Hypotensive epidural anesthesia for total hip arthroplasty: a review

Efficacy of Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia for Lower Extremity Microvascular Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Some surgeons have raised concerns regarding the sympathectomy-like effect of epidural anesthesia during lower limb microvascular reconstruction. The combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthetic technique incorporates several benefits of spinal and epidural techniques in a single approach. The aim of this study was to analyze the postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing soft-tissue reconstruction of the lower limb by implementing the CSE anesthesia approach.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records from patients who underwent lower limb reconstructive procedures under CSE anesthesia with free tissue transfer from January 2017 to December 2020. We evaluated the postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients underwent microvascular reconstructive procedures of the lower extremity over the study period. The average age and BMI were 38.4-year and 28 kg/m2. All patients only had one postoperative rescue dose with epidural anesthesia. The most common type of flap used was the anterolateral thigh flap (53%). The average splinting time and length of stay (LoS) were 8.4 days and 18.4 days, respectively. Donor-site complications included wound dehiscence (3%) and surgical site infection (3%). Recipient-site complications included partial flap loss (8%) and total flap loss (10%). No pro re nata morphine analgesia was used. Tramadol and/or ketoprofen were administered for postoperative analgesia. The average time to start physiotherapy and to resume daily activities were 10 days and 29 days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The CSE anesthesia for microvascular reconstruction of the lower limb demonstrated a similar success rate compared to historical records. CSE provided adequate pain management and none of the patients required postoperative monitoring in the ICU.

The Effect of Femoral Fixation on Revision and Mortality Following Elective Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Over the Age of 65 years. An Analysis of the American Joint Replacement Registry

BACKGROUND

With the overwhelming use of cementless femoral fixation for primary total hip arthroplasty in the United States, the associations of stem fixation on the risk of revision and mortality are poorly understood. We evaluated the relationship between femoral fixation and risk of revision and mortality in patients included in the American Joint Replacement Registry.

METHODS

Elective, primary, unilateral total hip arthroplasties in the American Joint Replacement Registry, in patients over the age of 65 years were considered. In total, 9,612 patients with a cemented stem were exact matched 1:1 with patients who received a cementless stem based on age, gender, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Outcomes compared between the groups included need and reason for revision at 90 days and 1 year; in-hospital, 90-day, and 1-year mortality; and mortality after early revision. Covariates were used in linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

Cemented fixation was associated with a 37% reduction in the risk of 90-day revision, and a reduction in the risk of revision for periprosthetic fracture of 87% at 90 days and 81% at 1 year. Cemented fixation was associated with increased 90-day and 1-year mortality (odds ratio [OR] 3.15, confidence interval [CI] 2.24-4.43 and OR 2.36, CI 1.86-3.01, respectively). Patients who underwent subsequent revision surgery within the first year exhibited the highest mortality risk (OR 3.23, CI 1.05-9.97).

CONCLUSION

In this representative sample of the United States, 90-day revision for any reason and for periprosthetic fracture was significantly reduced in patients with a cemented stem. This benefit must be weighed against the association with increased mortality and with the high risk of mortality associated with early revision, which was more prevalent with cementless fixation.

Epidural Anesthesia and Arterial Maximal Flow Velocity of Free Flap in Patients Having Microvascular Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

One of the critical factors for free flap survival is to maintain adequate perfusion. The authors evaluated the effect of epidural anesthesia on arterial maximal flow velocity of the free flap in microvascular lower extremity reconstruction.

METHODS

This is a prospective randomized study where patients were allocated to receive either combined general-epidural anesthesia (epidural group, n = 26) or general anesthesia alone (control group, n = 26). After injecting epidural ropivacaine 10 ml in the epidural group, the effect on arterial maximal flow velocity of the free flap was analyzed using ultrasonography. The primary outcome measurement was the arterial maximal flow velocity 30 minutes after establishing the baseline. Intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative outcomes such as postoperative pain, opioid requirements, surgical complications, intensive care unit admission, and hospital length of stay were also assessed.

RESULTS

The arterial maximal flow velocity 30 minutes after the baseline measurement was significantly higher in the epidural group (35.3 ± 13.9 cm/second versus 23.5 ± 8.4 cm/second; p = 0.001). The pain score at1 hour postoperatively and opioid requirements at 1 and 6 hours postoperatively were significantly lower in the epidural group [3.0 (interquartile range, 2.0 to 5.0) versus 5.0 (interquartile range, 3.0 to 6.0), p = 0.019; 0.0 μg (interquartile range, 0.0 to 50.0 μg) versus 50.0 μg (interquartile range, 0.0 to 100 μg), p = 0.005; and 46.9 μg (interquartile range, 0.0 to 66.5 μg) versus 96.9 μg (interquartile range, 41.7 to 100.0 μg), p = 0.014, respectively]. There were no significant differences in intraoperative hemodynamics or other postoperative outcomes between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Epidural anesthesia increased the arterial maximal flow velocity of the free flap and decreased postoperative pain and opioid requirements in microvascular lower extremity reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, I.

[Effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid combined with intraoperative controlled hypotension on reducing perioperative blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty]

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) combined with intraoperative controlled hypotension (ICH) for reducing perioperative blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

The clinical data of 832 patients with initial THA due to osteonecrosis of femoral head between January 2017 and July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received TXA treatment, and 439 patients (hypotension group) received ICH treatment with an intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) below 80 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) while 393 patients (normotension group) received standard general anesthesia with no special invention on blood pressure. There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, basic arterial pressure, hip range of motion, internal diseases, preoperative hemoglobin (HB) and hematocrit (HCT), coagulation function, surgical approach, and TXA dosage between the two groups ( P>0.05). The perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion, anesthesia and operation time, hospitalization stay, postoperative range of motion, and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The patients were further divided into MAP<70 mm Hg group (group A), MAP 70-80 mm Hg group (group B), and normotension group (group C). The perioperative blood loss and postoperative complications were further analyzed to screen the best range of blood pressure.

Results

The intraoperative MAP, total blood loss, dominant blood loss, recessive blood loss, blood transfusion rate and blood transfusion volume, anesthesia time, operation time, and hospitalizarion stay in the hypotension group were significantly lower than those in the normotension group ( P<0.05). The postoperative hip flexion range of motion in the hypotension group was significantly better than that of the normotension group ( Z=2.743, P=0.006), but there was no significant difference in the abduction range of motion between the two groups ( Z=0.338, P=0.735). In terms of postoperative complications, the incidence of postoperative hypotension in the hypotension group was significantly higher than that in the normotension group ( χ ²=6.096, P=0.014), and there was no significant difference in the incidence of other complications ( P>0.05). There was no stroke, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis in the two groups, and no patients died during hospitalization. Subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference in total blood loss, dominant blood loss, and recessive blood loss in groups A and B during the perioperative period ( P>0.05), which were significantly lower than those in group C ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in blood transfusion rate, blood transfusion volume, and incidence of acute myocardial injury between 3 groups ( P>0.05); the incidence of acute kidney injury in group A was significantly higher than that in group B, and the incidence of postoperative hypotension in group A was significantly higher than that in groups B and C ( P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups B and C ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of TXA and ICH has a synergistic effect. Controlling the intraoperative MAP at 70-80 mm Hg can effectively reduce the perioperative blood loss during the initial THA, and it is not accompanied by postoperative complications.

