Safety and efficacy of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty

Tranexamic Acid Use in the Surgical Arena: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a potent antifibrinolytic drug that inhibits the activation of plasmin by plasminogen. While not a new medication, TXA has quickly gained traction across a variety of surgical subspecialties to prevent and treat bleeding. Knowledge on the use of this drug is essential for the modern surgeon to continue to provide excellent care to their patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the PubMed database was conducted of articles published within the last 10 y (2014-2024) relating to TXA and its use in various surgical subspecialties. Seminal studies regarding the use of TXA older than 10 y were included from the author's archives.

RESULTS

Indications for TXA are not limited to trauma alone, and TXA is utilized across a variety of surgical subspecialties from neurosurgery to hepatic surgery to control hemorrhage. Overall, TXA is well tolerated with common dose-dependent adverse effects, including headache, nasal symptoms, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. More severe adverse events are rare and easily mitigated by not exceeding a dose of 50 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of TXA as an adjunct to treat trauma saves lives. The ability of TXA to induce seizures is dose dependent with identifiable risk factors, making this serious adverse effect predictable. As for the potential for TXA to cause thrombotic events, uncertainty remains. If this association is proven to be real, the risk will likely be small, since the use of TXA is still advantageous in most situations because of its efficacy for a more common concern, bleeding.

Management of severe peri-operative bleeding: Guidelines from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care: Second update 2022

BACKGROUND

Management of peri-operative bleeding is complex and involves multiple assessment tools and strategies to ensure optimal patient care with the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality. These updated guidelines from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) aim to provide an evidence-based set of recommendations for healthcare professionals to help ensure improved clinical management.

DESIGN

A systematic literature search from 2015 to 2021 of several electronic databases was performed without language restrictions. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies and to formulate recommendations. A Delphi methodology was used to prepare a clinical practice guideline.

RESULTS

These searches identified 137 999 articles. All articles were assessed, and the existing 2017 guidelines were revised to incorporate new evidence. Sixteen recommendations derived from the systematic literature search, and four clinical guidances retained from previous ESAIC guidelines were formulated. Using the Delphi process on 253 sentences of guidance, strong consensus (>90% agreement) was achieved in 97% and consensus (75 to 90% agreement) in 3%.

DISCUSSION

Peri-operative bleeding management encompasses the patient's journey from the pre-operative state through the postoperative period. Along this journey, many features of the patient's pre-operative coagulation status, underlying comorbidities, general health and the procedures that they are undergoing need to be taken into account. Due to the many important aspects in peri-operative nontrauma bleeding management, guidance as to how best approach and treat each individual patient are key. Understanding which therapeutic approaches are most valuable at each timepoint can only enhance patient care, ensuring the best outcomes by reducing blood loss and, therefore, overall morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

All healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients at risk for surgical bleeding should be aware of the current therapeutic options and approaches that are available to them. These guidelines aim to provide specific guidance for bleeding management in a variety of clinical situations.

Intra-articular Tranexamic Acid in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Decreases the Rate of Post-operative Blood Transfusions in People with Hemophilia: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusion rates after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients without hemophilia have diminished with the use of a standardized multimodal blood loss prevention method (MBLPM) that includes intra-articular tranexamic acid (TXA) (MBLPM-TXA). However, the topic has not been addressed in people with hemophilia.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Our aim was to investigate whether the MBLPM-TXA prevents blood loss in patients with hemophilia A who undergo TKA, thereby decreasing the need for post-operative blood transfusion.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control comparative study involved 30 TKA patients who had a severe degree of hemophilia A without inhibitions: one group treated with the MBLPM-TXA (n = 15) and a second group treated without it (n = 15). In all cases, the pre-operative hemoglobin level was greater than 13 g/dL.

RESULTS

The MBLPM-TXA group had a transfusion rate of zero, whereas 46.6% of the patients (seven of 15) in the non-MBLPM-TXA group needed transfusion.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective case-control study showed that the use of an MBLPM-TXA in patients with hemophilia A who underwent TKA was effective in reducing rates of transfusion. We recommend its use.

TXA (Tranexamic Acid) Risk Evaluation in Combat Casualties (TRECC)

Background

The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has become increasingly prevalent for hemorrhage prevention in military trauma patients due to its known survival benefits. There is concern of increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) subsequent to receiving TXA. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the rate of VTE in severely injured military personnel during Operation Enduring Freedom (2009-2014).

Methods

An analysis of 859 military trauma patients from the 2009-2014 Department of Defense Trauma Registry included subjects with an injury severity score (ISS) >10 and a massive transfusion (MT) (>10 units of blood products in the first 24 hours). Outcomes included a documented VTE (eg, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)) during the patient's hospital course. Comparison between those who did/did not receive TXA was analyzed using three separate multiple regression analyses using listwise deletion, systematic replacement and multiple imputation.

