[Prevalence of blood transfusion after primary total hip arthroplasty]

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures that requires blood transfusion, with the possible risk of significant complications. Aim: A retrospective study was performed to analyze the predictors of blood transfusion after primary total hip arthroplasty. Method: We collected the data of 210 consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Patient's data, preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit level, the type of the prosthesis, the use of a suction drain, tranexamic acid or anticoagulants and the type and amount of blood transfusion were recorded. Results: A total of 41% of our patients required transfusion, 8.6% receiving allogenic blood. Significant predictors of allogenic blood transfusion were preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, the type of prosthesis, the use of suction drainage and the use of tranexamic acid. Patients with pre-donated autologous blood did not require allogenic blood transfusion. Conclusion: Based on our study, total hip arthroplasty necessitates allogenic blood transfusion in 8.6%. Major predictors associated with the need for transfusion are preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, the type of prosthesis, the use of suction drainage and the use of tranexamic acid. Pre-donated autologous blood helps to reduce allogenic transfusion rate. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(8): 290-294.

[Effect of tranexamic acid on blood loss and soft-tissue swelling following cemented total hip replacement]

INTRODUCTION

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used during elective joint replacement to reduce blood loss and decrease the transfusion requirement.

AIM

This study assessed the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing minor bleeding complications following primary cemented total hip replacement, when rivaroxaban is used as thromboprophylaxis, the complicated wound healing effect of which has been published recently.

METHOD

Consecutive patients undergoing hip replacement were studied. Patients receiving tranexamic acid perioperatively between January 2014 and November 2014 were designated as the TXA-group. We compared these data with those of a group of patients who underwent the same procedure between February 2012 and December 2012 (control group), before the introduction of tranexamic acid. The authors investigated the effect of tranexamic acid on surgical wound bleeding and discharge, area of hematoma on the skin surface, thigh volume changes, calculated perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirement.

RESULTS

168 patients, 81 in the TXA-group and 87 in the control group were included. The extent of postoperative thigh swelling was significantly less in the TXA-group, 270.3 mL (129.1-449.0) as compared with the control group, 539.8 mL (350.0-864.8, p<0.001). Tranexamic acid significantly reduced wound bleeding during the first 24 hours postoperatively (p<0.001). The amount of calculated blood loss was significantly less in the TXA-group (1150 mL [780-1496] versus 1579 mL [1313-2074] in the control group, p<0.001). Transfusion requirement was remarkably lower in the TXA-group than in the control group (15% versus 39%).

CONCLUSIONS

Tranexamic acid reduces postoperative thigh volume, wound bleeding and area of hematoma on the skin surface when rivaroxaban is used as the anticoagulant. Further large scale studies could help establish the clinical relevance and long-term outcome of minor bleeding complications. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(12): 456-463.

[Is suction drainage necessary in elective total hip arthroplasty?]

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have been published which questioned the use of suction drain during elective hip arthroplasty.

AIM

In this prospective study the authors examined how the use of suction drainage affected complications related to perioperative blood loss and hemorrhage in patients undergoing elective hip arthroplasty.

METHOD

Eighty-six patients undergoing elective hip arthroplasty were divided into two groups. In 54 patients ("drain" group) suction drains were used during operation, whereas in 32 patients no suction drain was applied. Perioperative blood loss, use of tranexamic acid, method of thrombosis prophylaxis, transfusion requirement, incidental postoperative hemorrhage, septic complications, and all other postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Perioperative blood loss was affected with the use of tranexamic acid but not with the use of drainage (p = 0.94). Patients without the use of drain showed a tendency of lower transfusion requirement (p = 0.08). There was no correlation between any complications and the use of drainage.

CONCLUSION

In accordance with published results the authors conclude that the routine use of suction drainage during elective hip arthroplasty is not definitely necessary. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(29), 1171-1176.