Heterogeneous impact of hypotension on organ perfusion and outcomes: a narrative review

Arterial blood pressure is the driving force for organ perfusion. Although hypotension is common in acute care, there is a lack of accepted criteria for its definition. Most practitioners regard hypotension as undesirable even in situations that pose no immediate threat to life, but hypotension does not always lead to unfavourable outcomes based on experience and evidence. Thus efforts are needed to better understand the causes, consequences, and treatments of hypotension. This narrative review focuses on the heterogeneous underlying pathophysiological bases of hypotension and their impact on organ perfusion and patient outcomes. We propose the iso-pressure curve with hypotension and hypertension zones as a way to visualize changes in blood pressure. We also propose a haemodynamic pyramid and a pressure-output-resistance triangle to facilitate understanding of why hypotension can have different pathophysiological mechanisms and end-organ effects. We emphasise that hypotension does not always lead to organ hypoperfusion; to the contrary, hypotension may preserve or even increase organ perfusion depending on the relative changes in perfusion pressure and regional vascular resistance and the status of blood pressure autoregulation. Evidence from RCTs does not support the notion that a higher arterial blood pressure target always leads to improved outcomes. Management of blood pressure is not about maintaining a prespecified value, but rather involves ensuring organ perfusion without undue stress on the cardiovascular system.

Blood Management in Outpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty

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

Controlled hypotension during neuraxial anesthesia is not associated with increased odds of in-hospital common severe medical complications in patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty - A retrospective case control study

Introduction

The use of controlled hypotension during neuraxial anesthesia for joint arthroplasty is controversial. We conducted a large institutional database analysis to assess common in-hospital complications and mortality of patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) under controlled hypotension and neuraxial anesthesia.

Methods

We conducted a large retrospective case control study of 11,292 patients who underwent primary THA using neuraxial anesthesia between March 2016 and May 2019 in a single institution devoted to musculoskeletal care. The degree and duration of various mean arterial pressure (MAP) thresholds were analyzed for adjusted odds ratios with composite common severe complications (in-hospital myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or acute kidney injury) as the primary outcome.

Results

Sixty-eight patients developed common severe complications (0.60%). Patients with complications were older (median age 75.6 vs 64.0 years) and had a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (45.6% vs 17.6% ASA III). The duration of hypotension at various MAP thresholds (45 to 70 mm Hg) was not associated with increasing odds of common severe medical complications.

Conclusions

Controlled hypotension (ranging from 45 to 70 mmHg) for a moderate duration during neuraxial anesthesia was not associated with increased odds of common severe complications (myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or acute kidney injury) among patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia for elective THA.

Effect of 4DryField® PH on blood loss in hip bipolar hemiarthroplasty following intracapsular femoral neck fracture - a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

One of the most common complications of hip arthroplasty is excessive blood loss that could necessitate allogenic blood transfusion, which is further associated with other complications, such as infections, transfusion reactions or immunomodulation. In gynecology, 4DryField®PH, an absorbable polysaccharide-based formulation, is used for hemostasis and adhesion prophylaxis. In this study, we evaluated its hemostatic effect in patients undergoing hip bipolar hemiarthroplasty following intracapsular femoral neck fracture.

METHODS

We studied 40 patients with intracapsular femoral neck fractures (Garden III or IV) admitted at our institution between July 2016 and November 2017. We included patients above 60 years with simple fracture and without pathologic fractures. Patients were randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 5 g of 4DryField® PH (subfascially and subcutaneously) during wound closure. Three drainages were inserted in a standardized manner (submuscular, subfascial, and subcutaneous) and drainage volume was measured immediately before extraction. Total blood loss was calculated using Mercuriali's formula and standard hemograms upon admission and five days after surgery. Volume of postoperative hematoma was measured using point-of-care ultrasound seven days after surgery.

RESULTS

Volume of the postoperative hematoma was reduced by 43.0 mL. However, significant reduction of total blood loss and drainage volume was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that 4DryField® PH had a local hemostatic effect, thereby reducing volume of the postoperative hematoma. However, this reduction was small and had no effect on the total blood loss. Further studies are warranted to improve the application algorithm.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS, DRKS00017452 , Registered 11 June 2019 - Retrospectively registered.

The Effect of Hypotensive Anesthesia on Hemoglobin Levels during Total Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction: Hypotensive epidural anesthesia (HEA) is used in total joint arthroplasty as a safe and effective blood-saving modality. In order to maintain the blood pressure and heart rate patients, receive 1000 to 1500 mL of lactated Ringer’s solution during surgery. While HEA reduces the intraoperative blood loss, the effect of intravenous fluid loading on hemoglobin levels is not fully understood. The current study investigates the effect of HEA on perioperative hemoglobin levels. Materials and Methods: The study included 35 patients operated on by a single surgeon undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty under HEA. Intraoperatively, at least 300 mL of intravenous fluid were given every 15 min over the first 60 min after HEA. Blood samples were drawn before entering the operating room, after HEA, as well as after inflation of the tourniquet, every 15 min thereafter, as well as in the recovery room and on postoperative days one and two. In addition, fluid in- and outtake was recorded. Results: Patients received a mean 1275 mL during the 60 min of tourniquet time. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) 5 min after HEA dropped to 60 mmHg and reached a constant level of around 58 mmHg 15 min after HEA. The average hemoglobin level dropped from 13.9 g/dL prior to HEA, to 12.5 g/dL immediately after HEA (p < 0.001). Intraoperatively the hemoglobin level dropped further and reached 11.8 g/dL at 60 min in the absence of blood loss. Conclusions: Hypotensive epidural anesthesia and the resulting fluid substitution resulted in an average hemoglobin drop of 2.1 g/dL within the first 60 min. This needs to be taken into account when evaluating the need for blood transfusions after primary joint replacement surgery under HEA.

Perioperative Blood Management Strategies for Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: Where Do We Currently Stand on This Matter?

Total hip replacement (THR) has proved to be a reliable treatment for the end stage of hip osteoarthritis. It is a common orthopaedic procedure with excellent results, but is associated with significant blood loss and high rates of allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT). The potential complications and adverse events after ABT, combined with the ongoing research, have resulted in multimodel, multidisciplinary blood management strategies adoption, aiming to reduce the blood loss and transfusion rates. Many reviews and meta-analyses have tried to demonstrate the best blood management strategies. The purpose of this study is to review any evidence-based blood conserving technique, dividing them in three stages: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative.

