the quality of perioperative surgical field and postoperative surgical complications were evaluated and compared. The quality of field was intraoperatively recorded by an assessment and photos from the surgeon. The statistical relationships between the complication rates were analyzed using χ2 test and a 1-way ANOVA by SPSS 25.

RESULTS

From Groups 1 and 3, a total of 36 patients, 29 patients had a clear surgical field during procedure. When comparing Groups 1 and 2, use of locally injected TXA had greater positive advantage in terms of a clearer vision whilst surgery (P = .031). Group 2 had more minor complications such as hematoma, severe ecchymosis, wound dehiscence, wound infection. By postoperatively reducing hematomas for 24 hours, it significantly reduce the incidence of abovementioned minor complications (P = .036). With the help of locally injected TXA, shorter time was required to remove drain, hence reducing duration of in-hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

The use of locally injected TXA whilst performing subcutaneous surgery on patients taking antithrombotic drugs is cost-effective. It could reduce bleeding and provide a more effective surgical field. In our study, favorable results were obtained from the use of diluted tranexamic acid (1 mg/mL) mixed with lidocaine, namely in clearing the surgical field as well as reducing postoperative surgical complications.

[Role of Tranexamic Acid in Plastic Surgery: a Systematic Review]

BACKGROUND

Bleeding events in surgery are a problem and can lead to revision surgery and bleeding anaemia, which sometimes must be treated by blood transfusion. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent and is already known for its role in the prevention and treatment of perioperative bleeding in the fields of orthopaedics, cardiovascular surgery and gynaecology. In plastic surgery, the use of tranexamic acid is increasing in popularity and has already been described in individual studies.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using the database MEDLINE from the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM). The keywords "tranexamic acid in plastic surgery", "intravenous tranexamic acid in plastic surgery", "topical tranexamic acid in plastic surgery" and "subcutaneous tranexamic acid in plastic surgery" were used. The search was limited to the period from 2010 to 2023. The studies were analysed according to the level of evidence, validity and availability and divided into three groups for the topical, intravenous or subcutaneous application of tranexamic acid. Randomised controlled trials and non-randomised prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included in the systematic review. Studies from other disciplines, review articles, technical notes, experimental studies, letters to the editor, comments and case reports were excluded.

RESULTS

The literature search resulted in a total of 135 papers. Of these, 56 papers were assessed as relevant to plastic surgery. After further analysis, 41 papers were excluded using the exclusion criteria described above. Fifteen studies were finally included in the present work and recommendations for possible applications such as intravenous, topical and subcutaneous application of tranexamic acid, including the indications, contraindications and dosage formulas were developed.

DISCUSSION

Although the current study situation on the use of tranexamic acid is limited, the results show more advantages than disadvantages for perioperative use. Establishing the use of tranexamic acid in plastic surgery could facilitate the reduction of perioperative bleeding and lead to more precision in surgery, and it could enable a rapid removal of drains. However, following the analysis of benefit and risk factors, further randomised controlled trials are required for use in plastic surgery.

Local Application of Tranexamic Acid in Plastic Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

According to recent evidence, the use of local tranexamic acid (TXA) during plastic surgery may lessen blood loss.

OBJECTIVES

To comprehensively assess the use of local TXA during plastic surgery through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials addressing these issues.

METHODS

Four electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library, were searched until December 12, 2022. Following meta-analyses, the mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) for blood loss volume (BLV), ΔHct, ΔHb and operation time were calculated when appropriate.

RESULTS

Eleven randomized controlled trials were included in the qualitative synthesis, while 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the local TXA group showed a reduction in blood loss volume of -1.05 (p < 0.00001; 95% CI, -1.72 to -0.38). However, local TXA had a limited effect on reducing ΔHct, ΔHb and operation time. A meta-analysis was not performed because of heterogeneity in other outcomes; however, except for 1 study in which no significant difference was observed on POD 1, all studies showed significantly lower rates of postoperative ecchymosis after surgery, 2 studies showed statistically significant reductions in transfusion risk or volume, and 3 studies reported significantly better surgical field quality in operations with local TXA. In the 2 included studies, the researchers concluded that local treatment does not play a role in relieving postoperative pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Local TXA is associated with less blood loss, less ecchymosis and better surgical field in plastic surgery patients.