Results

Subjects (n=620) met inclusion criteria with 27% (n=169) having a documented VTE. A total of 30% that received TXA had a documented VTE, 26% that did not receive TXA had a documented VTE and 43% (n=264, n=620) of the sample did not have TXA documented as either given or not given. Multiple regression analyses using listwise deletion and systematic replacement of the TXA variable demonstrated no difference in odds of VTE, whereas the multiple imputation analysis demonstrated a 3% increased odds of VTE, a9.4% increased odds of PE and 8.1% decreased odds of DVT with TXA administration.

Discussion

TXA use with an ISS >10 and MT resuscitation had a 3% increased odds of VTE and an increased odds of PE, whereas the odds of DVT were found to be decreased after multiple imputation analysis. Further research on the long-term risks and benefits of TXA usage in the military population is recommended.

Level of evidence

IV-therapeutic.

Tranexamic acid toxicity in human periarticular tissues

Objectives

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic medication commonly used to reduce perioperative bleeding. Increasingly, topical administration as an intra-articular injection or perioperative wash is being administered during surgery. Adult soft tissues have a poor regenerative capacity and therefore damage to these tissues can be harmful to the patient. This study investigated the effects of TXA on human periarticular tissues and primary cell cultures using clinically relevant concentrations.

Methods

Tendon, synovium, and cartilage obtained from routine orthopaedic surgeries were used for ex vivo and in vitro studies using various concentrations of TXA. The in vitro effect of TXA on primary cultured tenocytes, fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and chondrocytes was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assays, fluorescent microscopy, and multi-protein apoptotic arrays for cell death.

Results

There was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in cell death within all tissue explants treated with 100 mg/ml TXA. MTT assays revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in cell viability in all tissues following treatment with 50 mg/ml or 100 mg/ml of TXA within four hours. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in cell apoptosis after one hour of exposure to TXA (100 mg/ml) in all tissues.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrates that TXA caused significant periarticular tissue toxicity ex vivo and in vitro at commonly used clinical concentrations.

Cite this article: M. McLean, K. McCall, I. D. M. Smith, M. Blyth, S. M. Kitson, L. A. N. Crowe, W. J. Leach, B. P. Rooney, S. J. Spencer, M. Mullen, J. L. Campton, I. B. McInnes, M. Akbar, N. L. Millar. Tranexamic acid toxicity in human periarticular tissues. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:11–18. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.81.BJR-2018-0181.R1.

Military use of tranexamic acid in combat trauma: Does it matter?

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been previously reported to have a mortality benefit in civilian and combat-related trauma, and was thus added to the Joint Theater Trauma System Damage Control Resuscitation Clinical Practice Guideline. As part of ongoing system-wide performance improvement, the use of TXA has been closely monitored. The goal was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TXA use in military casualties and provide additional guidance for continued use.

METHODS

A total of 3,773 casualties were included in this retrospective, observational study of data gathered from a trauma registry. The total sample, along with three subsamples for massive transfusion patients (n = 784), propensity-matched sample (n = 1,030), and US/North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military (n = 1,262), was assessed for administration of TXA and time from injury to administration of TXA. Outcomes included mortality and occurrence of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Multivariable proportional hazards regression models with robust standard error estimates were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for assessment of outcomes while controlling for covariates.

RESULTS

Results of univariate and multivariate analyses of the total sample (HR, 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-1.53; p = 0.86), massive transfusion sample (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.46-1.56; p = 0.51), propensity-matched sample (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.27-1.73; p = 0.34), and US/NATO military sample (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.30-1.92; p = 0.48) indicate no statistically significant association between TXA use and mortality. Use of TXA was associated with increased risk of pulmonary embolism in the total sample (HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.08-3.81; p < 0.001), massive transfusion sample (HR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.96-6.78; p = 0.003), US/NATO military sample (HR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.73-3.69; p = 0.002), but not the propensity-matched sample (HR, 3.36; 95% CI, 0.80-14.10; p = 0.10). TXA was also associated with increased risk of deep vein thrombosis in the total sample (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.21-3.30; p = 0.02) and US/NATO military sample (HR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.20-3.96; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

In the largest study on TXA use in a combat trauma population, TXA was not significantly associated with mortality, due to lack of statistical power. However, our HR estimates for mortality among patients who received TXA are consistent with previous findings from the CRASH-2 trial. At the same time, continued scrutiny and surveillance of TXA use in military trauma, specifically for prevention of thromboembolic events, is warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, level IV.

Bilateral caudate nucleus infarcts: A case report of a rare complication following endoscopic resection of a tuberculum sellae meningioma

Background:

We present a rare complication of bilateral caudate infarcts and necrosed nasoseptal flaps after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of tuberculum sellae meningioma. This case highlights the importance of early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and associated bacterial meningitis, and reviews any existing guidelines regarding its management.

Case Description:

A 54-year-old otherwise healthy man presented with progressive bitemporal hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed a large, homogeneously enhancing sellar and suprasellar mass consistent with a meningioma. An endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach was performed to resect the tuberculum sellae meningioma. The patient developed basal bacterial meningitis secondary to a CSF leak, requiring repair on two separate occasions. At the time of both repairs, there was evidence of necrosis of the nasoseptal flaps used for the repairs. Soon after the diagnosis of meningitis, the patient developed bilateral caudate infarcts.

