A regime of two intravenous injections of tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty: a prospective randomised double-blind study

Pharmacological interventions for the prevention of bleeding in people undergoing elective hip or knee surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hip and knee replacement surgery is a well-established means of improving quality of life, but is associated with a significant risk of bleeding. One-third of people are estimated to be anaemic before hip or knee replacement surgery; coupled with the blood lost during surgery, up to 90% of individuals are anaemic postoperatively. As a result, people undergoing orthopaedic surgery receive 3.9% of all packed red blood cell transfusions in the UK. Bleeding and the need for allogeneic blood transfusions has been shown to increase the risk of surgical site infection and mortality, and is associated with an increased duration of hospital stay and costs associated with surgery. Reducing blood loss during surgery may reduce the risk of allogeneic blood transfusion, reduce costs and improve outcomes following surgery. Several pharmacological interventions are available and currently employed as part of routine clinical care.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the relative efficacy of pharmacological interventions for preventing blood loss in elective primary or revision hip or knee replacement, and to identify optimal administration of interventions regarding timing, dose and route, using network meta-analysis (NMA) methodology.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, from inception to 18 October 2022: CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Transfusion Evidence Library (Evidentia), ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs of people undergoing elective hip or knee surgery only. We excluded non-elective or emergency procedures, and studies published since 2010 that had not been prospectively registered (Cochrane Injuries policy). There were no restrictions on gender, ethnicity or age (adults only). We excluded studies that used standard of care as the comparator. Eligible interventions included: antifibrinolytics (tranexamic acid (TXA), aprotinin, epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA)), desmopressin, factor VIIa and XIII, fibrinogen, fibrin sealants and non-fibrin sealants.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We performed the review according to standard Cochrane methodology. Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using CINeMA. We presented direct (pairwise) results using RevMan Web and performed the NMA using BUGSnet. We were interested in the following primary outcomes: need for allogenic blood transfusion (up to 30 days) and all-cause mortality (deaths occurring up to 30 days after the operation), and the following secondary outcomes: mean number of transfusion episodes per person (up to 30 days), re-operation due to bleeding (within seven days), length of hospital stay and adverse events related to the intervention received.

MAIN RESULTS

We included a total of 102 studies. Twelve studies did not report the number of included participants; the other 90 studies included 8418 participants. Trials included more women (64%) than men (36%). In the NMA for allogeneic blood transfusion, we included 47 studies (4398 participants). Most studies examined TXA (58 arms, 56%). We found that TXA, given intra-articularly and orally at a total dose of greater than 3 g pre-incision, intraoperatively and postoperatively, ranked the highest, with an anticipated absolute effect of 147 fewer blood transfusions per 1000 people (150 fewer to 104 fewer) (53% chance of ranking 1st) within the NMA (risk ratio (RR) 0.02, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0 to 0.31; moderate-certainty evidence). This was followed by TXA given orally at a total dose of 3 g pre-incision and postoperatively (RR 0.06, 95% CrI 0.00 to 1.34; low-certainty evidence) and TXA given intravenously and orally at a total dose of greater than 3 g intraoperatively and postoperatively (RR 0.10, 95% CrI 0.02 to 0.55; low-certainty evidence). Aprotinin (RR 0.59, 95% CrI 0.36 to 0.96; low-certainty evidence), topical fibrin (RR 0.86, CrI 0.25 to 2.93; very low-certainty evidence) and EACA (RR 0.60, 95% CrI 0.29 to 1.27; very low-certainty evidence) were not shown to be as effective compared with TXA at reducing the risk of blood transfusion. We were unable to perform an NMA for our primary outcome all-cause mortality within 30 days of surgery due to the large number of studies with zero events, or because the outcome was not reported. In the NMA for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), we included 19 studies (2395 participants). Most studies examined TXA (27 arms, 64%). No studies assessed desmopressin, EACA or topical fibrin. We found that TXA given intravenously and orally at a total dose of greater than 3 g intraoperatively and postoperatively ranked the highest, with an anticipated absolute effect of 67 fewer DVTs per 1000 people (67 fewer to 34 more) (26% chance of ranking first) within the NMA (RR 0.16, 95% CrI 0.02 to 1.43; low-certainty evidence). This was followed by TXA given intravenously and intra-articularly at a total dose of 2 g pre-incision and intraoperatively (RR 0.21, 95% CrI 0.00 to 9.12; low-certainty evidence) and TXA given intravenously and intra-articularly, total dose greater than 3 g pre-incision, intraoperatively and postoperatively (RR 0.13, 95% CrI 0.01 to 3.11; low-certainty evidence). Aprotinin was not shown to be as effective compared with TXA (RR 0.67, 95% CrI 0.28 to 1.62; very low-certainty evidence). We were unable to perform an NMA for our secondary outcomes pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction and CVA (stroke) within 30 days, mean number of transfusion episodes per person (up to 30 days), re-operation due to bleeding (within seven days), or length of hospital stay, due to the large number of studies with zero events, or because the outcome was not reported by enough studies to build a network. There are 30 ongoing trials planning to recruit 3776 participants, the majority examining TXA (26 trials).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found that of all the interventions studied, TXA is probably the most effective intervention for preventing bleeding in people undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery. Aprotinin and EACA may not be as effective as TXA at preventing the need for allogeneic blood transfusion. We were not able to draw strong conclusions on the optimal dose, route and timing of administration of TXA. We found that TXA given at higher doses tended to rank higher in the treatment hierarchy, and we also found that it may be more beneficial to use a mixed route of administration (oral and intra-articular, oral and intravenous, or intravenous and intra-articular). Oral administration may be as effective as intravenous administration of TXA. We found little to no evidence of harm associated with higher doses of tranexamic acid in the risk of DVT. However, we are not able to definitively draw these conclusions based on the trials included within this review.

Tranexamic acid administration for the prevention of periprosthetic joint infection and surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely utilized to reduce blood loss and allogeneic transfusions in patients who undergo lower limb arthroplasty. In recent years, there have been several articles reporting the incidence of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) as a primary outcome of TXA administration, but no meta-analysis has been conducted to date. The present systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of TXA administration in preventing PJI and surgical site infection (SSI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pubmed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library bibliographic databases were searched for studies published by May 24, 2022, that evaluated the effects of TXA on PJI and SSI. Two researchers screened the identified studies based on the PRISMA flow diagram. The quality of each randomized clinical trial was assessed using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (ROB2.0), and the quality of cohort and case-control studies was assessed by risk of bias for nonrandomized studies (ROBANS-I).

RESULTS

Of the 2259 articles identified from the database search, 31 were screened and selected. Treatment with TXA significantly reduced the incidence of overall infection, including PJI, SSI, and other infections (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.49-0.62) (P < 0.00001), and that of PJI alone (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.47-0.59) (P < 0.00001). TXA reduced the incidence of overall infection in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA; OR 0.51; 95% CI: 0.35-0.75) (P = 0.0005) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA; OR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.43-0.71) (P < 0.00001). Intravenous administration of TXA reduced the incidence of overall infection (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.47-0.75) (P < 0.0001), whereas topical administration did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous administration of TXA reduces the incidence of overall infection in patients undergoing both THA and TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Cemented and hybrid total hip arthroplasty lead to lower blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Little scientific evidence exists on blood loss and transfusion rates depending on the fixation technique. The hypothesis of this study was that the blood loss and transfusion rate are lower in cemented and hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared to cementless THA.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared a total of 1500 patients who received either cementless, cemented, hybrid or reverse hybrid THA. All patients underwent THA in 2021 at a single orthopedic center in Germany.

