Objectives. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic medication commonly used to reduce perioperative bleeding. Increasingly, topical administration as an intra-articular injection or perioperative wash is being administered during surgery. Adult soft tissues have a poor regenerative capacity and therefore damage to these tissues can be harmful to the patient. This study investigated the effects of TXA on human periarticular tissues and primary cell cultures using clinically relevant concentrations. Methods. Tendon, synovium, and cartilage obtained from routine orthopaedic surgeries were used for ex vivo and in vitro studies using various concentrations of TXA. The in vitro effect of TXA on primary cultured tenocytes, fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and chondrocytes was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assays, fluorescent microscopy, and multi-protein apoptotic arrays for cell death. Results. There was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in cell death within all tissue explants treated with 100 mg/ml TXA. MTT assays revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in cell viability in all tissues following treatment with 50 mg/ml or 100 mg/ml of TXA within four hours. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in cell apoptosis after one hour of exposure to TXA (100 mg/ml) in all tissues. Conclusion. The current study demonstrates that TXA caused significant periarticular tissue toxicity ex vivo and in vitro at commonly used clinical concentrations. Cite this article: M. McLean, K. McCall, I. D. M. Smith, M. Blyth, S. M. Kitson, L. A. N. Crowe, W. J. Leach, B. P. Rooney, S. J. Spencer, M. Mullen, J. L. Campton, I. B. McInnes, M. Akbar, N. L. Millar. Tranexamic acid toxicity in human periarticular tissues. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:11–18. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.81.BJR-2018-0181.R1

Objectives. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent used as a blood-sparing technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and is routinely administered by intravenous (IV) or intra-articular (IA) injection. Recently, a novel method of TXA administration, the combined IV and IA application of TXA, has been applied in TKA. However, the scientific evidence of combined administration of TXA in TKA is still meagre. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of combined IV and IA TXA in patients undergoing TKA. Materials and Methods. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, the Cochrane Clinical Trial Register (Issue12 2015), Embase, Web of Science and the Chinese Biomedical Database. Only randomised controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the efficacy and safety of combined use TXA in TKA were identified. Two authors independently identified the eligible studies, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 software. Results. A total of ten RCTs (1143 patients) were included in this study. All the included studies were randomised and the quality of included studies still needed improvement. The results indicated that, compared with either placebo or the single-dose TXA (IV or IA) group, the combination of IV and IA TXA group had significantly less total blood loss, hidden blood loss, total drain output, a lower transfusion rate and a lower drop in haemoglobin level. There were no statistically significant differences in complications such as wound infection and deep vein thrombosis between the combination group and the placebo or single-dose TXA group. Conclusions. Compared with placebo or the single-dose TXA, the combined use of IV and IA TXA provided significantly better results with respect to all outcomes related to post-operative blood loss without increasing the risk of thromboembolic complications in TKA. Cite this article: Z. F. Yuan, H. Yin, W. P. Ma, D. L. Xing. The combined effect of administration of intravenous and topical tranexamic acid on blood loss and transfusion rate in total knee arthroplasty: combined tranexamic acid for TKA. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:353–361. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.58.BJR-2016-0001.R2

