Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss, D-Dimer, and Fibrinogen Kinetics in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery

Tranexamic acid in endoscopic sinus surgery: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

To conduct an updated meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) versus control during endoscopic sinus surgery.

METHODS

Six databases were screened until July 7, 2024, and the quality of included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed. Endpoints were summarized as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 23 RCTs, including 29 arms and 1597 patients, were analyzed. The overall quality was rated as low-risk in 15 RCTs, high-risk in five RCTs, and of some concern in three RCTs. TXA significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss (n = 22 arms, MD = - 68.87 ml, 95% CI - 79.66, - 58.07) and operative time (n = 21 arms, MD = - 13.93 min, 95% CI - 17.49, - 10.37) compared to control. TXA also improved surgical field quality (measured on a 5-point Boezaart scale, n = 22 arms, MD = - 0.61, 95% CI - 0.88, - 0.34) and surgeon satisfaction scores (n = 9 arms, MD = 0.85, 95% CI 0.53, 1.17). No thromboembolic events were reported in either group. Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of all endpoints, and no publication bias was detected. Subgroup analyses by route of administration (intravenous, topical, and oral) showed equal effectiveness. Additionally, analyses by sinus pathology demonstrated effectiveness in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Trial sequential analysis showed conclusiveness for all outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative TXA, whether administered systemically or topically, correlates with decreased intraoperative blood loss, shortened operating times, and enhanced surgical visualization compared to control interventions. However, these findings are constrained by significant heterogeneity and varying reporting quality among studies.

The cost-utility of intraoperative tranexamic acid in adult spinal deformity patients undergoing long posterior spinal fusion

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility of intraoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients undergoing long posterior (≥ 5 vertebral levels) spinal fusion.

METHODS

A decision-analysis model was built for a hypothetical 60-year-old adult patient with spinal deformity undergoing long posterior spinal fusion. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to obtain event probabilities, costs and health utilities at each node. Health utilities were utilized to calculate Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). A base-case analysis was carried out to obtain the incremental cost and effectiveness of intraoperative TXA. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate uncertainty in our model and obtain mean incremental costs, effectiveness, and net monetary benefits. One-way sensitivity analyses were also performed to identify the variables with the most impact on our model.

RESULTS

Use of intraoperative TXA was the favored strategy in 88% of the iterations. The mean incremental utility ratio for using intraoperative TXA demonstrated higher benefit and lower cost while being lower than the willingness-to-pay threshold set at $50,000 per quality adjusted life years. Use of intraoperative TXA was associated with a mean incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) of $3743 (95% CI 3492-3995). One-way sensitivity analysis reported cost of blood transfusions due to post-operative anemia to be a major driver of cost-utility analysis.

CONCLUSION

Use of intraoperative TXAs is a cost-effective strategy to reduce overall perioperative costs related to post-operative blood transfusions. Administration of intraoperative TXA should be considered for long fusions in ASD population when not explicitly contra-indicated due to patient factors.

The effect of perioperative sequential application of multiple doses of tranexamic acid on postoperative blood loss after PLIF: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been utilized in spinal surgery to effectively reduce intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and allogeneic blood transfusion rates. However, the traditional TXA regimen might last the entire duration of hyperfibrinolysis caused by surgical trauma, resulting in its limited ability to reduce postoperative blood loss (PBL). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of perioperative sequential administration of multiple doses of TXA in reducing PBL in patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).

METHODS

From October 2022 to June 2023, 231 patients who were diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disease and scheduled to undergo PLIF were prospectively enrolled in the present study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups. Moreover, all patients received an intravenous injection of TXA at a dose of 15 mg/kg 15 min before the surgical skin incision. Patients in Group A received a placebo of normal saline after surgery, while patients in Group B received three additional intravenous injections of TXA at a dose of 15 mg/kg every 24 h. Patients in Group C received three additional intravenous injections of TXA at a dose of 15 mg/kg every 5 h. The primary outcome measure was PBL. In addition, this study assessed total blood loss (TBL), IBL, routine blood parameters, liver and kidney function, coagulation parameters, fibrinolysis indexes, inflammatory indicators, drainage tube removal time (DRT), length of hospital stay (LOS), blood transfusion rate, and incidence of complications for all subjects.

