Relative efficacy of tranexamic acid and preoperative anemia treatment for reducing transfusions in total joint arthroplasty

Preoperative Identification and Management of Anemia in the Colorectal Surgery Patient

Preoperative anemia is a common finding in patients undergoing colorectal surgery, particularly those with cancer. While often multifactorial, iron deficiency anemia remains the most common cause of anemia in this patient population. Although seemingly innocuous, preoperative anemia is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications and need for allogenic blood transfusions, both of which may worsen cancer-specific survival. Preoperative correction of anemia and iron deficiency is thus necessary to diminish these risks. Current literature supports preoperative screening for anemia and iron deficiency in patients slated to undergo colorectal surgery for malignancy or for benign conditions with associated patient- or procedure-related risk factors. Accepted treatment regimens include iron supplementation-either oral or intravenous-as well as erythropoietin therapy. Autologous blood transfusion should not be utilized as a treatment for preoperative anemia when there is time to implement other corrective strategies. Additional study is still needed to better standardize preoperative screening and optimize treatment regimens.

Intravenous administration of tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty does not change the blood coagulopathy: a prospective thrombelastography analysis

OBJECTIVE

Despite the wide use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in the perioperative period of total hip arthroplasty (THA), whether the hemostatic state changes after the application of intravenous (IV)-TXA are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether IV administration of TXA changes the blood coagulation following primary THA via thrombelastography (TEG) analysis and conventional laboratory tests.

METHODS

A total of 174 patients who underwent primary THA from September 2016 to July 2018 were selected. They were randomly divided into two groups, 86 patients with IV administration of 15 mg/kg TXA and 88 controls without TXA usage. Demographic data, TEG paremeters, d-dimer levels, fibrin degradation products, hemoglobin, hematocrit concentration, platelet, transfusion rates, perioperative blood loss, and the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis were collected. TEG and conventional laboratory tests were performed the day before operation, the first day after operation, and seventh day after operation.

RESULTS

There were no differences with regard to TEG or conventional laboratory tests between the two groups (p > 0.05). The total blood loss and drain blood loss in the TXA group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The transfusion rates and the volume of blood transfusion of the control group were higher than those of the TXA group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The administration of IV-TXA resulted in a significant reduction in total blood loss, transfusion volumes, and transfusion rates without the increase of thromboembolic complications. Moreover, it was confirmed that TXA would not change the coagulation via the TEG analysis.

Effects of a Total Knee Arthroplasty Care Pathway on Cost, Quality, and Patient Experience: Toward Measuring the Triple Aim

BACKGROUND

Care pathways are increasingly important as the shift toward value-based care continues; however, there is an inconsistent literature regarding their efficacy. The authors hypothesized that a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) care pathway, at a multihospital health system, would decrease cost, length of stay (LOS), discharges to inpatient facilities, postoperative complications at 90 days, and improve patient experience.

METHODS

A historical control study with multivariable regression was used to determine the association of an evidence-based care pathway with episode of care cost, LOS, discharge disposition, 90-day postoperative complications, and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores.

RESULTS

In total, 6760 primary TKA surgeries were analyzed. Multivariable regression demonstrated that the full protocol period was associated with a decrease in episode of care costs (-8.501%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -9.639 to -7.350), a decrease in LOS (-26.966%, 95% CI -28.516 to -25.382), and an increase in discharges to home (odds ratio [OR] 3.838, 95% CI 3.318-4.446). The full protocol was not associated with a change in 90-day complications (OR 1.067, 95% CI 0.905-1.258) or patient willingness to recommend (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.72-1.55). Adjusted episode of care cost savings, normalized to average national Medicare reimbursement, were $2360 per patient.

CONCLUSION

TKA care pathways are an effective tool for standardizing care and reducing costs across a large health system. Further investigations are needed to develop interventions to consistently reduce complications. National scale implementation of care pathways in TKA could lead to estimated cost reductions of approximately $1.6 billion annually.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the efficacy of tranexamic acid combined with rivaroxaban thromboprophylaxis in reducing blood loss after primary cementless total hip arthroplasty

AIMS

Cementless primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with risks of bleeding and thromboembolism. Anticoagulants are effective as venous thromboprophylaxis, but with an increased risk of bleeding. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an efficient antifibrinolytic agent, but the mode and timing of its administration remain controversial. This study aimed to determine whether two intravenous (IV) TXA regimens (a three-hour two-dose (short-TXA) and 11-hour four-dose (long-TXA)) were more effective than placebo in reducing perioperative real blood loss (RBL, between baseline and day 3 postoperatively) in patients undergoing THA who receive rivaroxaban as thromboprophylaxis. The secondary aim was to assess the non-inferiority of the reduction of blood loss of the short protocol versus the long protocol.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicentre, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken involving 229 patients undergoing primary cementless THA using a posterior approach, whose extended rivaroxaban thromboprophylaxis started on the day of surgery. There were 98 male and 131 female patients, with a mean age of 65.5 years (32 to 91). The primary outcome, perioperative RBL, was evaluated at 72 hours postoperatively. The efficacy of short- and long-TXA protocols in the reduction of perioperative RBL was compared with a placebo group.