RESULTS

The lowest blood loss was found in patients who received a fully cemented THA (695 ± 74 ml). Hybrid THA with a cemented stem showed a blood loss of 845 ± 30 ml and reverse hybrid THA showed the highest blood loss with an average of 994 ± 74 ml. Cementless THA caused an average blood loss of 957 ± 16 ml. There was a significant difference between cementless THA, hybrid THA (cemented stem), and fully cemented THA (p < 0.05). Transfusion rates ranged from 1.3% (cementless THA) to 7.9% (cemented THA) between the groups with a transfusion rate of 2.5% overall.

CONCLUSION

We found significantly lower blood loss in cemented THA and hybrid THA compared to cementless THA. Although blood loss was lower in cemented and hybrid THA, this did not result in lower transfusion rates. This could be due to other confounders such as age, comorbidities, and preoperative anemia.

The optimal regimen, efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid and aminocaproic acid to reduce bleeding for patients after total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the optimal regimen, efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) and aminocaproic acid (EACA) for patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

The network meta-analysis was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline. The outcomes were total blood loss, transfusion rates, hemoglobin (HB) drop, and risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Subgroup analyses were performed among most effective regimens to determine the influences of timing and number of doses.

RESULTS

A total of 56 eligible RCTs with different regimens were assessed. For reducing total blood loss, all high doses of TXA and EACA except high dose of intra-articular (IA) TXA, as well as medium dose of combination of intravenous and intra-articular (combined IV/IA) TXA were most effective. All high doses of TXA, as well as medium dose of combined IV/IA TXA did not show inferiority in reducing transfusion rates and HB drop compared with other regimens. No regimens showed higher risk for PE or DVT compared with placebo, and no statistical differences were seen among most effective regimens in subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

As effective as high doses of EACA and TXA, medium dose (20-40 mg/kg or 1.5-3.0 g) of combined IV/IA TXA was enough to control bleeding for patients after THA without increasing risk for PE/DVT. TXA was at least 5 times more potent than EACA. Timing and number of doses had few influences on blood conserving efficacy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Using tranexamic acid for an additional 24 hours postoperatively in hip and knee arthroplasty saves money: a cost analysis from the TRAC-24 randomized control trial

Aims

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is now commonly used in major surgical operations including orthopaedics. The TRAC-24 randomized control trial (RCT) aimed to assess if an additional 24 hours of TXA postoperatively in primary total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) reduced blood loss. Contrary to other orthopaedic studies to date, this trial included high-risk patients. This paper presents the results of a cost analysis undertaken alongside this RCT.

Methods

TRAC-24 was a prospective RCT on patients undergoing TKA and THA. Three groups were included: Group 1 received 1 g intravenous (IV) TXA perioperatively and an additional 24-hour postoperative oral regime, Group 2 received only the perioperative dose, and Group 3 did not receive TXA. Cost analysis was performed out to day 90.

Results

Group 1 was associated with the lowest mean total costs, followed by Group 2 and then Group 3. The differences between Groups 1 and 3 (-£797.77 (95% confidence interval -1,478.22 to -117.32) were statistically significant. Extended oral dosing reduced costs for patients undergoing THA but not TKA. The reduced costs in Groups 1 and 2 resulted from reduced length of stay, readmission rates, emergency department attendances, and blood transfusions.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated significant cost savings when using TXA in primary THA or TKA. Extended oral dosing reduced costs further in THA but not TKA.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(7):536–542.

Who Is Still Receiving Blood Transfusions After Primary and Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Incidence of blood transfusions after primary and revision total hip and knee arthroplasty (primary total hip arthroplasty [pTHA], revision THA [rTHA], primary total knee arthroplasty [pTKA], and revision TKA [rTKA]) has been decreasing for a multitude of reasons. The purpose of this study was to assess whether transfusion rates have continued to decline and evaluate patient factors associated with transfusions.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried to identify patients undergoing pTHA, pTKA, rTHA, and rTKA between 2011 and 2019. Patients undergoing bilateral procedures and arthroplasty for fracture, infection, or tumor were excluded. Trends in blood transfusions were assessed. Patient factor association with blood transfusions was evaluated using 2018 and 2019 data.

RESULTS

Transfusion rates decreased from 21.4% in 2011 to 2.5% in 2019 for pTHA (P < .0001). For pTKA, transfusion rates declined from 17.6% to 0.7% (P < .0001). In rTHA, the transfusion rate decreased from 33.5% to 12.0% from 2011 to 2019 (P < .0001). Transfusion rates declined from 19.4% to 2.6% for rTKA during the study period (P < .0001). Transfusions were more frequent in patients who were older, female, with more comorbidities, with lower hematocrit, receiving nonspinal anesthesia, and with longer operative time. Lower preoperative hematocrit, history of bleeding disorders, and preoperative transfusion were associated with greater odds for postoperative transfusion after multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Transfusions after both primary and revision total joint arthroplasty have continued to decrease. Studies of arthroplasty complications should account for decreasing transfusions when assessing overall complication rates. Future studies should consider interventions to further reduce transfusions in revision arthroplasty.

The Fragility Index of Total Hip Arthroplasty Randomized Control Trials: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the benchmark study design, a change of outcomes for a few patients can lead to a reversal of study conclusions. As such, examination of the fragility index (FI) of RCTs has become an increasingly popular method to provide further information regarding the relative robustness of RCT results. The purpose of this study was to systematically characterize and assess the predictors of the FI RCTs in total hip arthroplasty literature.

METHODS

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were systematically searched for all total hip arthroplasty RCTs published between January 2015 and December 2020, which had an equal assignment of participants to a two parallel-arm study design, examined a surgical intervention, and reported on at least one statistically significant dichotomous outcome in the abstract. Potential factors associated with the FI were examined using the Spearman correlation and Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Thirty-four RCTs were selected, with a median number of study participants of 111 (interquartile range [IQR] 72-171] and a median total number of events of 15 (IQR 9.5 to 29). The median FI was 2 (IQR 1 to 6), while six studies had a FI of 0. In 18 cases (52.9%), the number of patients needed to change from no event to event was less than that loss to follow-up. Larger sample size was found to predictive of a higher FI (rs = 0.367, P = 0.033), but the year of publication, journal impact factor, the calculated power analysis size, and loss to follow-up were not associated with FI.

CONCLUSION

The FI serves as a useful addition to other more commonly used approaches of quantitative analyses, such as P values, effect sizes, and confidence intervals, and widespread reporting the FI may provide clinicians with further information about RCT results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, systematic review of Level I studies.

Oral tranexamic acid for an additional 24 hours postoperatively versus a single preoperative intravenous dose for reducing blood loss in total hip arthroplasty: results of a randomized controlled trial (TRAC-24)

AIMS

A typical pattern of blood loss associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) is 200 ml intraoperatively and 1.3 l in the first 48 postoperative hours. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is most commonly given as a single preoperative dose only and is often withheld from patients with a history of thromboembolic disease as they are perceived to be "high-risk" with respect to postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). The TRanexamic ACid for 24 hours trial (TRAC-24) aimed to identify if an additional 24-hour postoperative TXA regime could further reduce blood loss beyond a once-only dose at the time of surgery, without excluding these high-risk patients.