Effectiveness of Multi-Modal Blood Management in Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy and Periacetabular Osteotomy with Proximal Femoral Osteotomy

Objective

Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), an effective treatment for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), is characterized by wide exposure, cancellous bone surgery, and difficult techniques. In addition, the hip joint is deep and of rich muscles and neurovascular supply, which significantly increases bleeding. For patients who had combined proximal femoral osteotomy (PFO), the blood loss may be tremendous. The blood management for PAO is still challenging. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of multi‐modal blood management for PAO and PAO combined with PFO.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients who had PAO with or without combined procedures from June 2010 to December 2018 in our department. The multi‐modal blood management protocol included three parts: (i) pre‐operation – autologous component blood donation and iron supplement/erythropoietin; (ii) during operation – controlled hypotension anesthesia, intraoperative auto‐blood transfusion, tranexamic acid (20 mg/kg, IV / 0.5 g local), and standardized surgical procedure to shorten surgical time; and (iii) post‐operation – no drainage used, selective allo‐blood transfusion, and ice packing technique. As the lacking of the above standard blood management protocol during PAO or PAO + PFO initially, we divided all the patients into three groups: Group A (PAO) – before protocol started, 74 hips; Group B (PAO) – after protocol finalized, 178 hips; Group C (PAO + PFO) – after protocol finalized, 55 hips. The intraoperative blood loss, surgical time, allo‐transfusion rate, pre‐ and postoperative hemoglobin were compared among groups.

Results

Both the general characteristics and preoperative hemoglobin were comparable among the three groups (P < 0.001). The intraoperative blood loss was 797.1 ± 312.2, 381.7 ± 144.0 and 544.1 ± 249.1 mL, respectively. The surgical time was 109.6 ± 18.5, 80.2 ± 20.0 and 154.3 ± 44.7 min, respectively. The allo‐transfusion rate was 86.5%, 0%, and 2%, respectively. The mean decreased value of hemoglobin on the first postoperative day of group B and group C was greater than that of group A, which was associated with the higher allo‐transfusion rate of group A. However, on the third postoperative day, the mean decreased value of hemoglobin of group B was less than that of group A and group C.

Conclusion

Perioperative multi‐modal blood management for PAO or PAO + PFO can significantly decrease intraoperative blood loss, reduce allo‐transfusion rate from over 80% to 0%, and ensure the rapid recovery of postoperative hemoglobin level.

The effect of tourniquet uses on total blood loss, early function, and pain after primary total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine whether tourniquet use can improve perioperative blood loss, early function recovery, and pain after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the setting of multiple-dose intravenous tranexamic acid.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized clinical trial including 180 patients undergoing TKA with multiple doses of intravenous tranexamic acid. One group was treated with a tourniquet during the entire procedure, the second group received a tourniquet during cementing, and the third group did not receive a tourniquet. All patients received the same protocol of intravenous tranexamic acid (20 mg/kg) before skin incision, and three and six hours later (10 mg/kg). The primary outcome measure was perioperative blood loss. Secondary outcome measures were creatine kinase (CK), CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, limb swelling ratio, quadriceps strength, straight leg raising, range of motion (ROM), American Knee Society Score (KSS), and adverse events.

Results

The mean total blood loss was lowest in the no-tourniquet group at 867.32 ml (SD 201.11), increased in the limited-tourniquet group at 1024.35 ml (SD 176.35), and was highest in the tourniquet group at 1,213.00 ml (SD 211.48). The hidden blood loss was lowest in the no-tourniquet group (both p < 0.001). There was less mean intraoperative blood loss in the tourniquet group (77.48 ml (SD 24.82)) than in the limited-tourniquet group (137.04 ml (SD 26.96)) and the no-tourniquet group (212.99 ml (SD 56.35); both p < 0.001). Patients in the tourniquet group showed significantly higher levels of muscle damage and inflammation biomarkers such as CK, CRP, and IL-6 than the other two groups (p < 0.05). Outcomes for VAS pain scores, limb swelling ratio, quadriceps strength, straight leg raising, ROM, and KSS were significantly better in the no-tourniquet group at three weeks postoperatively (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences at three months. No significant differences were observed among the three groups with respect to transfusion rate, thrombotic events, or the length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent TKA with multiple doses of intravenous tranexamic acid but without a tourniquet presented lower total blood loss and hidden blood loss, and they showed less postoperative inflammation reaction, less muscle damage, lower VAS pain score, and better early knee function. Our results argue for not using a tourniquet during TKA.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(6):322–332.

Efficacy of the Combined Administration of Systemic and Intra-Articular Tranexamic Acid in Total Hip Arthroplasty Secondary to Femoral Neck Fracture: A Retrospective Study

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with substantial blood loss in the postoperative course. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a potent antifibrinolytic agent, routinely administered by intravenous (IV) and topical (intra-articular, IA) route, which can possibly interrupt the cascade of events due to hemostatic irregularities close to the source of bleeding. However, scientific evidence of combined administration of TXA in THA secondary to a femoral neck fracture is still meagre. The present study aims to compare the patients who were administered combined IV and topical TXA with a control group in terms of blood loss, transfusion rate, and incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and thromboembolism (TE). Patients and Methods. 195 patients with femoral neck fracture underwent THA and were placed into two groups: (1) IV and IA TXA group which had 58 patients and (2) no TXA control group which had 137 patients. In the TXA group, 1 g IV TXA was administered 30 minutes before incision, and 1 g IA TXA was administered intraoperatively after fascia closure. No drains were placed, and soft spica was applied to the hip.

Results

Combined usage of IV and IA TXA showed better results when compared to the control group in terms of blood transfusion rate (31%) and hemoglobin drop (28%). No cases of DVT or TE were noted among the two study groups.

Conclusion

Combined use of IV and IA TXA provided significantly better results compared to no TXA use with respect to all variables related to postoperative blood loss in THA. Moreover, TXA use is safe in terms of incidence of symptomatic DVT and TE.

Comparison of hemocoagulase atrox versus tranexamic acid used in primary total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been considered as an effective choice for end-stage osteoarthritis or rheumatic arthritis. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used to prevent excessive blood loss perioperatively. Similarly, hemocoagulase atrox can significantly diminish blood loss and transfusion requirements in surgeries, however, it was rarely used in TKA. The purpose of this study is to identify whether hemocoagulase atrox is equal to TXA in reducing blood loss and transfusion rates following TKA, and compare clinical outcomes and complications between the two groups.

METHODS

74 patients were randomized to receive TXA (1.5 g intra-articular combined with 1.5 g intravenous), or hemocoagulase atrox (1 U intra-articular combined with 1 U intravenous). The primary outcome was total blood loss. The secondary outcomes included reduction of hemoglobin concentration, clinical outcomes, blood coagulation values, thromboembolic complications, and transfusion rates.