RESULTS

The PBL, TBL, DRT, and LOS of Group B and Group C were significantly lower than those of Group A ( P <0.05). The level of D-dimer (D-D) in Group C was significantly lower than that in Group A on the first day after the operation ( P =0.002), and that in Group B was significantly lower than that in Group A on the third day after the operation ( P =0.003). The interleukin-6 levels between the three groups from 1 to 5 days after the operation were in the order of Group A > Group B > Group C. No serious complications were observed in any patient. The results of multiple stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that PBL was positively correlated with incision length, IBL, smoking history, history of hypertension, preoperative fibrinogen degradation product level, and blood transfusion. It was negatively correlated with preoperative levels of fibrinogen, red blood cells, blood urea nitrogen, and age. Compared to female patients, male patients had an increased risk of PBL. Finally, the incidence of PBL was predicted.

CONCLUSIONS

Sequential application of multiple doses of TXA during the perioperative period could safely and effectively reduce PBL and TBL, shorten DRT and LOS, reduce postoperative D-D generation, and reduce the postoperative inflammatory response. In addition, this study provided a novel prediction model for PBL in patients undergoing PLIF.

Rapid disappearance of acute subdural hematoma due to abrogated hyper-fibrinolytic activity by tranexamic acid: Case report

RATIONALE

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) occurs after tearing of bridging veins within the dura resulting in the accumulation of blood between the arachnoid and dura layers within 72 hours after traumatic head injury. Also, antigen fibrin D-dimer (DD) is the principal enzymatic degradation product of cross-linked fibrin by plasmin. We observed that early tranexamic acid (TXA) treatment resolved hyper-fibrinolysis and rapid disappearance ASDH.

PATIENTS CONCERNS

A 48-year-old female presented with unconsciousness for 2 hours after head trauma. Her Glasgow Coma Scale score was >8 points.

DIAGNOSIS

Computed tomography scan established ASDH with midline shift and brainstem compression and surgery was scheduled. Also, laboratory results indicated high DD spike of 34,820 μg/L and a reduction in plasma fibrinogen 1 hour after the injury.

INTERVENTION

She was treated with intravenous TXA immediately after admission.

OUTCOMES

Her DD spike decreased remarkably in 48 hours with associated rapid disappearance of ASDH thereby averting surgical intervention. She recovered fully with no long-term complications.

LESSONS

Historically, hyper-fibrinolysis is associated with poor outcome in head trauma. However, early initiation of TXA which is noninvasive treatment modality for ASDH could avert surgery and reduce cost, anesthesia, and other complications associated with surgery.

Complications and Avoidance in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is a complex disease that can result in significant disability. Although surgical treatment has been shown to be of benefit, the complication rate in the perioperative and postoperative periods can be as high as 70%. Some of the most common complications of ASD surgery include intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, high blood loss, new neurologic deficit, hardware failure, proximal junctional kyphosis/failure, pseudarthrosis, surgical site infection, and medical complications. For each of these complications, one or more strategies can be utilized to avoid and/or minimize the consequences.

Comparison of blood loss between tranexamic acid-soaked absorbable Gelfoam and topical retrograde injection via drainage catheter plus clamping in cervical laminoplasty surgery

Background

To compare the safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA)-soaked absorbable Gelfoam and the retrograde injection of TXA through a drain with drain-clamping in degenerative cervical laminoplasty patients.

Methods

Patients were assigned into either TXA retrograde injection (TXA-RI), TXA-soaked absorbable Gelfoam (TXA-Gel), or control groups. The demographics, operative measurements, volume and length of drainage, length of hospital stay, complete blood cell count, coagulopathy, postoperative complications, and blood transfusion were recorded.