RESULTS

TXA significantly reduced perioperative blood loss compared with placebo (p < 0.001); the mean differences were 525.3 ml (short-TXA vs placebo) and 550.1 ml (long-TXA vs placebo). No venous or arterial thromboembolic complications were reported. The upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval, when comparing short and long protocols, was below the pre-specified margin of non-inferiority (p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing primary cementless THA, using a posterior approach, who are treated with rivaroxaban for thromboembolic prophylaxis, short- and long-TXA IV protocols are significantly more effective than placebo in reducing perioperative RBL, without any thromboembolic complications. Non-inferiority of a short- versus a long-TXA protocol in reducing perioperative RBL was supported in a secondary analysis.

Effect of pharmacist intervention on blood conservation therapy in total knee arthroplasty: A retrospective, observational study

BACKGROUND

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with blood loss and an increased risk of transfusion. Guidelines for antifibrinolytic drug tranexamic acid (TXA) treatment in TKA patients are available. We evaluated the effects of anticoagulant pharmacist intervention on perioperative blood conservation treatment in TKA patients.

METHODS

In a retrospective, observational experimental study, patients admitted for TKA were allocated into the control or pharmacist intervention group. In the intervention phase, multiple interventions of TXA treatment based on guidelines were implemented. The primary endpoint was blood loss. Other outcome included postoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, allogeneic blood transfusion, cost savings and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 177 patients were included (88 and 89 in the control and intervention group, respectively). In the intervention group, 24.72% orders of TXA dosage, 20.22% orders of drug choice, 26.97% orders of TXA timing and 30.34% orders of TXA administration manner were adjusted. Eighty-nine (100%) patients received blood conservation therapy compared with 21 (23.86%) patients in the control group (P < 0.001). Total blood loss was 1133.31 ± 627.08 mL in the control group compared with 604.34 ± 459.09 mL in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Postoperative drops in haemoglobin and haematocrit in the control group were greater than in the intervention group (P < 0.001). The rate of allogeneic blood transfusion was 40.91% in the control group compared with 21.35% in the intervention group (P = 0.01). Pharmacist intervention was conducted to cost savings resulting from reduced transfusion, but with comparable safety profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticoagulant pharmacist intervention on blood conservation treatment of TKA patients leads to favourable clinical and economic outcome.

Tranexamic Acid Plus Low-dose Epinephrine Reduces Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The present study assessed the effectiveness of the combined administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) plus low-dose epinephrine in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We searched the following Chinese electronic databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang Data. We also searched the following English electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Central Register of Controlled Trials. To search for additional eligible studies, we also used Google's search engine. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing TXA plus low-dose epinephrine (Combined group) and TXA alone in TKA were systematically searched. The primary outcomes were total blood loss, hidden blood loss, the requirement for transfusion, maximum hemoglobin (Hb) drop, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Drainage volume, operation time, length of stay, hospital for special surgery (HSS) score, and range of motion (ROM) were considered as secondary outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the benefits of using a tourniquet and the application routes of topical or intravenous TXA between the two groups. Statistical analysis was assessed using RevMan 5.3 software. Four independent RCT were included involving 426 patients, with 213 patients in the Combined group and 213 patients in the TXA alone group. In the Combined group there was significant reduction in total blood loss (MD, 204.70; 95% CI, -302.76 to -106.63; P < 0.0001), hidden blood loss (MD, 185.63; 95% CI, -227.56 to -143.71; P < 0.00001), drainage volume (MD, 93.49; 95% CI, -117.24 to -69.74; P < 0.00001), and maximum Hb drop (MD, 5.33, 95% CI, -6.75 to -3.91; P < 0.00001). No statistical differences were found postoperatively in terms of the requirement for transfusion (risk ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.26-1.04; P = 0.06), operation time (MD, 0.85; 95% CI, -2.62 to 4.31; P = 0.63), length of stay (MD, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.52 to 0.47; P = 0.93), HSS score (MD, 0.78; 95% CI, -0.36 to 1.92; P = 0.18), and ROM (MD, 1.40; 95% CI, -1.01 to 3.81; P = 0.26), and not increasing the risk of DVT (risk ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.33 to 3.02; P = 1.00) in the two groups. This meta-analysis demonstrated that the administration of tranexamic acid plus low-dose epinephrine is a safe and efficacious treatment to reduce total blood loss, hidden blood loss, drainage volume, and maximum Hb drop in primary TKA, without increasing the risk of DVT in primary THA.