RESULTS

The mean total blood loss was 431.7 mL in the TXA group compared with 644.6 mL in the hemocoagulase atrox group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in reduction of hemoglobin level (P < 0.05). The rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients given TXA was higher than those given hemocoagulase atrox, however, there were no significant differences. No transfusions were required in either group, and no significant differences were found in the length of hospital stay and clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the blood loss was significantly greater in the hemocoagulase atrox group, no transfusions were required and no significant differences were observed for any other outcomes measured. Meanwhile, the rate of DVT in the hemocoagulase atrox group tends to be lower than those in TXA group. We concluded that hemocoagulase atrox was not superior to TXA in reducing perioperative blood loss. Further studies are warranted to evaluate if hemocoagulase atrox use could improve perioperative blood loss in patients with high thrombotic risk undergoing TKA.

Reducing perioperative blood loss with antifibrinolytics and antifibrinolytic-like agents for patients undergoing total hip and total knee arthroplasty

Total hip and knee arthroplasties may be associated with a significant amount of perioperative blood loss. The severity of blood loss may be great enough to require the use of blood transfusions to treat perioperative anemia. Various methods of blood preservation have been studied. The use of antifibrinolytics and antifibrinolytic-like agents to reduce perioperative bleeding has been researched in orthopaedics and other surgical subspecialties. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence supporting the use of tranexamic acid, aminocaproic acid, fibrin tissue adhesive, and aprotinin in the reduction of perioperative blood loss in total hip and knee arthroplasties.

Finding the Optimal Regimen for Oral Tranexamic Acid Administration in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have confirmed that, compared with intravenous and intra-articular formulations, oral tranexamic acid (TXA) provides equivalent reduction in blood loss, at a substantially reduced cost and greater ease of administration. However, the optimal oral dosage regimen to achieve maximum blood-loss reduction remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a regimen of multiple doses of oral TXA on blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 200 patients were randomized to 1 of 4 interventions. Group A received a single dose of 2.0 g of TXA orally at 2 hours preoperatively. In addition to this same preoperative dose, Group B received 1.0 g of TXA orally at 3 hours postoperatively, Group C received 1.0 g of TXA orally at 3 and 9 hours postoperatively, and Group D received 1.0 g of TXA orally at 3, 9, and 15 hours postoperatively. All patients received a 1.0-g topical dose of TXA. The primary outcome was total blood loss. Secondary outcomes included hemoglobin reduction, transfusion rate, thromboembolic complications, and adverse events.

RESULTS

The mean total blood loss (and standard deviation) was significantly less in Groups B, C, and D (792.2 ± 293.0, 630.8 ± 229.9, and 553.0 ± 186.1 mL, respectively) than in Group A (983.6 ± 286.7 mL) (p < 0.001). Moreover, Groups C and D had a lower mean reduction in hemoglobin than did Groups A and B. However, no differences were identified between Groups C and D for blood loss and hemoglobin reduction. Additionally, no differences were observed among the groups regarding thromboembolic complications and transfusions.

CONCLUSIONS

The multiple postoperative doses of oral TXA further reduced blood loss compared with a single preoperative bolus. The regimen of a preoperative dose and 3 postoperative doses of oral TXA produced maximum effective reduction of blood loss in total hip arthroplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Comparison of oral versus intra-articular tranexamic acid in enhanced-recovery primary total knee arthroplasty without tourniquet application: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Although randomized controlled trials have confirmed oral tranexamic acid (TXA) can provide similar blood-sparing efficacy compared with intravenous (IV) TXA in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), some concerns do remain about thromboembolic events after such systemic administration. Many studies have confirmed that intra-articular (IA) application of TXA can show similar blood-saving efficacy with minimal levels of systemic absorption compared with IV TXA. However, it remains unclear whether the efficacy and safety of oral TXA administration is equal to or less than that of IA administration in TKA without the use of a tourniquet and drain. Thus, this study was to verify non-inferior efficacy and safety of oral TXA compared with IA TXA in primary TKA.

Methods

A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was performed to compare three oral doses of TXA (2 g of TXA 2 h before incision, and 1 g of TXA 6 and 12 h after surgery, respectively) with IA TXA (3 g of TXA in 100 mL of saline solution). One hundred forty-seven patients scheduled for TKA were randomized to one of the two interventions. The primary outcome was total blood loss. The secondary outcomes included reduction of hemoglobin concentration, clinical outcomes, blood coagulation values, thromboembolic complications, and transfusion rates.

Results

The mean total blood loss was 788.8 mL in the oral TXA group compared with 872.4 mL in the IA TXA group, with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in reduction of hemoglobin level, blood coagulation level, and clinical outcomes. The transfusion rates were 4% in oral group and 5% IA group, respectively. Also, no significant differences were identified in thromboembolic complications.

Conclusion

Oral TXA according to the described protocol demonstrated non-inferiority for primary TKA, with no safety concerns and a greatly reduced cost, compared with the IA TXA. This randomized controlled trial supports the oral administration of TXA in TKA.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-INR-17010968) dated 23rd March 2017.

Efficacy of oral tranexamic acid on blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty using a direct anterior approach: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA), delivered intravenously or topically, has been shown to reduce blood loss, the need for transfusion, and relevant healthcare costs when administered in primary standard total hip arthroplasty (THA). Whether the same is true of oral TXA is unclear, the purpose of this study was to determine if oral tranexamic acid is equivalent to intravenous TXA in the case of patients undergoing THA via the direct anterior approach.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 120 patients undergoing primary THA by the direct anterior approach were randomized to receive oral TXA (two doses of 20 mg/kg), intravenous TXA (two doses of 15 mg/kg), or no TXA. Primary outcomes were haemoglobin drop, haematocrit levels, total blood loss, intra-operative blood loss, need for transfusion, and volume transfused. Secondary outcomes included thromboembolic events, wound complications, the length of post-operative hospital stay, and 30-day readmission.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics were similar among the three patient groups (p > 0.05, n = 40 per group). Haemoglobin drop, haematocrit levels, total blood loss, and intra-operative blood loss were similar in the oral and intravenous groups (p > 0.05), and significantly smaller than in the control group (p < 0.05). Transfusions were given to significantly fewer patients in the oral group (3%) and intravenous group (6%) than in the control group (27%, p = 0.01). Costs of TXA and transfusions were significantly lower in the oral group than the intravenous group (p < 0.05). The three groups were similar in thromboembolic events, wound complications, the length of post-operative hospital stay, and 30-day readmission (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Oral TXA shows similar efficacy and safety as intravenous TXA for reducing haemoglobin drop, haematocrit levels, total blood loss, and transfusion rate following THA by the direct anterior approach. Therefore, the much less-expensive oral formulation may be superior to the intravenous form.