Results

We enrolled 133 patients, with 44, 44, and 45 in the TXA-RI, TXA-Gel, and control groups, respectively. The baseline characteristics did not differ significantly among the three groups. The TXA-RI group exhibited a lower volume and length of postoperative drainage compared to the TXA-Gel and control groups (126.60 ± 31.27 vs. 156.60 ± 38.63 and 275.45 ± 75.27 mL; 49.45 ± 9.70 vs 58.70 ± 10.46 and 89.31 ± 8.50 hours, all P < 0.01). The TXA-RI group also had significantly shorter hospital stays compared to the control group (5.31 ± 1.18 vs 7.50 ± 1.25 days, P < 0.05) and higher hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (12.58 ± 1.67 vs 11.28 ± 1.76 g/dL; 36.62 ± 3.66% vs 33.82 ± 3.57%, both P < 0.05) at hospital discharge. In the TXA-RI and TXA-Gel groups, the D-dimmer (DD) and fibrinogen (FIB) were significantly lower than those in the control group after surgery (P < 0.05). None of the patients required blood transfusion. No complications, including thromboembolic events, were reported.

Conclusion

Topical retrograde injection of TXA through a drain with drain-clamping at the conclusion of unilateral posterior cervical expansive open-door laminoplasty may effectively reduce postoperative blood loss and the length of hospital stays without increasing postoperative complications.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Oral Tranexamic Acid Intervention for the Prevention of Type II Endoleak after Endovascular Abdominal Aneurysm Repair

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate tranexamic acid (TA) for the prevention of type II endoleak (EL2) at a high level of evidence by a randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) between May 2017 and January 2020 were included. Patients in the TA group were given 750 mg of TA daily for a month after EVAR. The incidence of EL2, blood coagulation/fibrinolytic ability, and changes in aneurysm diameter were compared between two groups.

Result: On the 7th day after EVAR, EL2 was found in 14 patients (34.1%) in the TA group and in 7 patients (15.9%) in the non-TA group. It was also found in 12 patients (29.3%) in the TA group and 6 patients (13.6%) in the non-TA group at 1 month after EVAR. There was no significant difference in the incidence of EL2 between the two groups (p = 0.051, 0.08). Blood tests revealed that fibrin degradation product and D-dimer were significantly suppressed in the TA group, there was no significant difference in the change of diameter regardless of the TA intake.

Conclusion: This study proved anti-fibrinolytic effect of the TA, but it alone had not enough power to decrease EL2 after EVAR.

[Prospective randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of low-dose and high-dose intravenous tranexamic acid in reducing perioperative blood loss in single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion]

OBJECTIVE

A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to study the effectiveness and safety of intravenous different doses tranexamic acid (TXA) in single-level unilateral minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF).

METHODS

The patients treated with single-level unilateral MIS-TLIF between September 2019 and October 2020 were enrolled and randomly classified into low-dose TXA (LD) group (n=39), high-dose TXA (HD) group (n=39), and placebo-controlled (PC) group (n=38). The LD, HD, and PC groups received intravenous TXA 20 mg/kg, TXA 50 mg/kg, the same volume of normal saline at 30 minute before skin incision after general anesthesia, respectively. There was no significant difference on baseline characteristics and preoperative laboratory results among 3 groups (P>0.05), including age, gender, body mass index, surgical segments, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), D-dimer, fibrin degradation products (FDP), activated partial prothromboplastin time (APTT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr), urea. The intraoperative blood loss (IBL), postoperative drainage volume, operation time, total blood loss (TBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), blood transfusion, hematological examination indexes on the first day after operation, and the incidence of complications within 1 month were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTS

There were 3, 2, and 4 patients in the LD, HD, and PC groups who underwent autologous blood transfusion, respectively, and there was no allogeneic blood transfusion patients in the 3 groups. There was no significant difference in IBL, postoperative drainage volume, and operation time between groups (P>0.05). The TBL, HBL, and the decreased value of HGB in LD and HD groups were significantly lower than those in PC group (P<0.05), and TBL and HBL in HD group were significantly lower than those in LD group (P<0.05); the decreased value of HGB between LD group and HD group showed no significant difference (P>0.05). On the first day after operation, D-dimer in LD and HD groups were significantly lower than that in PC group (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between LD and HD groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in other hematological indexes between groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 1 month, and there was no TXA-related complication such as deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity, pulmonary embolism, and epilepsy in the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous administration of TXA in single-level unilateral MIS-TLIF is effective and safe in reducing postoperative TBL and HBL within 1 day in a dose-dependent manner. Also, TXA can reduce postoperative fibrinolysis markers and do not increase the risk of thrombotic events, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Combined topical and intravenous administration of tranexamic acid further reduces postoperative blood loss in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Background