METHODS

TRAC-24 was a prospective, phase IV, single centre, open label, parallel group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving patients undergoing primary unilateral elective THA. The primary outcome measure was the indirect calculated blood loss (IBL) at 48 hours. The patients were randomized into three groups. Group 1 received 1 g intravenous (IV) TXA at the time of surgery and an additional oral regime for 24 hours postoperatively, group 2 only received the intraoperative dose, and group 3 did not receive any TXA.

RESULTS

A total of 534 patients were randomized, with 233 in group 1, 235 in group 2, and 66 in group 3; 92 patients (17.2%) were considered high-risk. The mean IBL did not differ significantly between the two intervention groups (848.4 ml (SD 463.8) for group 1, and 843.7 ml (SD 478.7) for group 2; mean difference -4.7 ml (95% confidence interval -82.9 to 92.3); p = 0.916). No differences in mortality or incidence of VTE were observed between any group.

CONCLUSION

The addition of oral TXA for 24 hours postoperatively does not reduce blood loss beyond that achieved with a single 1 g IV perioperative dose alone. There may be a clinically relevant difference in patients with a normal BMI, which warrants further investigation. Critically, there were no safety issues in patients with a history of thromboembolic, cardiovascular, or cerebrovascular disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1197-1205.

Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in paediatric proximal femoral and/or pelvic osteotomies

PURPOSE

Proximal femoral and/or pelvic osteotomies (PFPO) are associated with significant blood loss, which can be harmful, especially in paediatric patients. Therefore, considering methods to reduce blood loss is important. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL) in paediatric patients undergoing a PFPO.

METHODS

Paediatric patients who had a PFPO between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measures included patient demographics, TXA use (none, preoperative and/or intraoperative bolus, pump), EBL, transfusion rate and thromboembolic complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess associations between investigated outcome measures and EBL.

RESULTS

A total of 340 PFPO (263 patients) were included. Mean age at surgery was 8.0 years (sd 4.3). In all, 269 patients received no TXA, 20 had a preoperative bolus, 43 had an intraoperative bolus and eight patients had other TXA regimes (preoperative and intraoperative bolus or pump). Overall, mean blood loss was 211 ml (sd 163). Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between higher EBL and higher age at surgery, male sex, higher body mass index and longer procedure time. There was a significant association between lower EBL and a preoperative TXA bolus: 66 ml (33%) less EBL compared with patients without TXA (95% confidence interval -129 to -4; p = 0.04). No thromboembolic complications were reported in any of the studied patients.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative TXA administration is associated with a decreased EBL in PFPO. No thromboembolic events were reported. Administering TXA preoperatively appears to be effective in paediatric patients undergoing a PFPO.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III - retrospective comparative study.

Is serum gentamicin concentration modified with autologous cell-saved blood transfusion after total knee arthroplasty using tranexamic acid? A randomised control trial

BACKGROUND

Self-transfusion has been proven as an effective management of blood loss after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Considering that the high local concentration of antibiotic from bone cement is delivered intravenously through the self-transfusion process, systematic toxicity has never been evaluated. In addition, the effectiveness of self-transfusion with the routine concomitant use of other modern blood-salvage strategies, like tranexamic acid, should also be assessed. Therefore, we performed a randomised study to assess: 1) the safety of self-transfusion in TKA by comparing the gentamicin concentrations resulting from the use or not of autologous blood transfusion; 2) the efficacy of self-transfusion in TKA, with the concomitant administration of tranexamic acid.

HYPOTHESIS

Self-transfusion in TKA elevates the serum gentamicin concentration and the potential risk of nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

The serum concentration of aminoglycosides was measured in two groups of 20 patients each, after TKA, according to the use of self-transfusion. Hemoglobin, renal function and calculated blood loss were compared at several points in time between groups.

RESULTS

The only time where there was a statistically significant difference in serum gentamicin, was at 48h postoperatively between groups [0.3 ug/mL±0.21, range: 0.15 to 0.72 vs. 0.14ug/mL±0.1, range: 0 to 0.35 (p=0.02)]. There were no significant differences in total blood loss [1341mL±501, range: 830 to 2230 vs. 1263mL±459 range: 840 to 2480 (p=0.67)] and need of allogeneic blood transfusion [3 units vs. 2 units] between groups.

CONCLUSION

The use of autologous blood transfusion was found to be safe, in terms of nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides after TKA, but it seemed to be ineffective as a blood salvage strategy, when used concomitantly with the administration of tranexamic acid.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II; low-powered randomised study. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04505748.

Association of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid With Thromboembolic Events and Mortality: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression

IMPORTANCE

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an efficient antifibrinolytic agent; however, concerns remain about the potential adverse effects, particularly vascular occlusive events, that may be associated with its use.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between intravenous TXA and total thromboembolic events (TEs) and mortality in patients of all ages and of any medical disciplines.

DATA SOURCE

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE were searched for eligible studies investigating intravenous TXA and postinterventional outcome published between 1976 and 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized clinical trials comparing intravenous TXA with placebo/no treatment. The electronic database search yielded a total of 782 studies, and 381 were considered for full-text review. Included studies were published in English, German, French, and Spanish. Studies with only oral or topical tranexamic administration were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Meta-analysis, subgroup and sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression were performed. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Vascular occlusive events and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 216 eligible trials including 125 550 patients were analyzed. Total TEs were found in 1020 (2.1%) in the group receiving TXA and 900 (2.0%) in the control group. This study found no association between TXA and risk for total TEs (risk difference = 0.001; 95% CI, -0.001 to 0.002; P = .49) for venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, venous TEs, myocardial infarction or ischemia, and cerebral infarction or ischemia. Sensitivity analysis using the risk ratio as an effect measure with (risk ratio = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.94-1.11; P = .56) and without (risk ratio = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.95-1.12; P = .52) studies with double-zero events revealed robust effect size estimates. Sensitivity analysis with studies judged at low risk for selection bias showed similar results. Administration of TXA was associated with a significant reduction in overall mortality and bleeding mortality but not with nonbleeding mortality. In addition, an increased risk for vascular occlusive events was not found in studies including patients with a history of thromboembolism. Comparison of studies with sample sizes of less than or equal to 99 (risk difference = 0.004; 95% CI, -0.006 to 0.014; P = .40), 100 to 999 (risk difference = 0.004; 95% CI, -0.003 to 0.011; P = .26), and greater than or equal to 1000 (risk difference = -0.001; 95% CI, -0.003 to 0.001; P = .44) showed no association between TXA and incidence of total TEs. Meta-regression of 143 intervention groups showed no association between TXA dosing and risk for venous TEs (risk difference, -0.005; 95% CI, -0.021 to 0.011; P = .53).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis of 216 studies suggested that intravenous TXA, irrespective of dosing, is not associated with increased risk of any TE. These results help clarify the incidence of adverse events associated with administration of intravenous TXA and suggest that TXA is safe for use with undetermined utility for patients receiving neurological care.

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.

Complications of Tranexamic Acid in Orthopedic Lower Limb Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is increasingly used in orthopedic surgery to reduce blood loss; however, there are concerns about the risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate TXA safety in patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgical procedures.

Design

A meta-analysis was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases in January 2020 using the following string (Tranexamic acid) AND ((knee) OR (hip) OR (ankle) OR (lower limb)) to identify RCTs about TXA use in patients undergoing every kind of lower limb surgical orthopedic procedures, with IV, IA, or oral administration, and compared with a control arm to quantify the VTE complication rates.