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 the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Effect of Tranexamic Acid Local Injection on Bleeding during and after Tonsillectomy: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background

Tonsillectomy-related bleeding is one of the most prevalent and potentially fatal complications of this common surgical procedure. We aimed to assess the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) local injection on bleeding during and after tonsillectomy.

Methods

This double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial included 20 candidates for tonsillectomy referred to Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, in 2022. The subjects were randomized into two groups. Ten patients received TXA on their left side and the other ten on their right side 10 min before surgery. Placebo was administered to the contralateral side. The primary outcome was the volume of blood loss during tonsillectomy and up to 24 hours post-tonsillectomy. The secondary outcomes were surgeon satisfaction (rated 0-10), hemodynamic complications (patients' heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded every 10 min), and rebleeding. The duration of surgery was also noted.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 21.35 ± 3.16 years, of whom 8 (30%) were male and 12 (60%) were female. there was no significant difference between groups in terms of HR and MAP at any time point. The median of surgery duration did not differ significantly between the two groups; however, the surgeon satisfaction with the procedure was significantly higher with TXA compared to placebo. None of the patients developed hemodynamic complications, and rebleeding did not occur in any of the subjects.

Conclusions

TXA local injection was not superior to placebo in terms of bleeding control during and after tonsillectomy, hemodynamic complications, rebleeding, and surgery duration.

The effect of tranexamic acid on blood loss in liposuction: a randomized controlled study

Background

Liposuction is one of the most common procedures in the practice of plastic surgery. Since it evolved, continuous modifications have been to decrease blood loss so that patients are hemodynamically stable intra- and postoperatively. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has long been used for its antifibrinolytic properties that were beneficial in reducing blood loss, rate of transfusion, and hemoglobin drop in major trauma and surgeries. Its use in plastic surgery, however, is still limited. In this study, we aim to illustrate the effect of intravenous (IV) and local infiltration of TXA on blood loss in liposuction surgery.

Methods

Between April 2019 and April 2021, 90 patients who requested liposuction for various body parts were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups: control group, IV TXA, and local infiltration of TXA. A sample was taken from infranatant and sent for hematocrit calculation. Volume of blood in lipoaspirate was then calculated. Patients were assessed for blood loss and postoperative bruising.

Results

Volume of blood loss in lipoaspirate was considerably lower in the TXA groups, with 60% decrease in blood loss for the local TXA group in comparison with the control group. TXA has also been shown to markedly decrease bruising tendency in postoperative liposuction patients.

Conclusions

TXA can be used to decrease blood loss in large-volume liposuction, modify the need for blood transfusion intra- and postoperative, and improve the results of liposuction procedure without the need for multiple sessions.

Level of evidence

Level II, Risk/Prognostic Study.

The uses of tranexamic acid in dermatology: a review

Tranexamic acid is a plasmin inhibitor that is used off-label for the treatment of melasma. The use of tranexamic acid has expanded in the field of dermatology based on its anti-inflammatory and anti-melanin-producing properties, which include the treatment of rosacea, urticaria, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Tranexamic acid may have more uses in dermatology that require future studies. It should be used with caution during the COVID-19 pandemic given its procoagulant nature.

Safety and Efficacy of Local Tranexamic Acid for the Prevention of Surgical Bleeding in Soft-Tissue Surgery: A Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Plastic Surgery

Background:

Although high-bleed surgery routinely utilizes the antifibrinolytic drug tranexamic acid, most plastic surgical procedures are conducted in soft tissue with low-volume bleeding. Unease regarding possible systemic adverse effects prevents widespread systemic use, but local use of tranexamic acid is gaining popularity among plastic surgeons. Randomized controlled trials on topical use of tranexamic acid are mainly from high-bleed surgeries, and few studies address the effect in soft tissue. This article reviews the scientific evidence regarding local use of tranexamic acid in soft-tissue surgery, discusses pharmacological effects and possible adverse reactions, and presents recommendations for use in plastic surgery.

Methods:

A systematic search of databases for studies on local use of tranexamic acid in soft-tissue surgery was performed. Randomized controlled trials were included for a systematic review on effect; a narrative review regarding other clinically relevant aspects is based on extensive literature searches combined with the authors’ own research.

Results:

Fourteen randomized controlled trials, including 1923 patients, were included in the systematic review on local use of tranexamic acid in soft-tissue surgery.