To indicate whether combined topical and intravenous (IV) administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) could further reduce the blood loss after surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) compared with IV-TXA alone.

Methods

Ninety AIS patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion were prospectively randomized to combined group (IV + topical- TXA group) and IV-TXA alone group. TXA was infused at a loading dose of 1 g from the beginning of the surgery with a maintenance dose of 10 mg/kg/h until the wound was closed. In the combined group, 2 g TXA was injected retrogradely through a drain, while an equivalent amount of normal saline was injected in the IV-TXA alone group. The drain tube was clamped for 2 h in both groups. The amount of wound drainage and transfusion rates were analyzed.

Results

The drainage volume and duration of drain were significantly lower in the combined group compared with that in the IV-TXA alone group (372.0 ± 129.7 mL vs. 545.2 ± 207.7 mL, P < 0.001;64.7 ± 13.9 h vs. 82.0 ± 12.5 h, P < 0.001). Postoperative length of hospital stay was also significantly shorter in the combined group (6.5 ± 1.51 days vs. 7.95 ± 1.44 days, P < 0.05). Transfusion and complication rates were comparable between the two groups .

Conclusions

IV injection of TXA combined with retrograde injection of TXA into a drain and clamping it for 2 h could further reduce the total volume of drainage in AIS patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900024177, Registered 29 June 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=40214

Safety and Efficacy of Topical Administration of Tranexamic Acid in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in high-risk patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery.

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, a total of 120 patients with lumbar degenerative disease who had a previous history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular embolism and who underwent single-level PLIF surgery between December 2018 and December 2019 were included and allocated to 2 groups according to whether they had been administered TXA. In the TXA group (n = 60), the wound surface was topically soaked with TXA (1 g in 100 mL of saline solution) for 5 minutes before wound closure. In the control group (n = 60), the wound surface was topically soaked with the same volume of normal saline. SPSS software, version 26.0, was employed to analyze demographics including surgical traits, blood loss, drainage, length of hospital stays (LOS), blood biochemical indices, prethrombotic state molecular markers, coagulation function, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Total blood loss, visible blood loss, postoperative drainage, removal time of drainage tube, and LOS were significantly lower in the TXA group than in the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in hidden blood loss, hepatorenal function, coagulation function, prethrombotic state molecular markers, transfusion rate, or complications during the perioperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

In single-level PLIF surgery, topical administration of TXA could significantly reduce total blood loss, visible blood loss, postoperative drainage, removal time of drainage tube, and LOS without increasing the risk of thromboembolic events in high-risk patients with prior histories of thrombosis.

Role of D-dimer and Fibrinogen in the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The diagnostic potential of D-dimer and fibrinogen to detect periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the hip and knee is not well-understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether D-Dimer and fibrinogen can be used as effective biomarkers to screen PJI. A systematic review of the literature indexed in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar databases was performed. All studies using D-dimer levels in serum or plasma, or fibrinogen levels in plasma, for the diagnosis of PJI were included. Meta-analysis estimates, including sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratios (DOR), and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUSROC), were calculated using a random-effects model, and used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers. A total of nine studies were analyzed, and their quality was considered to be acceptable. D-dimer gave a limited diagnostic value if serum and plasma combined: sensitivity (0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.63 to 0.87]), specificity (0.67, 95% CI [0.54 to 0.78]), DOR (6.81, 95% CI [2.67 to 17.37]), and AUSROC (0.78, 95% CI [0.74 to 0.82]). Plasma D-dimer levels were associated with less satisfactory sensitivity (0.65, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.71), specificity (0.58, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.66), DOR (2.52, 95% CI 1.64 to 3.90), and AUSROC (0.65, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.69). Serum D-dimer levels showed higher corresponding values of 0.89 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.94), 0.76 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.89), 24.24 (95% CI 10.07 to 58.32), and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.93). Plasma fibrinogen showed acceptable corresponding values of 0.79 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.85), 0.73 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.85), 10.14 (95% CI 6.16 to 16.70), and 0.83 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.86). Serum D-dimer may be an effective marker for the diagnosis of PJI in hip and knee arthroplasty patients, and it may show higher diagnostic potential than plasma fibrinogen. Plasma D-dimer may have limited diagnostic potential.