Results

A total of 140 articles documenting 9,067 patients receiving TXA were identified. Specifically, 82 studies focused on TKA, 41 on THA, and 17 on other surgeries, including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, intertrochanteric fractures, and meniscectomies. The intravenous TXA administration protocol was studied in 111 articles, the intra-articular in 45, and the oral one in 7 articles. No differences in terms of thromboembolic complications were detected between the TXA and control groups neither in the overall population (2.4% and 2.8%, respectively) nor in any subgroup based on the surgical procedure and TXA administration route.

Conclusions

There is an increasing interest in TXA use, which has been recently broadened from the most common joint replacement procedures to the other types of surgeries. Overall, TXA did not increase the risk of VTE complications, regardless of the administration route, thus supporting the safety of using TXA for lower limb orthopedic surgical procedures.

The Optimal Dosing Regimen for Tranexamic Acid in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this multicenter, randomized trial was to determine the optimal dosing regimen of tranexamic acid (TXA) to minimize perioperative blood loss in revision total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

Six centers prospectively randomized 175 patients to 1 of 4 regimens: (1) 1-g intravenous (IV) TXA prior to incision (the single-dose IV group), (2) 1-g IV TXA prior to incision followed by 1-g IV TXA after arthrotomy wound closure (the double-dose IV group), (3) a combination of 1-g IV TXA prior to incision and 1-g intraoperative topical TXA (the combined IV and topical group), or (4) 3 doses totaling 1,950-mg oral TXA (the multidose oral group). Randomization was based on revision subgroups to ensure equivalent group distribution. An a priori power analysis (α = 0.05; β = 0.80) determined that 40 patients per group were required to identify a >1-g/dL difference in postoperative hemoglobin reduction between groups. Per-protocol analysis involved an analysis of variance, Fisher exact tests, and two 1-sided t tests for equivalence. Demographic and surgical variables were equivalent between groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between TXA regimens when evaluating reduction in hemoglobin (3.4 g/dL for the single-dose IV group, 3.6 g/dL for the double-dose IV group, 3.5 g/dL for the combined IV and topical group, and 3.4 g/dL for the multidose oral group; p = 0.95), calculated blood loss (p = 0.90), or transfusion rates (14% for the single-dose IV group, 18% for the double-dose IV group, 17% for the combined group, and 17% for the multidose oral group; p = 0.96). Equivalence testing revealed that all possible pairings were statistically equivalent, assuming a >1-g/dL difference in hemoglobin reduction as clinically relevant. There was 1 venous thromboembolism, with no differences found between groups (p = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

All 4 TXA groups tested had equivalent blood-sparing properties in the setting of revision total hip arthroplasty, with a single venous thromboembolism reported in this high-risk population. Based on the equivalence between groups, surgeons should utilize whichever of the 4 investigated regimens is best suited for their practice and hospital setting. Given the transfusion rate in revision total hip arthroplasty despite TXA utilization, further work is required in this area.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Use of Antimicrobial-Impregnated Incise Drapes to Prevent Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Analysis of 9774 Cases

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial-impregnated incise drapes are often used despite any literature that demonstrates a reduction in the rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of antimicrobial-impregnated incise drapes with nonantimicrobial-impregnated incise drapes for the prevention of PJI in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

METHODS

A retrospective study of 9774 primary TJAs from 2000 to 2012 was performed. Patients who received an antimicrobial-impregnated incise drape (n = 5241) were compared with patients who received a nonantimicrobial-impregnated incise drape (n = 4533). The decision to use an antimicrobial drape was based on the surgeon's discretion. Patients who developed PJI within 1 year after index surgery were identified. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and sensitivity analysis using propensity score matching were performed to control for potential confounders.

RESULTS

The overall PJI rate was 1.14% (60 of 5241) for patients who received an antimicrobial-impregnated incise drape compared with 1.26% (57 of 4533) for those with a nonantimicrobial-impregnated incise drape. There was no difference in the PJI rate between patients with an antimicrobial-impregnated incise drape and those who received nonantimicrobial-impregnated incise drape in the univariate (odds ratio [OR] = 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63-1.30), multivariate (adjusted OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.63-1.34), or propensity score matching analysis (OR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.52-1.35).

CONCLUSION

Despite the increasing adoption of the use of antimicrobial-impregnated incise drapes in our institute, this study suggests that antimicrobial-impregnated incise drapes do not reduce PJI in patients undergoing primary TJAs.

Blood management in fast-track orthopedic surgery: an evidence-based narrative review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Innovations able to maintain patient safety while reducing the amount of transfusion add value to orthopedic procedures. Opportunities for improvement arise especially in elective procedures, as long as room for planning is available. Although many strategies have been proposed, there is no consensus about the most successful combination. The purpose of this investigation is to identify information to support blood management strategies in fast-track total joint arthroplasty (TJA) pathway, to (i) support clinical decision making according to current evidence and best practices, and (ii) identify critical issues which need further research.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We identified conventional blood management strategies in elective orthopedic procedures. We performed an electronic search about blood management strategies in fast-track TJA. We designed tables to match every step of the former with the latter. We submitted the findings to clinicians who operate using fast-track surgery protocols in TJA at our research hospital.

RESULTS

Preoperative anemia detection and treatment, blood anticoagulants/aggregants consumption, transfusion trigger, anesthetic technique, local infiltration analgesia, drainage clamping and removals, and postoperative multimodal thromboprophylaxis are the factors which can add best value to a fast-track pathway, since they provide significant room for planning and prediction.

CONCLUSION

The difference between conventional and fast-track pathways does not lie in the contents of blood management, which are related to surgeons/surgeries, materials used and patients, but in the way these contents are integrated into each other, since elective orthopedic procedures offer significant room for planning. Further studies are needed to identify optimal regimens.

Application of thrombelastography (TEG) for safety evaluation of tranexamic acid in primary total joint arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Questions remain, mainly concerning whether tranexamic acid (TXA) is truly safe since all available trials were underpowered to identify clinically important differences. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of TXA by using a novel technique-thromboelastography (TEG).

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on 359 consecutive patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and received multiple-dose or single-dose of TXA at a tertiary academic center. TEG parameters, TEG coagulation status, conventional coagulation test parameters, and incidence of thrombotic events were used for safety evaluation.

RESULTS

Compared with single-dose cohort, patients who received multiple-dose of TXA had consistent statistically significant shortened R times on post-operative day 1 (POD1) and POD3 in both THA (POD1: 4.06 ± 0.71 s versus 4.45 ± 1.28 s, P = 0.011; POD3: 4.36 ± 0.83 s versus 5.12 ± 1.64 s, P < 0.0001) and TKA (POD1: 3.90 ± 0.73 s versus 4.29 ± 0.92 s, P = 0.011; POD3: 4.24 ± 0.94 s versus 4.65 ± 1.07 s, P = 0.023), while the K, α-angle, and MA values were similar during the perioperative period. TEG coagulation status analysis indicated that patients were significantly (P = 0.003) more likely with hypercoagulable status during the course of multiple-dose TXA. Conventional coagulation test parameters were similar. Only one patient developed calf vein thrombosis in the multiple-dose cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple-dose of TXA was associated with aggravated hypercoagulable state when compared with single-dose of TXA, but this prothrombotic state does not provoke thrombosis when combined with appropriate anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, multiple-dose of TXA remains safe and could be recommended for clinical practice. Potential benefits and possible risks should be trade-off when considering increasing the dosage and frequency of TXA on the present basis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR1800015422 .

Safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in patients undergoing majororthopaedic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Among the various pharmacological options to decrease peri-operative bleeding, tranexamic acid appears to be one of the most interesting. Several trials have consistently documented the efficacy of this synthetic drug in reducing the risk of blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. The safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in major orthopaedic surgery, particularly regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism, was systematically analysed in this review. A systematic search of the literature identified 73 randomised controlled trials involving 4,174 patients and 2,779 controls. The raw overall incidence of venous thromboembolism was 2.1% in patients who received intravenous tranexamic acid and 2.0% in controls. A meta-analytic pooling showed that the risk of venous thromboembolism in tranexamic acid-treated patients was not significantly different from that of controls (risk difference: 0.01%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.05%, 0.07%; risk ratio: 1.067, 95% CI: 0.760-1.496). Other severe drug-related adverse events occurred very rarely (0.1%). In conclusion, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that intravenous tranexamic acid is a safe pharmacological treatment to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery.

Exclusion criteria and adverse events in perioperative trials of tranexamic acid: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an inexpensive therapy effective at minimizing perioperative blood loss and transfusion. However, it remains underutilized due to safety concerns. To date, no evidence-based guidelines exist identifying which patients should not receive TXA therapy. This study determined patient groups for whom safety information regarding TXA is lacking due to common exclusion from perioperative TXA trials.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic review searching the databases Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) administering systemic TXA perioperatively to elective or emergent surgery patients were eligible. Our primary outcome was to describe exclusion criteria of RCTs, and the secondary outcome was TXA safety. A descriptive synthesis of exclusion criteria was performed, and TXA safety was assessed by meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 268 eligible RCTs were included. Meta-analysis showed that systemic TXA did not increase risk of adverse events compared to placebo or no intervention (relative risk, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.12). Patient groups commonly excluded from perioperative TXA trials, and thus potentially lacking TXA safety data, were those with major comorbidities, a history of thromboembolism, medication use affecting coagulation, TXA allergy, and coagulopathy. Exclusion of patients with major comorbidities may not be necessary; we showed that the risk of adverse events was similar in studies that excluded patients with major comorbidities and those that did not.

CONCLUSION

Sufficient evidence exists to develop perioperative guidelines for TXA use in many populations. Further studies evaluating perioperative TXA use in patients with a history of thromboembolism are warranted.

Optimal use of tranexamic acid for total hip arthroplasty: A network meta-analysis

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been demonstrated to minimize blood loss after total hip arthroplasty. There are three main routes: intravenous (IV), intra-articular (topical), and combined (IV and topical) but little consensus support which is most effective and safe. We performed network meta-analysis.to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of three different administration routes of TXA.

Methods

Twenty-five randomized controlled trials (RCT) were evaluated. Interventions were classified as: combined, IV multiple, IV single, topical and placebo. The primary outcome was effectiveness (transfusion rate, total blood loss, and total drain out). The secondary outcome was safety, based on the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Results

A total of 2227 patients were included in the 5 categories: 564 IV single, 319 IV multiple, 398 topical, 120 combined, and 826 placebo. A network meta-analysis identified the most effective interventions in terms of reducing the need for transfusion as follows: combined = 98.2%, IV single = 54.0%, IV multiple = 78.6%, topical = 66.1%, placebo = 0.0%. Compared with placebo, the IV single, IV multiple, topical, and combined interventions showed no difference in the rate of occurrence of DVT and PE.

Conclusions

A network meta-analysis indicated that combined administration of TXA (IV and topical) was effective in reducing the transfusion rate after hip arthroplasty compared with IV or topical alone. As no high-risk patients were evaluated in the RCTs, it is not known whether the combined method is safer for patients susceptible to DVT or PE.

The Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Direct Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective in reducing blood loss in total joint arthroplasty (TJA), but concerns still remain regarding the drug's safety. The purpose of this direct meta-analysis was to evaluate and establish a basis for the safety recommendations of the combined clinical practice guidelines on the use of TXA in primary TJA.

METHODS

A search was completed for studies published before July 2017 on TXA in primary TJA. We performed qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing and a direct comparison meta-analysis. We used the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 3 or greater as a proxy for patients at higher risk for complications in general and performed a meta-regression analysis to investigate the influence of comorbidity burden on the risk of arterial thromboembolic event and venous thromboembolic event (VTE).

RESULTS

Topical, intravenous, and oral TXA were not associated with an increased risk of VTE after TJA. In addition, meta-regression demonstrated that TXA use in patients with an ASA status of 3 or greater was not associated with an increased risk of VTE after total knee arthroplasty.

CONCLUSION

Although most studies included in our analysis excluded patients with a history of prior thromboembolic events, our findings support the lack of evidence of harm from TXA administration in patients undergoing TJA. Moderate evidence supports the safety of TXA in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty with an ASA score of 3 or greater. The benefits of using TXA appear to outweigh the potential risks of thromboembolic events even in patients with a higher comorbidity.

Choices, Compromises, and Controversies in Total Knee and Total Hip Arthroplasty Modifiable Risk Factors: What You Need to Know

BACKGROUND

Total joint arthroplasty has historically been very successful for most patients, yet some still incur a complication. In an era of value-based care, certain efforts need to be taken to optimize patients' risk profile before surgery to decrease the chances of readmission or surgical complication.

METHODS

We reviewed 10 key medical conditions and lifestyle factors that surgeons should improve before pursuing total joint arthroplasty and provide a summary of the available literature to guide certain optimization thresholds.

RESULTS

With careful attention to and the creation of a preoperative checklist, surgeons can identify key domains, including morbid obesity, malnutrition, diabetes, smoking, opioid use, poor dentition, cardiovascular disease, preoperative anemia, staphylococcus colonization, and psychological disorders and intervene based on an individual's areas of deficiencies.

CONCLUSION

By following stringent protocols and rescheduling surgery until optimization has occurred, we can work to provide patients the best chance for a successful outcome with an elective hip or knee arthroplasty.

The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent commonly used to reduce blood loss in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of TXA in primary THA to support the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine on the use of TXA in primary total joint arthroplasty.

METHODS

A search was performed using Ovid-MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Reviews, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify all publications before July 2017 on TXA in primary THA. We completed qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing of all included studies. Direct and indirect comparisons were analyzed using a network meta-analysis followed by consistency testing of the results.

RESULTS

Two thousand one hundred thirteen publications underwent critical appraisal with 34 publications identified as representing the best available evidence for inclusion in the analysis. Topical, intravenous, and oral TXA formulations provided reduced blood loss and risk of transfusion compared to placebo, but no formulation was clearly superior. Use of repeat doses, higher doses, or variation in timing of administration did not significantly reduce blood loss or risk of transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong evidence supports the use of TXA to reduce blood loss and risk of transfusion after primary THA. No specific routes of administration, dosage, dosing regimen, or time of administration provides clearly superior blood-sparing properties.

Multiple-Dose Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Further Reduces Hidden Blood Loss After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The most appropriate dose of tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been decided. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical effects of multiple-dose intravenous tranexamic acid (IV-TXA) in THA.

