Changes of hemoglobin and hematocrit in elderly patients receiving lower joint arthroplasty without allogeneic blood transfusion

Impact of tranexamic acid use in total hip replacement patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Tranexamic acid (TXA) dose in the context of primary complete hip replacements (THA) is still a hot debate about the best way to administer TXA. The need to select the most efficient and secure TXA dosing regimen, taking into account elements like perioperative bleeding, postoperative complications, and patient outcomes, has been emphasized by numerous studies. Improving clinical procedures and the general efficacy and safety of employing TXA in THA surgeries requires addressing this ongoing debate.

Methods

For this systematic review, We looked at the safety and efficacy of administering TXA intravenously (iTXA) and topically (tTXA) during THA. A thorough search turned up ten randomized controlled trials with 1295 individuals. Parameters evaluated included blood loss, Hb level on the day following surgery, transfusion rates, and drainage volume.

Results

Strategies had comparable impacts on deep vein thrombosis occurrences and wound complications. iTXA produced considerably less intraoperative blood loss (WMD = -12.687), concealed blood loss (WMD = 14.276), and the greatest hemoglobin drop (WMD = -0.400) when compared to tTXA.

Conclusion

Both administration techniques were secure and efficient in primary THA, although iTXA showed superior results in lowering blood loss and Hb decline.

Efficacy and Safety of Bone Wax Application at Different Time Points to Reduce Postoperative Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

In addition to the surface hemorrhage of cancellous bone after large-area osteotomy, the intramedullary hemorrhage after the reamed knee joint is also a major cause of postoperative bleeding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of bone wax application at different time points of prone hemorrhage to reduce perioperative blood loss.

METHODS

From August 2023 to December 2023, 150 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were included in this prospective, randomized controlled trial, patients were randomly divided into three groups: group A, after autogenous osteotomy plug was used to fill the femoral medullary cavity, the residual space was sealed with bone wax and the exposed cancellous bone surface around the prosthesis was coated with bone wax after the prosthesis adhesion; group B, only the exposed cancellous bone surface around the prosthesis was coated with bone wax; and group C, no bone wax was used. The primary outcome was total perioperative blood loss. Secondary outcomes included occult blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin reduction, blood transfusion rate, lower limb diameter, and knee function, while length of hospital stay was recorded. Tertiary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative related adverse events.

RESULTS

The total blood loss in group A (551.5 ± 224.5 mL) and group B (656.3 ± 267.7 mL) was significantly lower than that in group C (755.3 ± 248.3 ml, p < 0.001), and the total blood loss in group A was also lower than that in group B (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in the reduction of hemoglobin level and hidden blood loss among the three groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant improvement in postoperative lower limb swelling, knee joint activity and hospitalization time; there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications such as thromboembolism.

CONCLUSION

The use of bone wax in TKA can safely and effectively reduce perioperative blood loss and hemoglobin drop rate, and multiple use at time points during the operation when blood loss is prone to occur can produce more significant hemostatic effect.

Comparison of Combined Intraarticular and Intravenous Administration of Tranexamic Acid with Intraarticular and Intravenous Alone in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty without Drainage Catheter: A Clinical Trial Study

Objectives

We aimed to assess the most effective route for Tranexamic acid (TXA) administration among Intraarticular (IA), Intravenous (IV), and combined IA/IV for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries.

Methods

A double-blinded clinical trial was run on 147 TKA candidates. Blood loss and hemoglobin (Hb) drop were evaluated using the Gross and Nadler formula in three matched case groups administered TXA during the TKA through IV, IA, or combined IA/IV route. Tourniquet was used on all operations for controlling intraoperative blood loss. No drainage catheter was used for the cases.

Results

The combined group showed an average blood loss of 630±252 ml, which was significantly lower than that in the IV group (878±268 ml, P<0.01) and the IA group (774±288 ml, P=0.03). Furthermore, the mean Hb and hematocrit drop were significantly lower in the combined group, compared to the other two groups, 48 and 72 h postoperatively (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The combined IA/IV route had a 28% and 19% reduction of blood loss, compared to the IV or IA methods, respectively. Therefore, using TXA via the combined IA/IV route may be more effective for reducing perioperative blood loss following TKA surgery using a tourniquet without drain placement.