Limited Cost Benefit of Lateral Interbody Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the utility and cost-effectiveness of multilevel lateral interbody fusion (LIF) combined with posterior spinal fusion (PSF) (L group) and conventional PSF (with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) (P group) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The clinical and radiographic outcomes of multilevel LIF for ASD have been reported favorable; however, the cost benefit of LIF in conjunction with PSF is still controversial.

METHODS

Retrospective comparisons of 88 surgically treated ASD patients with minimum 2-year follow-up from a multicenter database (L group [n = 39] and P group [n = 49]) were performed. Demographic and radiographic data, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the direct hospitalization cost for the initial surgery and 2-year total hospitalization cost were analyzed.

RESULTS

Analyses of sagittal spinal alignment showed no significant difference between the two groups at baseline and 2 years post-operation. Surgical time was longer in the L group (L vs. P: 354 vs. 268 minutes, P < 0.01), whereas the amount of blood loss was greater in the P group (494 vs. 678 mL, P = 0.03). The HRQoL was improved similarly at 2 years post-operation (L vs. P: SRS-22 total score, 3.86 vs. 3.80, P = 0.54), with comparable revision rates (L vs. P: 18% vs. 10%, P = 0.29). The total direct cost of index surgery was significantly higher in the L group (65,937 vs. 49,849 USD, P < 0.01), which was mainly due to the operating room cost, including implant cost (54,466 vs. 41,328 USD, P < 0.01). In addition, the 2-year total hospitalization cost, including revision surgery, was also significantly higher in the L group (70,847 vs. 52,560 USD, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

LIF with PSF is a similarly effective surgery for ASD when compared with conventional PSF. However, due to the significantly higher cost, additional studies on the cost-effectiveness of LIF in different ASD patient cohorts are warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Two Doses of Tranexamic Acid Reduce Blood Loss in Primary Posterior Lumbar Fusion Surgery: A Randomized-controlled Trial

PURPOSE

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used in hip and knee arthroplasty to reduce perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion, but the dosage and efficacy of TXA in posterior lumbar spinal surgery are not fully clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of TXA and to determine whether 2 doses of TXA could reduce the blood loss in primary single-segment or double-segment posterior lumbar fusion surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 150 patients with lumbar degenerative disease undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery between October 2017 and February 2019 were randomized to 3 groups. Group A was treated with 0.9% normal saline solution without TXA, group B was treated with a 15 mg/kg loading dose intravenous infusion 30 minutes before surgery, and group C was treated with a 15 mg/kg loading dose intravenous infusion 30 minutes before surgery; then, the same dose was administered again 3 hours later. The assessed outcomes were the operation time, the total blood loss, the hidden blood loss, postoperative drainage, blood transfusions, incidence of venous thromboembolism, and incision infection.

RESULTS

The total blood loss, the hidden blood loss, and postoperative drainage were the lowest in group C. The amount of intraoperative blood loss was similar among the 3 groups. The hemoglobin and hematocrit values of the third postoperative day were the highest in group C. No significant differences in the incidence of complications and adverse events from TXA use were observed among the 3 groups. The use of TXA, the operation time, and the number of fusion segments were identified as risk factors related to total blood loss.

CONCLUSION

Two doses of TXA significantly reduced the total blood loss, the hidden blood loss and postoperative drainage, and decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit drop in patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion without increasing the risk of complications.