METHODS

One hundred fifty patients were randomized to receive one dose of IV-TXA before incision, followed by 2 doses of IV-TXA (group A), or 3 doses of IV-TXA (group B), or 4 doses of IV-TXA (group C) at 3-hour intervals. The primary outcome was hidden blood loss (HBL). Other outcome measurements such as total blood loss, maximum hemoglobin (Hb) drop, postoperative lowest Hb level, fibrinolysis parameter (D-dimer), inflammatory factor (interleukin-6), transfusion rate, length of stay, and complications were also compared.

RESULTS

The mean HBL, total blood loss, and maximum Hb drop were significantly lower in group C than in groups B and A. Such differences were also detected between groups B and A. The postoperative lowest Hb level was significantly higher in group C. D-dimer and interleukin-6 in group C were significantly lower than in groups B and A at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Such differences were also significant between groups B and A. There was no significant difference in length of stay among groups. No patient underwent blood transfusion during hospitalization. No episodes of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurred in all cases.

CONCLUSION

The 5-dose IV-TXA regimen can further diminish HBL, decrease maximum Hb drop, provide additional fibrinolysis control, and ameliorate postoperative inflammatory response following THA.

Tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty: Mixed treatment comparisons of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies

Background

The present study is a network meta-analysis of various routes of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies evaluating TXA in patients with THA were included. Number of patients requiring blood transfusion was the primary outcome.

Results

Pooled estimate for TXA use against placebo for blood transfusion rate was 0.30 [0.23, 0.39] favoring TXA. Maximum reduction in the risk of blood transfusion was observed with topical plus intra-operative intravenous TXA.

Conclusion

Combined topical and intravenous TXA during surgery may perform better than other modes in patients undergoing THA.

Efficacy of a Pelvic Lateral Positioner With a Mechanical Cup Navigator Based on the Anatomical Pelvic Plane in Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The acetabular component orientation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is of critical importance to the good clinical results. However, traditional widely used cup alignment guides for cup placement are reported to be relatively unreliable. The present study aims at comparing a novel cup alignment guide, which can be attached to our anatomical pelvic plane (APP) pelvic lateral positioner for reducing discrepancies in sagittal pelvic tilt and indicate a targeted cup angle based on the APP, with a conventional cup alignment guide.

METHODS

The subjects were 136 hips of 136 patients who underwent unilateral THA using the APP positioner. The procedure was performed with the conventional cup alignment guide (conventional group; 60 hips) and with the novel cup navigator (mechanical navigator group; 76 hips). Postoperative cup angles and discrepancies of postoperative cup angles (inclination and anteversion angles) from the targeted angles were compared between the 2 groups to evaluate the usefulness of these navigators.

RESULTS

The mean cup angles in the conventional group were 39.0° ± 5.3° for the inclination angle and 21.7° ± 6.4° for the anteversion angle, whereas those in the mechanical navigator group were 40.6° ± 3.2° and 18.3° ± 4.6°, respectively (P = .018, P < .0001). The discrepancies from the targeted angles were 3.5° ± 3.1° for the inclination angle and 4.6° ± 3.4° for the anteversion angle in the conventional group and 2.3° ± 2.3° and 3.2° ± 2.7°, respectively, in the mechanical navigator group (P = .020, P = .012).

CONCLUSION

The mechanical cup navigator easily attachable to the APP positioner is a tool that can improve the accuracy of cup placement in a simple, economical, and noninvasive manner in THA via the lateral position.

Multiple boluses of intravenous tranexamic acid to reduce hidden blood loss and the inflammatory response following enhanced-recovery primary total hip arthroplasty: a randomised clinical trial

AIMS

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of multiple boluses of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) on the hidden blood loss (HBL) and inflammatory response following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 150 patients were allocated randomly to receive a single bolus of 20 mg/kg IV TXA before the incision (group A), a single bolus followed by a second bolus of 1 g IV-TXA three hours later (group B) or a single bolus followed by two boluses of 1 g IV-TXA three and six hours later (group C). All patients were treated using a standard peri-operative enhanced recovery protocol. Primary outcomes were HBL and the level of haemoglobin (Hb) as well as the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as markers of inflammation. Secondary outcomes included the length of stay in hospital and the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

RESULTS

The mean HBL was significantly lower in group C (402.13 ml standard deviation (sd) 225.97) than group A (679.28 ml sd 277.16, p < 0.001) or B (560.62 ml sd 295.22, p = 0.010). The decrease in the level of Hb between the pre-operative baseline and the level on the third post-operative day was 30.82 g/L (sd 6.31 g/L) in group A, 27.16 g/L (sd 6.83) in group B and 21.98 g/L (sd 3.72) in group C. This decrease differed significantly among the three groups (p < 0.01). The mean level of CRP was significantly lower in group C than in the other two groups on the second (p ≤ 0.034) and third post-operative days (p ≤ 0.014). The levels of IL-6 were significantly lower in group C than group A on the first three post-operative days (p = 0.023). The mean length of stay was significantly lower in group C than group A (p = 0.023). No VTE or other adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

Multiple boluses of IV-TXA can effectively reduce HBL following primary THA. A regime of three boluses leads to a smaller decrease in the level of Hb, less post-operative inflammation and a shorter length of stay in hospital than a single bolus. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1442-9.

An Aprotinin Containing Fibrin Sealant Does Not Reduce Blood Loss in Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Fibrin sealants are topical agents used to reduce perioperative blood loss; however, their efficacy in total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine if a fibrin sealant containing aprotinin as an antifibrinolytic agent, TISSEEL (Baxter, Deerfield, IL), reduces postoperative blood loss and transfusion during THA when compared with intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) and control groups.

METHODS

Three retrospective uniform cohorts of primary THA procedures were identified, from a prospectively maintained database: 1 group who received TISSEEL, 1 group who received 1 g IV TXA, and 1 group who received neither (control). There were 80 patients in each group. Outcome measures included the lowest measured hemoglobin during postoperative hospitalization, greatest decrease in hemoglobin from preoperative to postoperative values, and blood transfusion rates.

RESULTS

The minimum postoperative hemoglobin level was significantly lower for TISSEEL patients compared with that of IV TXA patients (P = .021) and no different when compared with that of control patients (P = .134). Patients receiving fibrin sealant had a greater hemoglobin level decrease compared with that of IV TXA (P = .029) and control (P = .036). Postoperative transfusion rates were no different for the group receiving TISSEEL compared with those of control (P = .375) and were statistically greater when compared with those of IV TXA (P = .002).

CONCLUSION

TISSEEL fibrin sealant does not reduce postoperative blood loss or transfusions; however, IV TXA reduced postoperative transfusions compared with TISSEEL and control. Therefore, TXA is recommended to reduce perioperative blood loss, while, utilization of a fibrin sealant requires further refinements before being adopted for routine use in THA.

Tranexamic Acid Was Safe in Arthroplasty Patients With a History of Venous Thromboembolism: A Matched Outcome Study

BACKGROUND

In contemporary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), intravenous tranexamic acid (IV TXA) has proved efficacious in decreasing blood loss and transfusion. Interested in expanding the use of IV TXA to patients with a prior venous thromboembolic event (VTE), we sought out to determine the risk of recurrent VTE with TXA administration during primary THA and TKA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 1262 patients (1620 cases) with a history of VTE who underwent primary THA or TKA between 2000 and 2012. IV TXA was given in 258 (16%) of the cases and not given in 1362 (84%). VTE rates were evaluated at 90 days postoperatively. Given the rarity of recurrent VTEs, patients who experienced a recurrent VTE were 2:1 retrospectively matched against patients in the cohort with a history of VTE who did not experience a recurrent VTE using age (±5 years), sex, body mass index (±5 kg/m²), American Society of Anesthesiologist score, and type of chemoprophylaxis.