Low rates of renal injury in total joint arthroplasty patients without pre-existing renal disease

Acute kidney injury is a reported complication of total joint arthroplasty (TJA), with potentially severe long-term complications. Our study aimed to identify the rate of perioperative renal injury in patients without pre-existing renal dysfunction who undergo TJA. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified a mean annual rate of perioperative renal injury of 0.172% between 2009 and 2015. Factors most strongly associated with perioperative renal injury are age of 70 years or older, current smoking, history of diabetes mellitus, history of hypertension, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class of 3 or greater. There was no significant increase in the rate of renal injury from year to year. In patients without pre-existing renal disease, perioperative rates of acute kidney injury remain low in patients undergoing TJA.

Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Is Associated With Increased Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality Relative to Noninfectious Revisions

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a devastating complication. The short-term morbidity profile of revision TKA performed for PJI relative to non-PJI revisions is poorly characterized. The purpose of this study is to determine 30-day postoperative outcomes after revision TKA for PJI, relative to primary TKA and aseptic revision TKA.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2015 was queried for primary and revision TKA cases. Revision TKA cases were categorized into PJI and non-PJI cohorts. Differences in 30-day outcomes including postoperative complications, readmissions, operative time, and length of stay were compared using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 175,761 TKAs were included in this study, with 162,981 (92.7%) primary TKAs and 12,780 (7.3%) revision TKAs, of which 2196 (17.2%) revisions were performed for PJI. When compared to aseptic revision TKA, multivariate analysis demonstrated that PJI revisions had a significantly higher risk of major early postoperative complications including death (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.25) and sepsis (OR 8.73). In addition, nonhome discharge (OR 1.75), readmissions (OR 1.67), and length of stay (+2.1 days) were all greater relative to non-PJI revisions.

CONCLUSION

Utilizing a large, prospectively collected, national database, we found that revision TKA for PJI has a greater risk of short-term morbidity and mortality and requires a higher utilization of healthcare resources. These results have implications for patient counseling and alternative payment models that may eventually include revision TKA.

Epidural therapy for the treatment of severe pre-eclampsia in non labouring women

BACKGROUND

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific multi-organ disorder, which is characterised by hypertension and multisystem organ involvement and which has significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Failure of the placental vascular remodelling and reduced uteroplacental flow form the etiopathological basis of pre-eclampsia. There are several established therapies for pre-eclampsia including antihypertensives and anticonvulsants. Most of these therapies aim at controlling the blood pressure or preventing complications of elevated blood pressure, or both. Epidural therapy aims at blocking the vasomotor tone of the arteries, thereby increasing uteroplacental blood flow. This review was aimed at evaluating the available evidence about the possible benefits and risks of epidural therapy in the management of severe pre-eclampsia, to define the current evidence level of this therapy, and to determine what (if any) further evidence is required.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness, safety and cost of the extended use of epidural therapy for treating severe pre-eclampsia in non-labouring women. This review aims to compare the use of extended epidural therapy with other methods, which include intravenous magnesium sulphate, anticonvulsants other than magnesium sulphate, with or without use of the antihypertensive drugs and adjuncts in the treatment of severe pre-eclampsia.This review only considered the use of epidural anaesthesia in the management of severe pre-eclampsia in the antepartum period and not as pain relief in labour.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (13 July 2017) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs comparing epidural therapy versus traditional therapy for pre-eclampsia in the form of antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, magnesium sulphate, low-dose dopamine, corticosteroids or a combination of these, were eligible for inclusion. Trials using a cluster design, and studies published in abstract form only are also eligible for inclusion in this review. Cross-over trials were not eligible for inclusion in this review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and trial quality. There were no relevant data available for extraction.

MAIN RESULTS

We included one small study (involving 24 women). The study was a single-centre randomised trial conducted in Mexico. This study compared a control group who received antihypertensive therapy, anticonvulsant therapy, plasma expanders, corticosteroids and dypyridamole with an intervention group that received epidural block instead of the antihypertensives, as well as all the other four drugs. Lumbar epidural block was given using 0.25% bupivacaine, 10 mg bolus and 5 mg each hour on continuous epidural infusion for six hours. This study was at low risk of bias in three domains but was assessed to be high risk of bias in two domains due to lack of allocation concealment and blinding of women and staff, and unclear for random sequence generation and outcome assessor blinding.The included study did not report on any of this review's important outcomes. Meta-analysis was not possible.For the mother, these were: maternal death (death during pregnancy or up to 42 days after the end of the pregnancy, or death more than 42 days after the end of the pregnancy); development of eclampsia or recurrence of seizures; stroke; any serious morbidity: defined as at least one of stroke, kidney failure, liver failure, HELLP syndrome (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets), disseminated intravascular coagulation, pulmonary oedema.For the baby, these were: death: stillbirths (death in utero at or after 20 weeks' gestation), perinatal deaths (stillbirths plus deaths in the first week of life), death before discharge from the hospital, neonatal deaths (death within the first 28 days after birth), deaths after the first 28 days; preterm birth (defined as the birth before 37 completed weeks' gestation); and side effects of the intervention. Reported outcomesThe included study only reported on a single secondary outcome of interest to this review: the Apgar score of the baby at birth and after five minutes and there was no clear difference between the intervention and control groups.The included study also reported a reduction in maternal diastolic arterial pressure. However, the change in maternal mean arterial pressure and systolic arterial pressure, which were the other reported outcomes of this trial, were not significantly different between the two groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Currently, there is insufficient evidence from randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness, safety or cost of using epidural therapy for treating severe pre-eclampsia in non-labouring women.High-quality randomised controlled trials are needed to evaluate the use of epidural agents as therapy for treatment of severe pre-eclampsia. The rationale for the use of epidural is well-founded. However there is insufficient evidence from randomised controlled trials to show that the effect of epidural translates into improved maternal and fetal outcomes. Thus, there is a need for larger, well-designed studies to come to an evidence-based conclusion as to whether the lowering of vasomotor tone by epidural therapy results in better maternal and fetal outcomes and for how long that could be maintained. Another important question that needs to be answered is how long should extended epidural be used to ensure any potential clinical benefits and what could be the associated side effects and costs. Interactions with other modalities of treatment and women's satisfaction could represent other avenues of research.

Quantifying Blood Loss and Transfusion Risk After Primary vs Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and conversion THA may result in substantial blood loss, sometimes necessitating transfusion. Despite the complexities of the latter, both are grouped in the same category for quality assessment and reimbursement. This study's purpose was to compare both blood loss and transfusion risk in primary and conversion THA and identify their associated predictors.

METHODS

A total of 1616 patients who underwent primary and conversion THA at a single hospital from 2009-2013 were reviewed (primary THA = 1575; conversion THA = 41). Demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative data were collected from electronic records. Blood loss was calculated using a validated method. Transfusion triggers were based on standardized criteria. Separate multivariable regression models for blood loss and transfusion were performed.