Conclusions:

Local use of tranexamic acid may reduce blood loss comparably to intravenous prophylactic use with negligible risk of systemic adverse effects, but high-quality randomized controlled trials are few. Prolonged exposure to high local concentrations is discouraged, and direct contact with the central nervous system may cause seizures. No single superior means of administration or dosage is supported in the literature, and lowest effective dose is unknown. There may not be one single ideal dosing regimen, but rather many possibilities adaptable for different surgical situations.

Tranexamic acid for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in surgery, trauma and bleeding disorders: a narrative review

OBJECTIVES

We review the evidence for tranexamic acid (TXA) for the treatment and prevention of bleeding caused by surgery, trauma and bleeding disorders. We highlight therapeutic areas where evidence is lacking and discuss safety issues, particularly the concern regarding thrombotic complications.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed in PubMed and the Cochrane Library to identify clinical trials, safety reports and review articles.

FINDINGS

TXA reduces bleeding in patients with menorrhagia, and in patients undergoing caesarian section, myomectomy, hysterectomy, orthopedic surgery, cardiac surgery, orthognathic surgery, rhinoplasty, and prostate surgery. For dental extractions in patients with bleeding disorders or taking antithrombotic drugs, as well as in cases of idiopathic epistaxis, tonsillectomy, liver transplantation and resection, nephrolithotomy, skin cancer surgery, burn wounds and skin grafting, there is moderate evidence that TXA is effective for reducing bleeding. TXA was not effective in reducing bleeding in traumatic brain injury and upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. TXA reduces mortality in patients suffering from trauma and postpartum hemorrhage. For many of these indications, there is no consensus about the optimal TXA dose. With certain dosages and with certain indications TXA can cause harm, such as an increased risk of seizures after high TXA doses with brain injury and cardiac surgery, and an increased mortality after delayed administration of TXA for trauma events or postpartum hemorrhage. Whereas most trials did not signal an increased risk for thrombotic events, some trials reported an increased rate of thrombotic complications with the use of TXA for gastro-intestinal bleeding and trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

TXA has well-documented beneficial effects in many clinical indications. Identifying these indications and the optimal dose and timing to minimize risk of seizures or thromboembolic events is work in progress.

Safety in Dermatologic Procedures: How to Prevent, Recognize, and Treat Bleeding Complications in Dermatologic Surgery

Bleeding complications during dermatologic surgery are uncommon and usually minor, but bleeding occasionally leads to infection, wound dehiscence, or flap/graft necrosis. This review covers the keys to preventing, recognizing, and treating excessive bleeding during and after surgery.

Physiologically based modelling of tranexamic acid pharmacokinetics following intravenous, intramuscular, sub-cutaneous and oral administration in healthy volunteers

•

Tranexamic acid (TXA) as a treatment for post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) depends on early intervention and rapid systemic exposure.

•

This study uses PBPK modelling to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of TXA given by different routes of administration; intravenous, intramuscular, sub-cutaneous and oral.

•

Intramuscular administration of 1000 mg TXA is predicted to achieve >15 mg/L in plasma in <15 min and exceed this level for approximately 3 h post dose.

Background

: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic drug that reduces surgical blood loss and death due to bleeding after trauma and post-partum haemorrhage. Treatment success is dependant on early intervention and rapid systemic exposure to TXA. The requirement for intravenous (IV) administration can in some situations limit accessibility to TXA therapy. Here we employ physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling (PBPK) to evaluate if adequate TXA exposure maybe achieved when given via different routes of administration.

Methods

: A commercially available PBPK software (GastroPlus®) was used to model published TXA pharmacokinetics. IV, oral and intramuscular (IM) models were developed using healthy volunteer PK data from twelve different single dose regimens (n = 48 participants). The model was verified using separate IV and oral validation datasets (n = 26 participants). Oral, IM and sub-cutaneous (SQ) dose finding simulations were performed.

Results

: Across the different TXA regimens evaluated TXA plasma concentrations varied from 0.1 to 94.0 µg/mL. Estimates of the total plasma clearance of TXA ranged from 0.091 to 0.104 L/h/kg, oral bioavailability from 36 to 67% and Tmax from 2.6 to 3.2 and 0.4 to 1.0 h following oral and intramuscular administration respectively. Variability in the observed TXA PK could be captured through predictable demographic effects on clearance, combined with intestinal permeability and stomach transit time following oral administration and muscle blood flow and muscle/plasma partition coefficients following intra-muscular dosing.