RESULTS

VTE recurrence was not significantly greater in those who received TXA (2.3%; 6/258) compared to those who did not receive TXA (1.8%; 25/1362; P = .6). When the 31 patients who experienced a recurrent VTE were 2:1 matched to control patients, IV TXA was not associated with any increase in the risk of recurrent VTE (odds ratio, 0.9; P = .9).

CONCLUSION

Patients with a history of VTE had a low risk of recurrent VTE (2%) after contemporary THA and TKA, and that rate was not increased with the use of IV TXA.

Determination of Perioperative Blood Loss: Accuracy or Approximation?

BACKGROUND

Various different interventions can be used to reduce surgical blood loss; however, there is no "gold standard" for accurately measuring the volume of perioperative blood loss, and this makes it difficult to assess the efficacy of these interventions.

METHODS

We used data from a previous multicenter double-blind randomized clinical trial in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty in which we compared 2 regimens for administering tranexamic acid versus placebo. We assessed direct measures (external blood loss) and indirect estimates (using the formulas of Bourke, Gross, Mercuriali, and Camarasa and a new formula we have developed) using analysis of variance to compare estimated volumes of blood loss among the study groups. In addition, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman diagrams were used to compare the estimated volumes of blood loss obtained with each formula.

RESULTS

The mean estimated external blood loss was 909 ± 324 mL, and the mean estimates of blood loss calculated using the formulas of Gross, Bourke and Smith, and Camarasa were 1308 ± 555, 1091 ± 454, and 1641 ± 945 mL, respectively, whereas we obtained a value of 1511 ± 919 mL with the new formula at day 2. In all cases, the results favored the use of tranexamic acid (P < .0001). Comparing results of the new and other formulas, we found moderate-to-low agreement (in terms of ICCs) except for that of Camarasa (ICC: 0.992). The limits of agreement with the new formula ranged from -378 to 93 in the case of the comparison with Camarasa's formula and from -2226 to 959 for external blood loss, the difference depending on the magnitude of the estimate to a large extent.

CONCLUSIONS

Formulas that take into account both anthropometric and laboratory parameters are useful for evaluating the efficacy of interventions aiming to decrease blood loss but do not ensure that the values obtained are sufficiently accurate for absolute measuring.

Perioperative blood management strategies for patients undergoing total knee replacement: Where do we stand now?

Total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the most common surgeries over the last decade. Patients undergoing TKR are at high risk for postoperative anemia and furthermore for allogeneic blood transfusions (ABT). Complications associated with ABT including chills, rigor, fever, dyspnea, light-headedness should be early recognized in order to lead to a better prognosis. Therefore, perioperative blood management program should be adopted with main aim to reduce the risk of blood transfusion while maximizing hemoglobin simultaneously. Many blood conservation strategies have been attempted including preoperative autologous blood donation, acute normovolemic haemodilution, autologous blood transfusion, intraoperative cell saver, drain clamping, pneumatic tourniquet application, and the use of tranexamic acid. For practical and clinical reasons we will try to classify these strategies in three main stages/pillars: Pre-operative optimization, intra-operative and post-operative protocols. The aim of this work is review the strategies currently in use and reports our experience regarding the perioperative blood management strategies in TKR.

Management of Blood Loss in Hip Arthroplasty: Korean Hip Society Current Consensus

The volume of hip arthroplasty is stiffly increasing because of excellent clinical outcomes, however it has not been shown to decrease the incidence of transfusions due to bleeding related to this surgery. This is an important consideration since there are concerns about the side effects and social costs of transfusions. First, anemia should be assessed at least 30 days before elective hip arthroplasty, and if the subject is diagnosed as having anemia, an additional examination of the cause of the anemia should be carried and steps taken to address the anemia. Available iron treatments for anemia take 7 to 10 days to facilitate erythropoiesis, and preoperative iron supplementation, either oral or intravenous, is recommended. When using oral supplements for iron storage, administer elemental iron 100 mg daily for 2 to 6 weeks before surgery, and calculate the dose using intravenous supplement. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic derivative of the lysine component, which reduces blood loss by inhibiting fibrinolysis and clot degradation. TXA is known to be an effective agent for reducing postoperative bleeding and reducing the need for transfusions in primary and revision total hip arthroplasties. Patient blood management has improved the clinical outcome after hip arthroplasty through the introduction and research of various agents, thereby reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusions and reducing the risk of transfusion-related infections and the duration of hospitalizations.

Blood-Sparing Efficacy of Oral Tranexamic Acid in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be effective in reducing blood loss, hemoglobin drop, and blood transfusion in primary total hip arthroplasty. Most studies used intravenous form or topical form. This study was to assess the blood-sparing efficacy and safety of oral TXA in total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

Patients with primary total hip arthroplasty from 2012 to 2015 were recruited. Trial group with 1 gm of oral TXA 2 hours preoperatively, and 6 hours and 12 hours postoperatively was compared with the control group without drug. Outcome measures were intraoperative blood loss, drain output, observed total blood loss, actual total blood loss, hidden blood loss, hemoglobin drop, blood transfusion requirement, thromboembolic complications, cerebrovascular or cardiovascular complications, and mortality.

RESULTS

After exclusion, 108 patients were included-54 in trial group and 54 in control group. There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics. The trial group had significantly higher postoperative hemoglobin (10.3 vs 9.4 g/dL), lower hemoglobin drop (3.0 vs 4.1 g/dL), lower hidden blood loss (149 vs 354 mL), and lower actual total blood loss (847 vs 1096 mL). There was no significant difference in thromboembolic complications or mortality. There was also no periprosthetic infection or drug allergy.

CONCLUSION

Oral TXA is effective in blood sparing in terms of reduction in hemoglobin drop, hidden blood loss, and actual total blood loss. It is safe and is an alternative to the intravenous or topical form.

Intravenous versus topical tranexamic acid in primary total hip replacement: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

As the prevalence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasing, it is usually associated with considerable blood loss. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been reported to reduce perioperative blood loss in hip joint arthroplasty. But the best route of TXA administration continues to be controversial. So, we conducted a meta-analysis that integrated all data from the 7 included trials to compare the effectiveness and safety of topical and intravenous TXA administration in primary THA. The endpoints assessed in this meta-analysis include the comparisons of total blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin decline, transfusion rates, the incidence rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolisms (PE), and wound infection.

METHODS

Literature searches of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese Biomedical Literature database, the CNKI database, and Wan Fang Data were performed up to August 30, 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in our meta-analysis if they compared the efficiency and safety of intravenous versus topical administration of TXA in patients who underwent primary THA. The endpoints included the comparisons of total blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin decline, transfusion rates, the incidence rate of DVT, PE, and wound infection. A meta-analysis was performed following the guidelines of the Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook and the PRISMA statement. The pooling of data was carried out by using RevMan 5.3, Denmark.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs involving 964 patients met the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in the 2 groups in terms of total blood loss ([mean difference (MD) = -14.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): -89.21 to 59.74, P = 0.7], transfusion rates [RD = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.02, P = 0.39]; no significant differences were found regarding the incidence of adverse effects such as deep venous thrombosis [DVT] [RD = 0.00, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.01, P = 1.00], PE [RD = 0.00, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.01, P = 0.71], or wound infection [RD = -0.01, 95% CI: -0.06 to 0.04, P = 0.66]). The pooled results showed that the intravenous groups had a lower postoperative hemoglobin decline (MD = -0.47, 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.20, P = 0.0006). It was probably due to insufficient data and the varied reporting of outcomes. There was some inherent heterogeneity due to the small sample size of each primary study.