RESULTS

Conversion THA patients were younger (P = .002), had lower age-adjusted Charlson scores (P = .006), longer surgeries (P < .001), higher blood loss (P < .001), and more transfusions (P < .001). Primary and conversion THA groups were different in terms of surgical approach (P < .001), anesthesia type (P = .002), and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (P = .01). Compared to primary THA, conversion THA had an average 478.9 mL higher blood loss (P = .003) and increased adjusted odds ratio of 3.2 (P = .019) for transfusion.

CONCLUSION

Conversion THA leads to higher blood loss and transfusion compared with primary THA. These differences were quantified in the present study and showed consistent results between the 2 metrics. The differences between these procedures should be addressed during quality assurance because conversion THA is associated with higher resource utilization, which is important in the allocation of resources and tiered reimbursement strategies.

Oral and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Are Equivalent at Reducing Blood Loss Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic that has been shown to reduce blood loss and the need for transfusions when administered intravenously in total hip arthroplasty. Oral formulations of the drug are available at a fraction of the cost of the intravenous preparation. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine if oral and intravenous formulations of tranexamic acid have equivalent blood-sparing properties.

METHODS

In this double-blinded trial, 89 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive 1.95 g of tranexamic acid orally 2 hours preoperatively or a 1-g tranexamic acid intravenous bolus in the operating room prior to incision; 6 patients were eventually excluded for protocol deviations, leaving 83 patients available for study. The primary outcome was the reduction of hemoglobin concentration. Power analysis determined that 28 patients were required in each group with a ±1.0 g/dL hemoglobin equivalence margin between groups with an alpha of 5% and a power of 80%. Equivalence analysis was performed with a two one-sided test (TOST) in which a p value of <0.05 indicated equivalence between treatments.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients received intravenous tranexamic acid, and 40 patients received oral tranexamic acid. Patient demographic characteristics were similar between groups, suggesting successful randomization. The mean reduction of hemoglobin was similar between oral and intravenous groups (3.67 g/dL compared with 3.53 g/dL; p = 0.0008, equivalence). Similarly, the mean total blood loss was equivalent between oral and intravenous administration (1,339 mL compared with 1,301 mL; p = 0.034, equivalence). Three patients (7.5%) in the oral group and one patient (2.3%) in the intravenous group were transfused, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.35). None of the patients in either group experienced a thromboembolic event.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral tranexamic acid provides equivalent reductions in blood loss in the setting of primary total hip arthroplasty, at a greatly reduced cost, compared with the intravenous formulation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Hypotensive Epidural Anesthesia Reduces Blood Loss in Pelvic and Sacral Bone Tumor Resections

BACKGROUND

Resection of pelvic and sacral tumors can cause severe blood loss, complications, and even postoperative death. Hypotensive epidural anesthesia has been used to mitigate blood loss after elective arthroplasty, but to our knowledge, it has not been studied as an approach that might make resection of pelvic and sacral tumors safer.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purposes of this study were (1) to compare the blood loss and blood product use for patients undergoing pelvic and sacral tumor surgery under standard anesthesia or hypotensive epidural anesthesia; (2) to assess the frequency of end-organ damage with the two techniques; and (3) to compare 90-day mortality between the two techniques.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2014, 285 major pelvic and sacral resections were performed at one center. A total of 174 (61%) had complete data sets for analysis of blood loss, transfusion use, complications, and mortality at 90 days. Of those, 102 (59%) underwent hypotensive epidural anesthesia, whereas the remainder received standard anesthetic care. The anesthetic approach was determined by the anesthetists in charge of the case with hypotensive epidural anesthesia exclusively performed by one of two subspecialty trained anesthetists as their routine for major pelvic or sacral surgery. The groups were comparable in terms of potential confounding variables such as age, gender, tumor volume, and operation performed. Hypotensive epidural anesthesia was defined as a technique using an extensive epidural block up to T2-3 dermatome, peripherally administered low-concentration intravenous adrenaline infusion, and using unimpeded spontaneous respiration to achieve controlled hypotension, precise rate control of the heart, and enhanced velocity of venous return, all aggregated thus to minimize blood loss during pelvic surgery while preserving vital perfusion. The groups were assessed for perioperative blood loss calculated from pre- and postsurgery hemoglobin and transfusion use as well as postoperative complications, morbidity, and mortality at 90 days.

RESULTS

There was less mean blood loss in the hypotensive epidural anesthesia group (1457 mL, SD 1721, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1114-1801 versus 2421 mL, SD 2297, 95% CI, 1877-2965; p = 0.003). Patients in the hypotensive epidural anesthesia group on average received fewer packed red cell transfusions (2.7 units, SD 2.9, 95% CI, 2.1-3.2 versus 3.9 units, SD 4.4, 95% CI, 2.9-5.0; p = 0.03). There were no differences in the proportions of patients experiencing end-organ injury (7%, n = seven of 102 versus 6%, n = four of 72; p = 0.72). With the numbers available, there was no difference in 90-day mortality rate between groups (1.9%, n = two of 102 versus 1.3%, n = one of 72; p = 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that hypotensive epidural anesthesia resulted in less blood loss, fewer transfusions, and no apparent increase in serious complications in pelvic and sacral tumor surgery performed in the setting of a high-volume tertiary sarcoma referral hospital. We recommend that further collaborative studies be undertaken to confirm our results with hypotensive epidural anesthesia in surgery for pelvic tumors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

The Effect of Regional Analgesia on Vascular Tone in Hip Arthroplasty Patients

BACKGROUND

While it is assumed that neuraxial analgesia and pain management may beneficially influence perioperative hemodynamics, few studies provided data quantifying such effects and none have assessed the potential contribution of the addition of a nerve block.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

This clinical trial compared the visual analog scale (VAS) scores and measurement of arterial tone using augmentation index of patients who received combined spinal-epidural (CSE) only to patients who received both CSE and lumbar plexus block.

METHODS

After obtaining written consent, 92 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive either CSE or CSE with lumbar plexus block (LPB). Perioperative pain and arterial tone were measured using VAS scores and augmentation index (AI) respectively, at baseline and at various times postoperatively.

RESULTS

After the exclusion of 2 patients, 44 patients received CSE alone and 46 patients received CSE and LPB. Patient demographics and perioperative characteristics were similar in both groups. AI continuously decreased after placement of a CSE with or without LBP, beyond full resolution of neuraxial and peripheral blockade. Although the LPB group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of VAS pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU; P < 0.05), overall, the addition of a LPB did not significantly reduce the AI when compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

The addition of a LPB provided better pain control in the PACU but did not reduce the AI, compared to the control group. We conclude that the addition of a LPB may have limited ability to affect arterial tone in the presence of a continuous infusion of epidural analgesics. In summary, the addition of a LPB in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty is clinically effective and provided better pain control, especially in the immediate postoperative period. The continuous decrease on the AI in both groups beyond the full resolution of the neuroaxial and LPB will require further studies.