The Efficacy of Bone Wax in Reduction of Perioperative Blood Loss in Total Hip Arthroplasty via Direct Anterior Approach: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Perioperative blood management in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become a prime focus of research. Given the morbidity, delayed recovery, and prolonged hospital stay associated with postoperative anemia, various measures have been proposed to reduce perioperative blood loss (PBL). In this trial, we studied the efficacy of bone wax application on the distal cut surface of the femoral neck in reducing PBL during THA through the direct anterior approach.

METHODS

In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 152 patients underwent THA through the direct anterior approach with use of bone wax (n = 75) or without bone wax (control) (n = 77). The study was triple-blinded. The primary outcomes were apparent PBL (blood in sponges and suction canister) and total PBL on postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 5 (as calculated with the Good and Nadler methods). Transfusion and complications were the secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, etiology, preoperative hematologic/coagulation profile, anesthesia, intraoperative mean arterial pressure, or operative time. Apparent PBL, total PBL on POD3, and total PBL, in milliliters, on POD5 were significantly lower in the wax group, with median values of 200 (interquartile range [IQR]: 115 to 310) versus 370 (IQR: 195 to 513.7), 505.2 (IQR: 409.2 to 637.6) versus 747 (IQR: 494.6 to 955.4), and 536.7 (IQR: 430.9 to 689.3) versus 767.8 (IQR: 537.8 to 1,021.9) in the wax and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). No significant differences in the rates of transfusion and complications were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone wax on the cut surface of femoral neck can significantly reduce PBL during THA through the direct anterior approach. Bone wax is accessible and inexpensive and can be considered a routine part of the surgical technique in THA through the direct anterior approach. This intervention has no impact on complication or transfusion rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Combination effect of intraoperative and postoperative intravenous tranexamic acid in hip hemiarthroplasty. A propensity score matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been proven to reduce perioperative blood loss and the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, there is limited literature on the use of TXA in patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty. Furthermore, combination effect of intraoperative and postoperative intravenous TXA has not been investigated extensively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this combination effect on hip hemiarthroplasty by a propensity score matched analysis (PSMA).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study involving hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture. All patients received 1g intraoperative intravenous TXA. One group also received 1g intravenous TXA 6h after surgery, while the other group did not. Perioperative blood loss, the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion and venous thromboembolism (VTE) were collected and compared.

RESULTS

209 patients who underwent unilateral hip hemiarthroplasty were included. PSMA resulted in 66 matched pairs in each group. There were no significant differences in perioperative blood loss on postoperative day (POD) # 1, 3, 5 (637.2 ± 285.9 versus 653.6 ± 305.5, 726.6 ± 274.2 versus 676.3 ± 313.2, 795.5 ± 291.2 versus 759.9 ± 328.4), the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion (9.1% versus 12.1%) and VTE (1.5% versus 1.5%) between the two groups (P value> 05) for up to one year.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative and postoperative intravenous TXA have no combination effect on reducing perioperative blood loss, the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion and VTE in patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty.

Safety of Total Knee Arthroplasty without Using a Tourniquet in Elderly Patients

This study retrospectively compared the perioperative bleeding, hemodynamics, and clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed with and without a tourniquet between two age groups. We grouped 103 patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent primary TKA based on age at surgery: <76 years and ≥76 years. Tourniquet was used for TKA until March 2010 and stopped thereafter; hence, the patients were further classified according to TKA performed with or without a tourniquet. The differences in the operation time; perioperative bleeding; estimated bleeding; and hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) levels immediately, 1 day, and 7 days postoperatively were evaluated. The clinical outcomes for range of motion, and Knee Society Knee Scores preoperatively and at 4 weeks postoperatively were assessed. Operation time was longer in the ≥76-year-old non-tourniquet group. No difference was observed in estimated bleeding among the groups. Changes in the Hb and Ht levels at postoperative days 1 and 7 were negatively correlated with age but were not different for TKA performed with or without a tourniquet in the ≥76-year-old-patient group. There were no differences in clinical outcomes among the groups. TKA can be performed with or without a tourniquet in patients aged ≥ 76 years with careful assessment of postoperative anemia.