CONCLUSION

The topical and intravenous administrations of TXA have a similar effect on the decrease of blood loss without an increased risk of complications (DVT, PE, and wound infection). Intravenous TXA administration may have a maximum efficacy. Topical TXA administration may be preferred in patients who with high risk of thromboembolic events. However, larger, high-quality RCTs are required to explore the optimal regimen, dosage, timing still in the future in order to recommend TXA widespread use in total joint arthroplasty.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of topical versus intravenous tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of topical versus intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) for reducing blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement criteria. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedicine Literature (CBM), Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that compare topical versus IV-TXA administration for reducing blood loss during TKA from their inception to February, 2016. Meta-analysis was performed by Stata 12.0 software.

RESULTS

Seven studies comprising 2056 patients were included in this meta-analysis. No significant difference is found between topical TXA groups and IV-TXA groups regarding transfusion requirements (RR = 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96-1.97, P = 0.083), total blood loss (MD 17.09, 95% CI: -33.74-67.91, P = 0.510), and hemoglobin decline (MD 0.32, 95%CI: -0.04-0.69, P = 0.122). Meanwhile, there is no significant difference in terms of the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.40-3.90, P = 0.869).

CONCLUSION

Topical TXA has a similar efficacy to IV-TXA in reducing both blood loss and transfusion rate without sacrificing safety in primary THA.

Meta-analysis of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Previous meta-analyses established that tranexamic acid confers benefits when used during total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, 2 of these meta-analyses included a variety of routes of administration of tranexamic acid in THA (topical, intravenous, oral, and intra-articular), another meta-analysis included a variety of antifibrinolytic drugs (not restricted to a single drug), and the final meta-analysis included nonrandomized controlled trials. This meta-analysis focused on a single medication, tranexamic acid, administered in a specific way, intravenously in patients undergoing primary THA, using data reported only in randomized controlled studies. Outcomes were restricted to blood loss, allogeneic transfusion rates, and complications. Other outcomes, such as return to function or clinical scores, could not be evaluated because of lack of consistent reporting. To better understand the effects of intravenous tranexamic acid in THA on clinical outcomes, such as recovery, return to function, and patient-reported outcome measures, it would be helpful to have more controlled trials examining these measures in a standardized manner. Intravenous tranexamic acid was beneficial for blood loss intraoperatively, blood loss through drains, and total blood loss during hospitalization, in addition to reducing allogeneic transfusion rates. No difference between intravenous tranexamic acid and placebo was found for most complications, except deep venous thrombosis, which showed favorable results with placebo. [Orthopedics.2016; 39(5):e883-e892.].

Efficacy of 2 grammes of intravenous transexamic acid in the reduction of post-surgical bleeding after total hip and knee replacement

BACKGROUND

There is currently sufficient clinical evidence to recommend tranexamic acid (TXA) for reducing post-operative blood loss in total knee and hip arthroplasty, however, its optimal dose and administration regimes are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Analyse effectiveness and safety of TXA in total hip and knee arthroplasty using 2 grammes (g) intravenously in two different regimes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective randomised intervention study was conducted on a total of 240 patients. The patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) control; 2) 1g of TXA intraoperative, followed by another postoperative; and 3): 2g preoperative. Each group consisted of 40 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, and 40 total hip arthroplasty. Postoperative blood loss, transfusion rate, and thromboembolic complications were studied.

RESULTS

There were significant differences (p<.005) when comparing mean total blood loss and transfusion between group 1 and 2, and between group 1 and 3, but not between the two TXA groups (2 and 3). The authors only recorded one complication in group 1 (deep vein thrombosis).

DISCUSION

This study was not performed to investigate the already well established effectiveness of TXA, but to confirm if 2 empirical intravenous g is safe, and what is most beneficial regimen. In conclusion, according to the literature, both proven patterns of 2g intravenous of TXA are effective in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements, without increasing the complication rate.

Topical vs Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces perioperative blood loss in total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

In our randomized control trial, 139 patients were enrolled and received 2 g of either topical or intravenous (IV) TXA. Preoperative and postoperative protocols were standardized.

RESULTS

Calculated blood and Hgb loss were lower in the IV group (1195.0 ± 485.9 mL, 1442.7 ± 562.7 mL; P = .006), (160.3 [g] ± 63.8, 188.4 [g] ± 68.5; P = .014). There was a trend toward significance in transfusion reduction (11% [IV] vs 18% [topical]; P = .3). Both groups effectively reduced the transfusion rate. There was significant financial incentive for the use of TXA in THA with a savings of $314 per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

IV and topical TXA are effective tools to reduce blood loss and transfusion costs in THA, and we recommend the IV form for ease of use.

Tranexamic acid reduces the blood loss and blood transfusion requirements following peri-acetabular osteotomy

We have investigated the effect of using tranexamic acid (TXA) during peri-acetabular osteotomy (PAO) on peri-operative blood loss and blood transfusion requirements. In addition we analysed whether the use of TXA was associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following this procedure. A consecutive series of 96 PAOs, performed by a single surgeon, were reviewed. A total of 48 patients received TXA and 48 did not. The TXA group received a continuous infusion of TXA at a rate of 10 mg/kg/h. The primary outcome measure was the requirement for blood transfusion. Secondary outcomes included total blood loss, the decrease in the level of haemoglobin in the blood, the length of hospital stay, and the complications of this treatment. The mean rate of transfusion was significantly lower in the TXA group (62.5% vs 12.5%, p < 0.001). The mean blood loss was also significantly reduced in the TXA group (1.9 L (standard deviation (SD) 0.9) vs 1.5 L (SD 0.7), p < 0.01). No post-operative episodes of VTE were identified in either group. The use of TXA reduced the blood loss and the rate of transfusion after PAO significantly, without adverse effects such as an increased rate of VTE.

Tranexamic acid

Aims

This study investigated whether the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) decreased blood loss and transfusion related cost following surface replacement arthroplasty (SRA).

Methods

A retrospective review of patients treated with TXA during a SRA, who did not receive autologous blood (TXA group) was performed. Two comparison groups were established; the first group comprised of patients who donated their own blood pre-operatively (auto group) and the second of patients who did not donate blood pre-operatively (control). Outcomes included transfusions, post-operative haemoglobin (Hgb), complications, and length of post-operative stay.

Results

Between 2009 and 2013, 150 patients undergoing SRA were identified for inclusion: 51 in the auto, 49 in the control, and 50 in the TXA group. There were no differences in the pre-operative Hgb concentrations between groups. The mean post-operative Hgb was 11.3 g/dL (9.1 to 13.6) in the auto and TXA groups, and 10.6 g/dL (8.1 to 12.1)in the control group (p = 0.001). Accounting for cost of transfusions, administration of TXA, and length of stay, the cost per patient was $1731, $339, and $185 for the auto, control and TXA groups, respectively.

Discussion

TXA use demonstrated higher post-operative Hgb concentrations when compared with controls and decreased peri-operative costs. Take home message: Tranexamic acid safely limits allogeneic transfusion, maintains post-operative haemoglobin, and decreases direct and indirect transfusion related costs in surface replacement arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:173–8.