Bilateral pulmonary embolism while receiving tranexamic acid: a case report

BACKGROUND

We present a case of a suspected tranexamic acid-related bilateral pulmonary embolism in a healthy and active middle-aged woman who was receiving tranexamic acid for menorrhagia with no other known significant risk factors for thromboembolism.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 46-year-old Asian woman who was usually fit and well with no remarkable past medical history except for menorrhagia of 1-year duration for which she was receiving tranexamic acid presented to our accident and emergency department with a 2-week history of intermittent pleuritic central chest pain. She was reviewed and discharged to home with a diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain on two hospital visits because she had no significant risk factors for thromboembolism and her workup investigation results for pulmonary embolism and other differential diagnoses were largely unremarkable. On her third visit to the emergency ambulatory clinic with recurring symptoms of pleuritic chest pain, a pulmonary computed tomographic angiogram confirmed bilateral subsegmental pulmonary embolism.

CONCLUSION

This case report reinforces the possible increased risk of thromboembolism in patients receiving tranexamic acid.

Comparison of Blood-Conserving and Allogenic Transfusion-Sparing Effects of Antifibrinolytics in Scoliosis Correction Surgery

Background:

Intraoperative antifibrinolytic drug administration is a safe and effective method of reducing blood loss and allogenic transfusions in patients undergoing spine deformity correction.

Aim:

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two antifibrinolytic drugs tranexamic acid (TXA) and epsilon amino caproic acid (EACA) in reducing peri-operative blood loss and transfusion requirements against a placebo control in patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing correction surgery.

Setting and Design:

This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled comparative study.

Methodology:

Patients in TXA group received 50 mg.kg⁻¹ bolus and 10 mg.kg⁻¹.h⁻¹ infusion as against 100 mg.kg⁻¹ and 10 mg.kg⁻¹.h⁻¹ infusion in EACA group. The placebo group had saline bolus and infusion. Parameters observed included baseline demographic and deformity data, duration of surgery, total peri-operative blood loss, and allogenic packed red cell transfusion requirements.

Statistical Analysis:

Mean and standard deviation were used to represent the quantitative continuous data, and percentage was used to represent categorical data. The Student's t-test and ANOVA were used to compare means between groups. Bonferroni's multiple comparison test was used to find out the association between categorical variables.

Results:

A total of 36 patients were enrolled with 12 patients in each group. Peri-operative blood loss was 50.1% lower in patients receiving TXA and 17.7% lower in patients receiving EACA compared with the placebo group. The volume of total packed red cell transfusion was 66.7% lower in patients receiving TXA and 45.6% lower in patients receiving EACA compared with placebo.

Conclusion:

TXA was more effective in reducing total peri-operative blood loss and allogenic transfusion requirement in idiopathic scoliosis correction surgery compared to EACA.

Orthognathic Surgery-Induced Fibrinolytic Shutdown Is Amplified by Tranexamic Acid

PURPOSE

Little is known of the systemic effects of oral and maxillofacial surgery on the hemostatic balance, including the biochemical effects of tranexamic acid (TXA), on fibrin clot lysis. The present study investigated the effects of orthognathic surgery on fibrin lysis, fibrin structure, and D-dimer and evaluated the effect of TXA on these fibrinolytic measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present double-blind, controlled, and randomized, placebo study included patients referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital of Southern Denmark-Esbjerg from August 2014 through September 2016. The patients were elective and had a diagnosis of maxillary or mandibular deficiency, either excessive or asymmetric. All patients underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (OS) with or without maxillary segmentation or additional genioplasty. The patients were blindly randomized to treatment with TXA or placebo. The primary predictor variable was OS. The secondary predictor variable was an intravenous dose of 1 g of TXA or equivalent placebo preoperatively. Blood samples were collected before surgery and 5 hours after the initiation of surgery. The primary outcome variable was lysis of fibrin. The fibrin structure properties and D-dimer were secondary outcome measures. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for the within-group comparisons. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for the between-group comparisons.