Blood Management in Outpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty

Based on a series of 407 outpatient total hip arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon, a standardized protocol for blood loss management in outpatient arthroplasty was developed consisting of a presurgical hematocrit of greater than 36%, administration of tranexamic acid, prophylactic introduction of albumin, hypotensive epidural anesthesia, monopolar electrocautery, and bipolar sealer. This protocol uses techniques that alone are not novel but together create a standardized and reproducible pathway that when implemented can increase the safety of outpatient hip arthroplasty.

Is there a role of tranexamic acid in rheumatoid arthritis with total knee arthroplasty? Findings from a multicenter prospective cohort study in China

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has proven to be effective in reducing the blood loss associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with osteoarthritis. However, there still exists a paucity of evidence regarding the effectiveness of intravenous TXA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of intravenous TXA on blood loss after TKA in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 405 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had undergone TKA were categorized into two groups based on the protocol of TXA use. TXA group (n = 248): patients received 15 mg/kg TXA prior to operation. Control group (n = 157): patients received no TXA. The outcome measurements such as, total blood loss (TBL), intraoperative blood loss (IBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), transfusion, drainage, the timing of first ambulation, the length of stay (LOS), total hospitalization costs, the results of 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), the incidence of thromboembolic events and other complications were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

The mean TBL, IBL, HBL, volume of transfusion and drainage were significantly lower in TXA group than in Control group. The rate of transfusion was significantly lower in TXA group than in Control group. There was a favorable effect in early ambulation for patients in TXA group, compared with patients in Control group. In addition, TXA group had shorter LOS, lower hospitalization costs and higher postoperative SF-12 score than Control group. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis and other complications did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

TXA can effectively diminish blood loss, reduce transfusion, shorten LOS and decrease hospitalization costs after TKA in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis, without increasing the risk of complications.

Additional benefits of multiple-dose tranexamic acid to anti-fibrinolysis and anti-inflammation in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Consensus is lacking regarding the dose and timing of tranexamic acid (TXA). The aim of this study was to determine whether multiple-dose intravenous TXA further reduced blood loss and attenuated inflammation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively studied four regimens on TXA: no TXA (A), before incision, 3, 6, and 12 h later (B), before incision, 3, 6, 12, and 18 h later (C) and before incision, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h later (D). The primary outcome was hidden blood loss (HBL). Other outcome measurements such as total blood loss (TBL), intraoperative blood loss (IBL), fibrinolysis parameters [fibrin(-ogen) degradation products, D-dimer], inflammatory factors (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6), visual analog scale (VAS) score, transfusion rate, length of stay (LOS) and complications were also compared.

RESULTS

The mean HBL and TBL were significantly lower in Group D than in Groups C, B and A. The level of inflammatory factors and fibrinolysis parameters were significantly lower in Group D than in Groups C, B and A at 24 and 72 h postoperatively. The VAS score on postoperative days 1 and 3 (POD1 and POD3) was significantly lower in Group D than in Groups C, B and A. There was no significant difference in LOS among groups. No patient underwent blood transfusion. No episodes of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurred in all the groups.

CONCLUSION

The repeated doses of TXA up to 24 h can further diminish HBL, provide additional fibrinolysis and inflammation control and ameliorate postoperative pain following TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Computer navigation has no beneficial effect on blood loss and transfusion in sequential bilateral total knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Bilateral total knee arthroplasty is associated with significant blood loss. Postoperative anaemia retards patients recovery, and blood transfusion increases the risk for major complications including infection. While strategies like hypotensive anaesthesia, tranexamic acid, bone wax and so on are useful to conserve blood, navigation has also shown to decrease blood loss and transfusion in unilateral knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to compare the blood loss and transfusion in sequential bilateral knee arthroplasty performed with or without navigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective case control cohort study of sequential bilateral knee arthroplasties was performed between 2 groups of 77 patients each, group N operated with navigation and group M operated without navigation. Both groups were matched for age, sex and body mass index. All patients were operated with similar surgical technique. The two cohorts were compared for blood loss calculated by three reliable methods.