Conclusion:

This report discusses the possible underlying etiologies for the bilateral caudate infarcts and necrosed flaps including bacterial meningitis with associated local vasospasm of nearby vessels resulting in infarction. This case emphasizes the importance of concise management of postendoscopic CSF leak and discusses the guidelines regarding antimicrobial therapy and the management of lumbar drains.

Evidence base and practice variation in acute care processes for knee and hip arthroplasty surgeries

BACKGROUND

Lack of evidence contributes to unnecessary variation in treatment costs and outcomes. This study aimed to identify from interventions historically used for total knee or hip arthroplasty (TKA, THA): i) if routine use is supported by high-level evidence; ii) whether surgeon use aligns with the evidence.

METHODS

Part 1: Systematic search of electronic library databases for systematic reviews and practice guidelines concerning seven acute-care interventions. Intervention-specific recommendations concerning routine use were extracted by assessors. Part 2: Prospective medical record audit of the acute-care received by 1900 patients involving 120 orthopaedic surgeons. Surgeon use per intervention was summarized using caterpillar plots. Surgeon-specific routine and non-routine use was defined as use in ≥ 90% and ≤ 10% of patients, respectively. Primary analysis included only surgeons contributing ≥ 10 patients.

RESULTS

Continuous passive motion (TKA): Routine use not recommended; 85.7% of surgeons did not use it routinely. Tranexamic Acid: Routine use recommended; 26.9% of surgeons used it routinely. Cryotherapy: Routine use not recommended; 45.7% of surgeons used it routinely for TKA; 31.8% used it routinely for THA. Intra-articular drainage: Routine use not recommended for TKA, but possible benefits for THA; 5.7% of surgeons used it routinely for TKA, 0.0% used it routinely for THA. Antibiotic loaded bone cement: Routine use for TKA not supported, recommendations for use for THA are inconsistent; 90.0% of surgeons used it routinely for TKA, 100.0% used it routinely for THA. Patella resurfacing (TKA): No recommendation could be made; 57.1% of surgeons routinely resurfaced the patella. Indwelling urinary catheterisation: Routine use recommended; 59.6% of surgeons used it routinely.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations for routine use or not exist for some of the acute-care interventions examined. Surgeon practices vary widely even in the presence of high-level recommendations. It is unclear whether further evidence alone would lessen unwarranted practice variation.

Comparison of intra-articular versus intravenous application of tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

There is much controversy about the optimal application of tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of the intra-articular and intravenous regimens of TXA in TKA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature search of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Randomized controlled trials comparing the result of intra-articular and intravenous application of TXA during TKA were included. The focus was on the outcomes of blood loss, transfusion requirement and thromboembolic complications.

RESULTS

Six studies were eligible for data extraction and meta-analysis. We found no statistically significant difference between intra-articular and intravenous administration of tranexamic acid in terms of total blood loss (WMD, 6.01; 95% CI: -96.78 to 108.79; p = 0.91), drain output (WMD = -20.26; 95% CI: -51.34 to 10.82; p = 0.20), hemoglobin drop (WMD = 0.33; 95% CI: -0.31 to 0.98; p = 0.31), or the incidences of transfusion (RR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.56-1.70; p = 0.93) as well as deep vein thrombosis (RR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.09-2.73; p = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison with intravenous application of TXA, intra-articular application had a comparable effect on reducing blood loss and the transfusion rate without increasing the complication rate.

Clamping drainage is unnecessary after minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty in patients with tranexamic acid: A randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Drainage and tranexamic acid (TXA) have been widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, it remains unclear whether it is necessary to clamp the drain after minimally invasive TKA (MIS-TKA) when TXA is used. We therefore conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of clamping versus not clamping drainage following MIS-TKA in patients in whom TXA was used.

METHODS

From January 2015 to December 2015, 121 patients undergoing unilateral primary MIS-TKA were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups. In the clamping group (N = 60), drainage was clamped for the 1st 4 postoperative hours. In the nonclamping group (N = 61), drainage was not clamped. All patients underwent a minimidvastus approach and received 10 mg/kg TXA intravenously before tourniquet deflation. We recorded the total blood loss, drainage volume, and transfusion requirements in the postoperative period. We also measured the hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. Other factors, including range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), and occurrence of wound-related complications, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE) were recorded at the time of discharge and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups with regard to age, gender, weight, BMI, preoperative Hb and Hct levels, preoperative ROM, VAS, duration of surgery, anesthesia method, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification.

RESULTS

The clamping group experienced better drainage volume results than the nonclamping group (P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in TBL and transfusion requirements (P = 0.105 and 0.276, respectively); Hb and Hct levels on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5 were similar between the 2 groups. No significant differences were found for ROM, VAS, DVT, PE, wound-related complications, and hospital length of stay in the postoperative follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, clamping drainage is unnecessary after routine MIS-TKA using TXA.