High Thoracic Epidural in Cardiac Anesthesia

High thoracic epidural analgesia (HTEA) offers a distinctive opportunity to enhance postoperative recovery for the thoracic surgery patient. In the modern hospital setting with day of admission surgery, the logistics of insertion of the epidural catheter has become increasingly difficult. The greatest limitation to its use might be the believed increased risk of epidural hematoma associated with anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass. The aim of this review is to give an overview of complications and effect on outcomes with focus on cardiac performance and postoperative glycemic control and kidney function. Patients with epidurals may have improved postoperative pulmonary function and shorter ventilation time, while impact on length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital is not as evident. HTEA is effective in pain management, attenuates perioperative stress and seems to improve postoperative blood glucose control. Whether HTEA improves recovery and facilitates fast-track is still to be confirmed. With regard to serious postoperative complications, there is evidence of reduction in supraventricular arrhythmias and lower frequency of postoperative acute kidney injury and dialysis. There are some indications of lower short term mortality and frequency of postoperative myocardial infarctions, but only as a combined outcome. The present short-term mortality of 1% to 2% should be compared with the most pessimistic frequency of epidural hematoma being 1 in 4600 patients.

Targeted pre-operative autologous blood donation: a prospective study of two thousand and three hundred and fifty total hip arthroplasties

PURPOSE

Pre-operative donation of autologous blood has been widely used in elective joint replacement procedures to avoid the risks of allogeneic blood transfusions. However, the high percentage of wasted autologous blood questions the general efficacy of pre-operative autologous blood donation (PABD) for all patients undergoing hip replacement. This study prospectively investigates the impact of a targeted pre-operative autologous blood donation protocol for anaemic patients on allogeneic and overall transfusion rates in 2,350 unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty procedures.

METHODS

Patients with pre-operative haemoglobin less than 12.5 g/dL were advised to donate one unit of autologous blood seven to 15 days prior to the date of surgery. The targeted protocol was followed by 2,251 patients: 280 out of 367 anaemic patients donated while 1,971 out of 1,983 non-anaemic patients did not donate.

RESULTS

Results showed a significantly lower rate of allogeneic transfusion for anaemic patients who predonated than anaemic patients who did not (13 % vs. 37% respectively, p < 0.001). Overall transfusion rates for patients who followed the protocol (n = 2,251) were found to be 0.17 units/patient compared to previously reported numbers of 0.75 units/patient when routine donation was used. Among the 2,251 patients who followed the protocol, only 140 patients (6%) had their autologous blood wasted, in contrast to values reported in the literature ranging from 14% up to 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted PABD reduces the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in anaemic patients and significantly reduces the overall number of transfusions compared to routine pre-operative autologous donation.

The effects of a tourniquet used in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

Background

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of a tourniquet in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

The study was done by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of a tourniquet in TKA. All related articles which were published up to June 2013 from Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails were identified. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane RevMan software version 5.1.

Results

Thirteen RCTs that involved a total of 689 patients with 689 knees were included in the meta-analysis, which were divided into two groups. The tourniquet group included 351 knees and the non-tourniquet group included 338 knees. The meta-analysis showed that using a tourniquet in TKA could reduce intraoperative blood loss (weighted mean difference (WMD), -198.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), -279.82 to -116.60; P < 0.01) but did not decrease the calculated blood loss (P = 0.80), which indicates the actual blood loss. Although TKA with a tourniquet could save the operation time for 4.57 min compared to TKA without a tourniquet (WMD, -4.57; 95% CI, -7.59 to -1.56; P < 0.01), it had no clinical significance. Meanwhile, the use of tourniquet could not reduce the possibility of blood transfusion (P > 0.05). Postoperative knee range of motion (ROM) in tourniquet group was 10.41° less than that in the non-tourniquet group in early stage (≤10 days after surgery) (WMD, -10.41; 95% CI, -16.41 to -4.41; P < 0.01). Moreover, the use of a tourniquet increased the risk of either thrombotic events (risk ratio (RR), 5.00; 95% CI, 1.31 to 19.10; P = 0.02) or non-thrombotic complications (RR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.67; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

TKA without a tourniquet was superior to TKA with a tourniquet in thromboembolic events and the other related complications. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the actual blood loss. TKA with a tourniquet might hinder patients' early postoperative rehabilitation exercises.

Blood conservation strategies in orthopedic surgeries: A review

In orthopedics management of surgical blood loss is an important aspect which has evolved along with modern surgeries. Replacement of lost blood by transfusion alone is not the answer as was considered earlier. Complications like infection and immune reaction due to blood transfusion are a major concern. Today numerous techniques are available in place of allogenic blood transfusion which can be employed safely and effectively. In this article we have reviewed these techniques, their merits and demerits.

The initial trauma center fluid management of penetrating injury: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Damage-control resuscitation is the prevailing trauma resuscitation technique that emphasizes early and aggressive transfusion with balanced ratios of red blood cells (RBCs), plasma (FFP), and platelets (Plt) while minimizing crystalloid resuscitation, which is a departure from Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines. It is unclear whether the newer approach is superior to the approach recommended by ATLS.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

With these recent changes pervading resuscitation protocols, we performed a systematic review to determine if the shift in trauma resuscitation from ATLS guidelines to damage control resuscitation has improved mortality in patients with penetrating injuries.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Current Controlled Trials Register was performed for studies comparing mortality in massively transfused penetrating trauma patients receiving either balanced ratios of blood transfusion per damage control resuscitation tenets or undergoing an alternate blood volume resuscitation strategy. Studies were deemed appropriate for inclusion if they had a Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score of 6 or greater as well as at least 30% penetrating trauma. Twenty studies that reported on a total of 12,154 patients were included.

RESULTS

Transfusion ratios varied widely, with 1:1 and 1:2 ratios of FFP:RBC most often defined as high ratios for purposes of comparison with other low ratio groups. Fourteen of 20 studies found significantly lower 30-day mortality when higher transfusion ratios of FFP, RBC, and/or Plt were used; six of 20 studies found mortality to be similar between higher and lower transfusion ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with penetrating injuries who require massive transfusion should be transfused early using balanced ratios of RBC, FFP, and Plt. Randomized, controlled trials are needed to determine optimal ratios for transfusion.