RESULTS

The preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) in group N was 12.83 ± 1.32 and group M was 12.58 ± 1.33 ( p = 0.24). The postoperative Hb taken day 4 before any blood transfusions was 8.60 ± 1.24 in group N and 8.54 ± 1.16 in group M ( p = 0.75). The average fall in Hb was 4.23 ± 1.08 in group N and 4.04 ± 1.19 in group M ( p = 0.31). There was no difference in blood loss between group N and M in all three methods; Gross equation ( p = 0.56), Hb dilution ( p = 0.24) and Hb balance ( p = 0.20). Need for blood transfusion was similar in group N and M ( p = 0.56).

CONCLUSION

Blood loss and transfusion are equivalent in sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty perform with or without navigation.

Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in geriatric hip fracture with hemiarthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Geriatric hip fracture patients are particularly susceptible to blood loss and venous thromboembolism (VTE) during hemiarthroplasty, yet relatively few studies have examined the safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in these patients.

METHODS

This cohort study of hip fracture patients (≥65 years) undergoing hemiarthroplasty between January 2013 and September 2016 involved 289 patients who received 15 mg/kg TXA prior to surgery and 320 who received no TXA. All patients underwent a fast-track program including nutrition, blood, and pain management; VTE prophylaxis; early mobilization; and early intake. The primary outcome was red cell transfusion requirement. Secondary outcomes included blood loss, hemoglobin (Hb) level, VTE, adverse events and length of hospital stay. Multivariate logistic regression and meta-analysis of the literature were also performed to control for confounding factors and identify risk factors of red cell transfusion.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients receiving at least 1 U of erythrocytes was significantly lower in the TXA group (8.65%) than in the control group (24.06%, OR 0.299, p < 0.001). Mean Hb level was significantly higher in the TXA group on postoperative day 1 (111.70 ± 18.40 vs 107.29 ± 18.70 g/L, p = 0.008) and postoperative day 3 (108.16 ± 17.25 vs 104.22 ± 15.16 g/L, p = 0.005). A significantly higher proportion of TXA patients began to ambulate within 24 h after surgery (37.02% vs 26.25%, p = 0.004), and their length of hospitalization was significantly shorter (11.82 ± 4.39 vs 15.96 ± 7.30 days, p = 0.003). TXA did not increase risk of DVT (OR 0.70, 95%CI 0.25 to 1.97). Logistic regression showed that, after adjusting for covariates, TXA was associated with 62% lower risk of red blood cell transfusion (0.327, 95%CI 0.214 to 0.696), and a similar result was obtained in meta-analysis of unadjusted data from the present study and the literature (OR 0.33, 95%CI 0.25 to 0.43).

CONCLUSION

TXA appears to be safe and effective for reducing blood loss and red blood cell transfusion in geriatric hip fracture patients undergoing fast-track hemiarthroplasty.

Efficacy of a Four-Hour Drainage Clamping Technique in the Reduction of Blood Loss Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

During total hip arthroplasty (THA) drainage is used by most surgeons. However, the optimal drainage strategy remains controversial. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to determine the safety and efficacy of a four-hour drainage clamping technique in patients undergoing THA.

Material/Methods

There were 64 patients who underwent THA from March 2012 to December 2015 who were enrolled in the study; 32 patients were randomly assigned to four hours of a drainage clamping technique (clamping group); 32 patients were treated with a non-clamping drainage technique (non-clamping group). All perioperative clinical details were recorded for comparative analysis.

Results

The postoperative drainage volume and calculated blood loss were significantly greater in the drainage non-clamping group, p<0.001 and p=0.028, respectively. Significantly more patients in the drainage non-clamping group required a blood transfusion, seven cases versus one case (p=0.023). Significantly more units of blood were transfused in the drainage non-clamping group (p=0.001). No significant differences were found for all other clinical outcome factors.

Conclusions

The four-hour drainage clamping technique following THA, compared with drainage non-clamping technique reduced blood loss and requirement for blood transfusion. There was no increase in adverse clinical events using the four-hour drainage clamping method. Therefore, four-hour drainage clamping has the potential for routine use in THA.