A rationale for universal tranexamic acid in major joint arthroplasty: overall efficacy and impact of risk factors for transfusion

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) therapy is effective in reducing postoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in total joint arthroplasty (TJA), yet uncertainty persists regarding comparative efficacy and safety among specific patient subgroups. We assessed the impact of a universal TXA protocol on RBC transfusion, postoperative hemoglobin (Hb), and adverse outcomes to determine whether TXA is safe and effective in TJA, both overall and in clinically relevant subgroups.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study was performed on patients undergoing TJA at our institution spanning 1 year before and after the implementation of a universal protocol to administer intravenous (IV) TXA. The primary outcome was percentage of patients transfused, and secondary outcomes were perioperative Hb and occurrence of adverse events (death, myocardial infarction, stroke, seizure, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and acute kidney injury ). Outcomes were compared in pre- and post-protocol groups with χ² analysis. Logistic regression compared risk of transfusion in pre- and post-protocol subgroups of patients with differing risk for transfusion (anemia, body mass index [BMI], and sex).

RESULTS

No differences were found in baseline patient characteristics across pre- and post-protocol groups (n = 1084 and 912, respectively). TXA use increased from 32.3% to 92.2% while transfusion rates decreased from 10.3% to 4.8% (p < 0.001). Postoperative Day 3 Hb increased from 95.8 to 101.4 g/L (p < 0.001). Logistic regression demonstrated reduced transfusion in post-protocol subgroups regardless of sex, anemia, or BMI (p < 0.001). No increase in adverse events was observed (p = 0.8451).

CONCLUSIONS

Universal TXA was associated with a reduction of RBC transfusion, overall and in clinically relevant subgroups, strengthening the rationale for universal therapy.

Implementation of a Total Hip Arthroplasty Care Pathway at a High-Volume Health System: Effect on Length of Stay, Discharge Disposition, and 90-Day Complications

BACKGROUND

Standardized care pathways are evidence-based algorithms for optimizing an episode of care. Despite the theoretical promise of care pathways, there is an inconsistent literature demonstrating improvements in patient care. The authors hypothesized that implementing a care pathway, across 11 hospitals, would decrease hospital length of stay (LOS), decrease postoperative complications at 90 days, and increase discharges to home.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team developed an evidence-based care pathway for total hip arthroplasty (THA) perioperative care. All patients receiving THA in 2013 (pre-protocol, historical control), 2014 (transition), and 2015 (full protocol implementation) were included in the analysis. Multivariable regression assessed the relationship of the care pathway to 90-day postoperative complications, LOS, and discharge disposition. Cost savings were estimated using previously published postarthroplasty episode and per diem hospital costs.

RESULTS

A total of 6090 primary THAs were conducted during the study period. After adjusting for the covariates, the full protocol implementation was associated with a decrease in LOS (mean ratio, 0.747; 95% confidence interval [CI; 0.727, 0.767]) and an increase in discharges to home (odds ratio, 2.079; 95% CI [1.762, 2.456]). The full protocol implementation was not associated with a change in 90-day complications (odds ratio, 1.023; 95% CI [0.841, 1.245]). Payer-perspective-calculated theoretical cost savings, including both index admission and postdischarge costs, were $2533 per patient.

CONCLUSION

The THA care pathway implementation was successful in reducing LOS and increasing discharges to home. The care pathway was not associated with a change in 90-day complications; further targeted interventions in this area are needed. Despite care standardization efforts, high-volume hospitals and surgeons had higher performance. Extrapolation of theoretical cost savings indicates that widespread THA care pathway adoption could lead to national healthcare savings of $1.2 billion annually.

The effect of tranexamic acid in unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasty in the South Asian population: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Together with evidence of higher bleeding tendencies, the vulnerability of the South-Asian population to anemia secondary to a higher prevalence of hemoglobinopathies and micronutrient deficiencies merits further exploration of the effects of tranexamic acid on this population. Additionally, limited access to self-care facilities and certain sociocultural beliefs and practices may not be conducive to a speedy recovery from surgical complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of intraoperative administration of tranexamic acid during total knee arthroplasty when considering the South-Asian population.

METHODOLOGY

Medical record files of 355 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (2007-2015) were reviewed to collect data regarding patient characteristics, surgical variables and post-operative complications. Unilateral and Bilateral total knee arthroplasty were studied separately. Analysis was done using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square and Fisher's exact square where appropriate. The threshold for significance was p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The study showed that for unilateral surgery, tranexamic acid caused a significant reduction in estimated blood loss (p-value=0.011), total operative time, calculated blood loss, and hemoglobin change (p-value<0.001) whereas in bilateral surgery, tranexamic acid only caused a significant reduction in calculated blood loss (p-value < 0.001) and hemoglobin change (p-value=0.001). Interestingly, in those who received tranexamic acid vs. those who did not, there was a significant increase in length of hospital stay (p<0.001) and special care unit admissions (p-value=0.033) in unilateral and bilateral surgery respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although tranexamic acid effectively reduces intraoperative blood loss, it does not have an effect on the need for post-operative blood transfusions. The increased length of stay and special care unit admissions associated with tranexamic acid use should be explored further to reveal the complete safety profile of tranexamic acid administration in the South-Asian population during total knee arthroplasty.