Objectives. We have increased the dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) in our enhanced total joint recovery protocol at our institution from 15 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg (maximum 2.5 g) as a single, intravenous (IV) dose. We report the clinical effect of this dosage change. Methods. We retrospectively compared two cohorts of consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery in our unit between 2008 and 2013. One group received IV TXA 15 mg/kg, maximum 1.2 g, and the other 30 mg/kg, maximum 2.5 g as a single pre-operative dose. The primary outcome for this study was the requirement for blood transfusion within 30 days of surgery. Secondary measures included length of hospital stay, critical care requirements, re-admission rate, medical complications and mortality rates. Results. A total of 1914 THA and 2537 TKA procedures were evaluated. In THA, the higher dose of TXA was associated with a significant reduction in transfusion (p = 0.02, risk ratio (RR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 0.96) and rate of re-admission (p < 0.001, RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.71). There were reductions in the requirement for critical care (p = 0.06, RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.00), and in the length of stay from 4.7 to 4.3 days (p = 0.02). In TKA, transfusion requirements (p = 0.049, RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.99), re-admission rate (p = 0.001, RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.80) and critical care requirements (p < 0.003, RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.72) were reduced with the higher dose. Mean length of stay reduced from 4.6 days to 3.6 days (p < 0.01). There was no difference in the incidence of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, gastrointestinal bleed, myocardial infarction, stroke or death in THA and TKA between cohorts. Conclusion. We suggest that a single pre-operative dose of TXA, 30 mg/kg, maximum 2.5g, results in a lower transfusion requirement compared with a lower dose in patients undergoing elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty. However, these findings should be interpreted in the context of the retrospective non-randomised study design. Cite this article: R. J. M. Morrison, B. Tsang, W. Fishley, I. Harper, J. C. Joseph, M. R. Reed. Dose optimisation of intravenous tranexamic acid for elective hip and knee arthroplasty: The effectiveness of a single pre-operative dose. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:499–505. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.68.BJR-2017-0005.R1

Aims. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is now commonly used in major surgical operations including orthopaedics. The TRAC-24 randomized control trial (RCT) aimed to assess if an additional 24 hours of TXA postoperatively in primary total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) reduced blood loss. Contrary to other orthopaedic studies to date, this trial included high-risk patients. This paper presents the results of a cost analysis undertaken alongside this RCT. Methods. TRAC-24 was a prospective RCT on patients undergoing TKA and THA. Three groups were included: Group 1 received 1 g intravenous (IV) TXA perioperatively and an additional 24-hour postoperative oral regime, Group 2 received only the perioperative dose, and Group 3 did not receive TXA. Cost analysis was performed out to day 90. Results. Group 1 was associated with the lowest mean total costs, followed by Group 2 and then Group 3. The differences between Groups 1 and 3 (-£797.77 (95% confidence interval -1,478.22 to -117.32) were statistically significant. Extended oral dosing reduced costs for patients undergoing THA but not TKA. The reduced costs in Groups 1 and 2 resulted from reduced length of stay, readmission rates, emergency department attendances, and blood transfusions. Conclusion. This study demonstrated significant cost savings when using TXA in primary THA or TKA. Extended oral dosing reduced costs further in THA but not TKA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(7):536–542

Aims. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of carbazochrome sodium sulfonate (CSS) combined with tranexamic acid (TXA) on blood loss and inflammatory responses after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to investigate the influence of different administration methods of CSS on perioperative blood loss during THA. Methods. This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 200 patients undergoing primary unilateral THA. A total of 200 patients treated with intravenous TXA were randomly assigned to group A (combined intravenous and topical CSS), group B (topical CSS), group C (intravenous CSS), or group D (placebo). Results. Mean total blood loss (TBL) in groups A (605.0 ml (SD 235.9)), B (790.9 ml (SD 280.7)), and C (844.8 ml (SD 248.1)) were lower than in group D (1,064.9 ml (SD 318.3), p < 0.001). We also found that compared with group D, biomarker level of inflammation, transfusion rate, pain score, and hip range of motion at discharge in groups A, B, and C were significantly improved. There were no differences among the four groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss (IBL), intramuscular venous thrombosis (IMVT), and length of hospital stay (LOS). Conclusion. The combined application of CSS and TXA is more effective than TXA alone in reducing perioperative blood loss and transfusion rates, inflammatory response, and postoperative hip pain, results in better early hip flexion following THA, and did not increase the associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) events. Intravenous combined with topical injection of CSS was superior to intravenous or topical injection of CSS alone in reducing perioperative blood loss. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(6):354–362