RESULTS

The sample included 96 patients; 45 received placebo and 51 received TXA. Fibrin lysis decreased after OS (P < .001). The fibrinolytic shutdown decreased significantly more in the TXA group than in the placebo group (P < .001). OS altered the fibrin structure properties with comparable effects in the 2 groups. D-dimer increased postoperatively but significantly less so in the TXA group than in the control group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

OS is associated with fibrinolytic shutdown and alters fibrin structure properties, driving the hemostatic balance in a prothrombotic direction. The fibrinolytic shutdown is significantly amplified by TXA.

Tranexamic Acid Reduces Total Blood Loss and Inflammatory Response in Computer-Assisted Navigation Total Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an effective blood salvage agent that reduces perioperative blood loss in conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). As computer-assisted surgery for TKA (CAS-TKA) results in a lower perioperative blood loss than conventional TKA, the additional effect of blood conservation by TXA might be mitigated. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TXA in CAS-TKA.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 222 consecutive patients who underwent CAS-TKA. Intravenous TXA was administered in 103 patients (TXA group) at a dosage of 20 mg/kg 15 min before deflation of the tourniquet. The other 119 patients did not receive TXA (control group). Patient demographic data including age, gender, BMI, DM, and hypertension were collected. The primary outcomes were the estimated total blood loss (ETBL) and perioperative data, including tourniquet duration, preoperative and postoperative day 1 (POD1) and day 3 (POD3) serum D-dimer, CRP, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) levels. Secondary outcomes including transfusion rate and 90-day complications were recorded.

Results

The ETBL was lower in the TXA group on both POD1 (404.34 ± 234.77 vs. 595.47 ± 279.04, p < 0.001) and POD3 (761.39 ± 260.88 vs. 987.79 ± 326.58, p < 0.001). The TXA group also demonstrated a lower level of CRP on POD1 (p=0.02) and lower levels of CRP and serum D-dimer on POD3 (p=0.008 and p < 0.001). Consumption of fibrinogen was higher in the control group on both POD1 (p=0.013) and POD3 (p < 0.001). Length of hospital stay was lower in the TXA group (5.42 ± 1.21 vs. 6.25 ± 1.49, p < 0.001). The transfusion rate and perioperative complications were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Administration of TXA is not only effective in reducing perioperative blood loss and length of hospital stay but also exerts an anti-inflammatory effect following CAS-TKA without causing major complications.

Comparison of the Coagulation Profile of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion With and Without Tranexamic Acid

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To improve the understanding of coagulation and bleeding mechanisms during spinal deformity surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Fibrinolysis is the mechanism of bleeding for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion. Antifibrinolytics have become popular; however, literature to support their use remains mixed. The mechanism of action has not been demonstrated.

METHODS

The coagulation profile of 88 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion was analyzed. Standard coagulation laboratory investigations and thromboelastograms were drawn hourly through the case. Fifty-eight patients received no antifibrinolytic, whereas 30 patients received tranexamic acid by standardized protocol. The coagulation parameters, estimated blood loss, and transfusion requirements were compared in the two groups.

RESULTS

The two cohorts had no differences in demographic or surgical characteristics. Mean age was 13.6 years, 83% were female, a mean of 11.1 levels were fused, and the mean duration of surgery was 209 minutes. The tranexamic acid cohort did not demonstrate a decrease in blood loss. The transfusion rate, however, dropped from 47% in the non-tranexamic acid cohort to 23% in the tranexamic acid cohort (p = .03). Standard coagulation parameters did not differ between the groups. Fibrinolysis was diminished in the tranexamic acid cohort as measured by a Fibrinolysis score (mean maximum value 2.0 without tranexamic acid vs. 0.7 with tranexamic acid, p < .0001) and the lysis percent at 30 minutes by thromboelastogram (elevated to 3.9% without tranexamic acid vs. 1.2% with tranexamic acid at the 3-hour mark, p = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides confirmation of antifibrinolytic activity during posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The presented data of fibrinolysis are proposed as standard measurements for future work on controlling blood loss during scoliosis surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2, prospective comparative study.