Conclusions

: This study indicates that intramuscular administration is the non-intravenous route of administration with the most potential for achieving targeted TXA exposures. Plasma levels following an IM dose of 1000 mg TXA are predicted to exceed 15 mg/mL in < 15 min and be maintained above this level for approximately 3 h, achieving systemic exposure (AUC0–6) of 99 to 105 µg*hr/mL after a single dose. Well-designed clinical trials to verify these predictions and confirm the utility of intramuscular TXA are recommended.

The Combined Effect of Intravenous and Topical Tranexamic Acid in Liposuction: A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) use in surgical procedures due to its hemostatic effects has been gaining an increased interest. In plastic surgery, the effects of TXA have been studied intravenously (IV), and there have been some reports regarding local use.

Objectives

A comparative study examining the combined effect of IV and local TXA was conducted.

Methods

A randomized double-blinded controlled trial was performed for patients undergoing breast reduction treatment with liposuction and resection following the power-assisted liposuction mammaplasty (PALM) technique. All patients received 5 mL IV of 0.5 g/5 mL TXA on induction. Before installation, one researcher prepared two solutions of 1 L normal saline: one with 5 mL of 0.5 g/5 mL TXA associated with epinephrine 1:100,000 and the other with only epinephrine 1:100,000. These were randomly infiltrated in either the left or right breast. Clinical dermal bleeding was assessed for both breasts after deepithelialization. The lipoaspirate from these breasts was then compared with each other. A postoperative evaluation at 24 hours was performed to compare the ecchymosis rate.

Results

Ratios of decanted volume to total lipoaspirate was measured in bottles and compared between breasts. There was a statistical difference (P = 0.0002) in the ratio of decanted to lipoaspirated volume when comparing the control group (ratio: 0.21) with the treatment group (0.13). Video analysis revealed decreased dermal bleeding in the TXA group and postoperative evaluation less ecchymosis.

Conclusions

The combined use of IV and local TXA can help reducing blood loss in liposuction as measured by decantation in separate drain bottles and as assessed clinically preoperatively and postoperatively.

Level of Evidence 2

Administration of label and off-label drugs by the subcutaneous route in palliative care: an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

The marketing authorisation for many injectable drugs used in palliative care does not cover the frequently preferred subcutaneous route. Consequently, subcutaneous off-label drug administration is often practised.

AIM

To assess the use, safety and tolerability of subcutaneous label and subcutaneous off-label drug administration in a Danish hospice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective data from hospice inpatient records registered with subcutaneous drug administration. Prospective data of subcutaneous drug administration registered to hospice inpatients over a period of 2 months.

RESULTS

Drugs were administered subcutaneously to 90% of patients in both studied cohorts. Thirty different drugs were administered subcutaneously. Ten (33%) drugs were authorised for subcutaneous administration, 14 (47%) for intramuscular and 6 (20%) for intravenous administration only. A search in major palliative literature and scientific publications revealed that 11 of the 20 subcutaneous off-labelled drugs were administered with little to no support from these sources. In seven patients, 11 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were registered. ADRs were all minor local reactions and led to drug discontinuation in two patients only.

CONCLUSION

Subcutaneous drug administration was frequently used in the hospice. Two-thirds of the drugs were administered subcutaneously off-label. The findings of only a few and minor ADRs indicate that the drugs identified in this study, although often subcutaneously off-label and with little support from palliative literature, were administered with acceptable safety and tolerability. Off-label treatment practised in the clinic should be identified, reported and serve as inspiration for future scientific research and incentives for extension of marketing authorisations.

Local Infiltration of Tranexamic Acid With Local Anesthetic Reduces Intraoperative Facelift Bleeding: A Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND

Rebound bleeding as a result of loss of epinephrine effect is a common problem encountered during facelift surgery. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic agent whose safety and efficacy in reducing bleeding are well documented. We have found that local infiltration of TXA combined with a lidocaine with epinephrine solution during facelift surgery has been effective in decreasing rebound bleeding and the time required to gain hemostasis.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to share their local infiltration protocol of TXA combined with epinephrine solution in facelift.

