Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss in various surgical procedures has been proven. However, there is little data about the effect of TXA on blood loss, rate of blood transfusion and thromboembolic events during periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The reduction of blood loss during PAO promotes postoperative mobilization and reduces the risk of complications, associated with blood transfusions. The aim of the following study was to determine, if TXA can reduce both blood loss and the rate of blood transfusions. In addition we analyzed whether TXA was associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events.
METHODS
A consecutive series of 96 PAO procedures was reviewed to compare the groups immediately prior to and following the routine implementation of TXA. The TXA group received a continuous infusion of TXA with a rate of 10mg/kg/h. The outcome was blood transfusion rate, total blood loss, length of hospital stay, and thromboembolic events.
RESULTS
The rate of autogenic and allogeneic blood transfusion decreased from 62.5% to 12.5% (p<0.001) between the non-TXA and TXA group. The average blood loss (1.9 l ± 0.9 vs. 1.5 l ± 0.7, p <0.01) was significantly reduced in the patients receiving TXA. No cases of postoperative thromboembolic events were identified in either group. The hospital stay was reduced from 10 days to 9 days in the TXA group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The utilization of TXA reduced the transfusion rate and blood loss after PAO, without additional adverse effects such as an increased rate of thromboembolic events.