Monitoring of fibrinolytic system activity with plasminogen, D-dimers and FDP in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after topical, intravenous or combined administration of tranexamic acid

AIM

We assessed various ways of tranexamic acid (TXA) administration on the fibrinolytic system. Blood loss, transfusions, drainage and haematoma were secondary outcomes.

METHODS

In this prospective study, we examined 100 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between June and November 2018. Patients were randomly assigned to 4 groups according to the following TXA regimens: 1) loading dose 15 mg TXA/kg single intravenous administration applied at initiation of anesthesia (IV1); 2) loading dose 15 mg TXA/kg + additional dose 15 mg TXA/kg 6 h after the first application of TXA (IV2); 3) IV1 regime in combination with a local wash of 2 g of TXA in 50 mL of saline (COMB); 4) topical administration of 2 g of TXA in 50 mL of saline (TOP).

RESULTS

Systemic fibrinolysis interference was insignificant in all of the regimens; we did not detect significant differences between IV1, IV2 and COMB in the monitored parameters within the elapsed time after the TKA; IV regimes had the lowest total drainage blood loss; the lowest blood loss was associated with the IV1 and IV2 regimens (IV1, IV2 < COMB < TOP); the lowest incidence of haematomas was in patients treated with TXA topically (i.e., in COMB + TOP).

CONCLUSION

The largest antifibrinolytic effect was associated with intravenous administration of TXA. In terms of blood loss, intravenously administered TXA can interfere with the processes associated with the formation of the fibrin plug more efficiently than the simple washing of wound surfaces with TXA.

State-of-the-Art Reviews: Safety in Complex Spine Surgery

The surgical correction of spinal deformities carries a high risk of perioperative morbidity. As the incidence of debilitating spinal deformities continues to increase, so too does our obligation to search for ways to enhance safety in our delivery of surgical care. Standardized work processes and other lean manufacturing methodologies have the potential to improve efficiency, safety, and hence value in our delivery of surgical care to patients with complex spine pathologies by reducing variability in our work processes. These principles can be applied to patient care from the initial preoperative assessment to long-term postoperative follow-up in the creation of comprehensive protocols that guide the management of these complex patients. Early evidence suggests that short-term outcomes can be improved by implementing packages of systems reform aimed at reducing variability in our work processes; however, contradicting evidence exists on the utility of several specific components of these systems-reform packages.

Does Prophylactic Administration of TXA Reduce Mean Operative Time and Postoperative Blood Loss in Posterior Approach Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery Performed for Degenerative Spinal Disease?

STUDY DESIGN

This is a level III retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate association between prophylactic tranexamic acid (TXA) administration before 1 and 2-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion operations and perioperative blood loss (including intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drain output), mean operative time, postoperative transfusion, and postoperative venous thromboembolic events.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

TXA is a systemic antifibrinolytic that competitively inhibits lysine binding sites on plasminogen, reversibly blocking its binding to fibrin and impeding fibrinolysis and clot degradation. TXA's role in routine spinal surgery remains poorly described. Most spinal literature on perioperative TXA administration has considered operations performed for major adult and pediatric spinal deformity.

METHODS

Two groups, a study group composed of 75 patients who underwent 1 and 2-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion operations for degenerative indications who received TXA before the start of the procedure, and a control group composed of 75 patients who underwent similar surgeries for the same indications and did not receive TXA preoperatively, were retrospectively enrolled. Demographic, laboratory, and surgical data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between groups with respect to surgery type, home anticoagulation, postoperative anticoagulation, preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit, estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative day 2 drain output, postoperative day 3 drain output, rate of postoperative transfusion, and rate of postoperative thromboembolic events. Statistically significant reductions were noted in the TXA group with regards to postoperative day 1 drain output (P<0.0041), total postoperative drain output (P=0.027), and mean surgical time (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, perioperative TXA administration was associated with reduced postoperative drain output and surgical time. Further higher-level studies are required to investigate the safety and utility of TXA's routine use in 1 and 2-level posterior lumbar fusion operations performed for degenerative indications.