METHODS

Patients who underwent facelift received subcutaneous injection of TXA-lidocaine 0.5% solution following the authors' protocol. After completing both sides of the facelift and the submental platysmaplasty, the first and second sides were sequentially closed. The time to gain hemostasis on each side prior to closure was prospectively measured.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven consecutive patients who underwent facelift surgery received local infiltration of TXA-lidocaine solution. In 23 of the 27 patients, the time required for hemostasis was prospectively recorded. The mean age was 62.1 years (±9.3) and all were females. The average time spent achieving hemostasis on the right, left, and both sides of the face was 6.5 (±2.7), 6.3 (±2.1), and 12.9 (±4.2) minutes, respectively. The total surgical time saving is approximately 25 to 60 minutes. Although primary facelift [13.6 (± 4.3)] exhibited a longer time of hemostasis compared with the secondary group [10.2 (± 2.8)], this was not statistically significant (P = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Local infiltration of TXA with local anesthetic prior to a facelift appears to decrease bleeding, operative time, and postoperative facelift drainage output.

Level of Evidence: 4.

Effect of Local Tranexamic Acid on Hemostasis in Rhytidectomy

Importance: Hematoma is the most common complication in rhytidectomy. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that may be a useful tool to reduce intraoperative bleeding and postoperative hematoma risk. Objective: To determine whether local TXA reduces intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drain output in rhytidectomy. Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing deep plane rhytidectomy with platysmaplasty. Beginning January 1, 2019, we began adding 1 cc (100 mg) of TXA to every 10 cc of local anesthetic and tumescent solution. Patients were, therefore, separated into two cohorts: control and TXA. Primary outcomes include postoperative day 1 (POD1) drain output, days to drain removal, percentage drains removed POD1, and percentage POD1 drain output <25 cc. Secondary outcomes include minor hematoma, major hematoma, Nitro-bid use, intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL), and thromboembolic events. Results: POD1 drain output reduced from 50.4 cc in control group versus 14.8 cc with TXA (p < 0.001). Average day of drain removal reduced from 1.8 days in control group versus 1.2 days with TXA (p = 0.001). Percentage of drains removed on POD1 was increased from 34.4% in control group to 77.3% with TXA (p < 0.001). Percentage of POD1 drain output <25 cc was increased from 21.9% in control group to 95.5% with TXA (p < 0.001). Intraoperative EBL <50 cc increased from 25% in control group to 75% with TXA (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between control and TXA in rates of minor hematoma, major hematoma, Nitro-bid use, or thromboembolic events. Conclusions and Relevance: Local TXA used in rhytidectomy significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drain output, and time to drain removal. No significant difference was observed in postoperative complication rates.

The emerging importance of tranexamic acid in dermatology

Tranexamic acid (TA) is an antifibrinolytic agent, increasingly recognized as being of utility for a wide variety of skin diseases. We review the evidence supporting the use of TA for a range of dermatological indications, including (among others) melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, urticaria, angio-oedema and haemostasis, in addition to practical considerations of its use by dermatologists.

Nanostructured fibrin agarose hydrogel as a novel haemostatic agent

Blood loss remains a major concern during surgery and can increase the morbidity of the intervention. The use of topical haemostatic agents to overcome this issue therefore becomes necessary. Fibrin sealants are promising haemostatic agents due to their capacity to promote coagulation, but their effectiveness and applicability need to be improved. We have compared the haemostatic efficacy of a novel nanostructured fibrin‐agarose hydrogel patch, with (c‐NFAH) or without cells (a‐NFAH), against two commercially available haemostatic agents in a rat model of hepatic resection. Hepatic resections were performed by making short or long incisions (mild or severe model, respectively), and haemostatic agents were applied to evaluate time to haemostasis, presence of haematoma, post‐operative adhesions to adjacent tissues, and inflammation factors. We found a significantly higher haemostatic success rate (time to haemostasis) with a‐NFAH than with other commercial haemostatic agents. Furthermore, other relevant outcomes investigated were also improved in the a‐NFAH group, including no presence of haematoma, lower adhesions, and lower grades of haemorrhage, inflammation, and necrosis in histological analysis. Overall, these findings identify a‐NFAH as a promising haemostatic agent in liver resection and likely in a range of surgical procedures.