Predictors of perioperative blood loss in total joint arthroplasty

UPDATE The print version of this article has errors that have been corrected in the online version of this article. In the Materials and Methods section, the sentence that reads as "During the study period, our institution offered preoperative autologous blood donation to all patients who were scheduling for total joint arthroplasty with a hemoglobin level of no less than 11 mg/dL or a hematocrit level of at least 33%." in the print version now reads as "During the study period, our institution offered preoperative autologous blood donation to all patients who were scheduling for total joint arthroplasty with a hemoglobin level of no less than 11 g/dL or a hematocrit level of at least 33%." in the online version. In Table III, the footnote that reads as "The values are given as the estimate and the standard error in milligrams per deciliter." in the print version now reads as "The values are given as the estimate and the standard error in grams per deciliter." in the online version.

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in surgical and anesthetic techniques, lower-extremity total joint arthroplasty is associated with considerable perioperative blood loss. As predictors of perioperative blood loss and allogenic blood transfusion have not yet been well defined, the purpose of this study was to identify clinical predictors for perioperative blood loss and allogenic blood transfusion in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2008, all patients undergoing unilateral primary total hip or knee arthroplasty who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Perioperative blood loss was calculated with use of a previously validated formula. The predictors of perioperative blood loss and allogenic blood transfusion were identified in a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Eleven thousand three hundred and seventy-three patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty, including 4769 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and 6604 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty, were evaluated. Multivariate analysis indicated that an increase in blood loss was associated with being male (263.59 mL in male patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty and 233.60 mL in male patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty), a Charlson Comorbidity Index of &gt;3 (293.99 mL in patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty and 167.96 mL in patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty), and preoperative autologous blood donation (593.51 mL in patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty and 592.30 mL in patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty). In patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty, regional anesthesia compared with general anesthesia reduced the amount of blood loss. The risk of allogenic blood transfusion increased with the amount of blood loss in the patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (odds ratio, 1.43 [95% confidence interval, 1.40 to 1.46]) and the patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (odds ratio, 1.47 [95% confidence interval, 1.42 to 1.51]), but the risk of blood transfusion increased with the Charlson Comorbidity Index only in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (odds ratio, 3.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.99 to 5.15]). The risk of allogenic blood transfusion decreased with preoperative autologous blood donation in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (odds ratio, 0.01 [95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.02]) and patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (odds ratio, 0.02 [95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.03]).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified some clinical predictors for blood loss in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty that we believe can be used for implementing more effective blood conservation strategies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Safety and efficacy of multimodal thromboprophylaxis following total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study of preferential aspirin vs. routine coumadin chemoprophylaxis

Multimodal thromboprophylaxis encompasses preoperative VTE risk stratification, regional anesthesia, mechanical prophylaxis, and early mobilization. We determined if aspirin can be safely used for adjuvant chemoprophylaxis in patients who have a low thromboembolic risk. 1016 consecutive patients undergoing TKA received multimodal thromboprophylaxis. Aspirin was used in 67% of patients and Coumadin 33% (high risk patients, or who were on Coumadin before surgery). This study group was compared to 1001 consecutive patients who received multimodal thromboprophylaxis and routine Coumadin chemoprophylaxis. There was no significant difference in rates of VTE, PE, bleeding, complications, readmission and 90-day mortality between the two groups. There was a significantly higher rate of wound related complications in the control group (p=0.03). Multimodal thromboprophylaxis with aspirin given to the majority of patients at a low VTE risk is safe and effective in patients undergoing primary TKA.

The Impact of Hypotensive Epidural Anesthesia on Distal and Proximal Tissue Perfusion in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty

Little data exists to detail the effect of hypotensive epidural anesthesia on differential tissue oxygenation changes above and below the level of neuraxial blockade. This study was designed to investigate tissue oxygenation in a clinical setting, using non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy.

Blood-saving techniques

Major surgery is associated with intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, generally treated with homologous blood transfusions, which carry the risk of infection, allergic reactions, or incompatibility as well as a number of organizational and economic problems. Transfusion strategies and steps to minimize perioperative bleeding are needed. Another resource is drugs; human recombinant erythropoietin, aprotinin, and some analogues of lysine have been used to reduce the rate of allogenic transfusions in the perioperative period. The safest method is autologous blood transfusions through predeposits and hemodilution; however, it can only be used for elective surgery. Autologous transfusion techniques include blood collection, both intraoperatively, as described by Orr, and postoperatively, as introduced by Borghi in 1984, which enables the continuous monitoring of postoperative bleeding. Blood collection can also be performed during emergency surgery, reducing the rate and costs of homologous transfusions.

Markers of thrombin generation during resurfacing and noncemented total hip arthroplasty: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) could be associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) compared to traditional noncemented THA because it involves greater dissection, increased kinking and distortion of the femoral vessels, takes longer to perform, and involves insertion of some cement into the femur.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Does HRA lead to greater risk of thromboembolism compared with noncemented THA?

METHODS

We prospectively studied 20 patients receiving HRA and 20 receiving THA. All patients were younger than 67 years old and were similar in height, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, and gender mix. Patients undergoing HRA were younger (mean, 50 versus 59 years), their surgery was longer (mean, 87 versus 65 minutes), and they required more crystalloid during surgery (mean, 2160 versus 1662 mL). Radial artery blood samples were taken at six events during surgery and assayed for prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 and thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

We observed no differences in the intraoperative increases in F1 + 2 and TAT between the two groups and no differences in surgical events.

CONCLUSION

Based on these data, HRA and THA should have similar risk of thromboembolism as THA based on the parameters we measured.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Perioperative pulmonary circulatory changes during bilateral total hip arthroplasty under regional anesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The transient and rarely clinically relevant effect of bone and cement embolization during unilateral joint arthroplasty is a known phenomenon. However, available studies do not address events surrounding bilateral total hip arthroplasties, during which embolic load is presumably doubled. To elucidate events surrounding this increasingly used procedure and assess the effect on the pulmonary hemodynamics in the intraoperative and postoperative periods, we studied 24 subjects undergoing cemented bilateral total hip arthroplasty during the same anesthetic session.

MATERIALS

Twenty-four patients without previous pulmonary history undergoing cemented bilateral total hip arthroplasty under controlled epidural hypotension were enrolled. Pulmonary artery catheters were inserted and hemodynamic variables were recorded at baseline, 5 mins after the implantation of each hip joint, 1 hr and 1 day after surgery. Mixed venous blood gases and complete blood counts were analyzed at every time point.

RESULTS

An increase in pulmonary vascular resistance was observed after the second but not the first hip implantation when compared with values at incision. Pulmonary vascular resistance remained elevated 1 hr after surgery. Pulmonary artery pressures were significantly elevated on postoperative day 1 compared with those at baseline. The white blood cell count increased in response to the second hip implantation but not the first compared with incision.

CONCLUSIONS

The embolization of material during bilateral total hip arthroplasty is associated with prolonged increases in pulmonary artery pressures and vascular resistance, particularly after completion of the second side. Performance of bilateral procedures should be cautiously considered in patients with diseases suggesting decreased right ventricular reserve.