Comparison of intravenous versus topical tranexamic acid in primary total hip and knee arthroplasty: An updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The appropriate route for administering tranexamic acid in primary total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of topical or intravenous tranexamic acid.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing topical and intravenous tranexamic acid following primary THA or TKA. Primary outcomes were transfusion frequency and maximum drop in hemoglobin. Other parameters included total blood loss (TBL), hidden blood loss, drainage volume, hemoglobin level on postoperative day 1 (POD 1), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), wound complications and other adverse events. Data were analyzed using Rev Man 5.2.

RESULTS

A total of 18 RCTs involving TKA and 4 RCTs involving THA, corresponding to approximately 2260 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. No significant difference between topical and intravenous tranexamic acid was found in transfusion requirement (RR 1.14, 95%CI 0.87 to 1.50, p=0.35). The maximum drop in hemoglobin was significantly smaller in the intravenous group than in the topical group (MD 0.33g/dL, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.58, p=0.01); similar results were observed for the subset of studies involving THA (MD 0.49g/dL, 95%CI 0.28 to 0.70, p<0.001) and the subset involving TKA (MD 0.30g/dL, 95%CI 0.02 to 0.59, p=0.04). The topical and intravenous groups did not differ significantly in TBL, drainage volume, hemoglobin level on POD 1, DVT, PE, wound complications or other adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence indicates similar transfusion requirements and safety for topical and intravenous tranexamic acid in THA and TKA. However, intravenous injection seems to be associated with a smaller maximum drop in hemoglobin.

Is Intraoperative Use of QuikClot Combat Gauze Effective for Hemostasis after Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Background

To assess the hemostatic effect of QuikClot Combat Gauze (QCG) compared to that of standard gauze during cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Sixty knees underwent TKA using a pneumatic tourniquet in this prospective randomized study. After implantation of the femoral and tibial components and hardening of the bone cement, the tourniquet was deflated and QCG (group 1) or standard gauze (group 2) was packed into the joint cavity for 5 minutes for hemostasis. Perioperative bleeding volume and blood transfusion volume were compared between two groups.

Results

The mean intraoperative bleeding volume was 64.7 ± 12.7 mL in group 1 and 63.9 ± 9.2 mL in group 2 (p = 0.808). The mean postoperative blood drainage was 349.0 ± 170.6 mL in group 1 and 270.1 ± 136.3 mL in group 2 (p = 0.057). The average postoperative blood transfusion volume was 323.7 ± 325.9 mL in group 1 and 403.6 ± 274.8 mL in group 2 (p = 0.314).

Conclusions

QCG was not significantly effective for reducing perioperative bleeding volume or the blood transfusion rate compared with standard gauze during TKA.

Does tranexamic acid reduce blood loss and transfusion rates in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has proven its efficacy in reducing blood loss and the need for blood transfusions in patients who have undergone a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgical procedure. However, no study has investigated the benefits of TXA in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), especially, in regard to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) UKA. The purpose of this study is to attempt to prove the benefits of TXA and to identify the risks for blood loss and need for blood transfusions in MIS UKA.

METHODS

We prospectively followed 99 patients (120 knees) who had been treated with cemented MIS UKAs from January, 2011 to April, 2013 and who had had a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. The patients were divided into two groups; the TXA group (54 patients; 60 knees) and a control group (55 patients; 60 knees). The amount of blood loss collected in the drains was assessed 24-h postoperatively. The rates of peri-operative blood transfusions and hematocrit levels were recorded. We have also determined the factors affecting the peri-operative blood loss and these include gender, age, and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

The patients in TXA group tend to have lower blood loss than had been seen in the control group, but the differences were not significant. The blood loss seen in the drains in the TXA group was 125 ± 43.6 ml (range 10-250 ml) versus 132 ± 71.4 ml (range 10-390 ml) in the control group (P = 0.49). No patients from either group required blood transfusions. There were not significant differences in blood loss among the different; genders, ages, or BMIs.

CONCLUSION

Based on the study results, we suggest that the use of TXA for patients who undergo MIS UKA do not show benefits in the reduction of blood loss. There were no predictors for the risk of blood loss determined in MIS UKA.