The use of antifibrinolytic drugs and many other agents have a critical importance in bleeding control. Tranexamic acid [4- (aminomethyl) cyclohexanecarboxylic acid] is a synthetic amino acid lysine derivative with antifibrinolytic activity in humans. There are many studies in the literature that show that it is effective and effective both systemically and locally in spinal surgery. However, all of these studies have investigated the effects of topical tranexamic acid on bleeding and its effect on fusion has not been investigated yet. Aim of this study is to investigate the effect of topical tranexamic acid on fusion using macroscopic, radiologic and microscopic techniques. After approve of ethics committee with the protocol number 19/2019 for 28 Wistar Albino rats underwent intertransvers fusion. All rats were randomized into four (4) groups, using sealed envelopes. Local tranexamic acid (Transamin® 100 mg/ml, Teva İlaç, İstanbul) doses was determined based on previously conducted studies; 1mg/kg (D1 group), 10mg/kg (D10 group), 100 mg/kg (D100 group) and no tranexamic acid (D0 group). At the end of 8. th. weeks all rats were evaluated with manuel palpation, mammography and histopathologic analysis. Radiographic examination was performed two times to evaluate the intra and inter observer differences. 2 rats in-group D0 died after the radiographic examination. Assessment of fusion with manual palpation revealed that use of local 1mg / kg tranexamic acid had no effect on fusion (p=0.32), however with increasing doses of tranexamic acid had negative effect on fusion (p=0.002). On radiologic examination, spearman's rho correlation coefficient was found to be moderate in the first evaluation (r=0.46) and high in second evaluation (r=0.61). Radiological examination revealed that the control group was the best in fusion (p=0.007), and that tranexamic acid affected fusion adversely, independent of dosage (p=0.27). Among the groups in histopathologic examination, no statistical difference was found (p=0.134). Local administration of tranexamic acid affects the intertransverse fusion adversely depending on the dosage macroscopically and it also affects fusion adversely independent of the dosage radiologically and histopathologically

Background. Total joint replacement surgery is associated with large amounts of blood loss and significant rates of transfusions. Postoperative bleeding is one of the most important problems after major orthopedic surgeries including revision Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). It has been demonstrate that Tranexamic acid is a useful agent to control the volume of blood loss. However, the more effective route of TXA administration remained controversial. Methods. In current study, we compared the effects of local and intravenous(IV) administration of TXA on need to blood transfusion and hemoglobin drop. We randomized 80 patients undergoing revision THA into two groups: local group and IV group. In group IV 40 patients was administrated TXA 4 g alone systemically and in local group 40 patients the joint was irrigated with 4 g of TXA plus 0.33mg DEP (1:200,000). Results. The level of Hb was measured before and after operation and the rate of Hb drop was compared. Also, the blood transfused were compared in two group. Results showed topical TXA plus DEP substantially reduced total blood loss, hidden blood loss and transfusion rate compared with TXA alone, without increasing the risks of hemodynamic complexity. Conclusion. We conclude that local use of TXA plus DEP was crucially effective and safe option compared with intravenous TXA alone in reducing total and hidden blood loss and transfusion rate following revision THA without considerable complications

Background: Tranexamic acid has been shown to be effective in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirement in cardiac surgery and total knee replacement surgery. The most effective dose of tranexamic acid in hip arthroplasty surgery is not yet known. We investigated the effect of a pre-operative bolus 1g intravenous tranexamic acid on intra- and post-operative blood loss, transfusion requirement, and risk of venous thromboembolism following total hip arthroplasty. Results: We report a cohort comparison study of 73 patients who underwent primary hip arthroplasty. Thirty-six patients received tranexamic acid (TA group), and thirty-seven received no tranexamic acid (control group). Blood loss was measured directly intra-operatively, and indirectly post-operatively by haemoglobin and haematocrit measurement. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was investigated by venography. Patient demographics were similar between both groups. There was no significant difference in intra-operative blood loss between both groups. The early post-operative blood loss and total blood loss were significantly less in the tranexamic acid group. This effect of tranexamic acid was more significant in females who showed a dose-related relationship between tranexamic acid dose and blood loss. Fewer patients in the tranexamic acid group required blood transfusion. There was no increased incidence of DVT in the tranexamic acid group. The use of a single pre-operative 1g bolus of tranexamic acid administered before surgery is a safe, cost-effective method of reducing post-operative blood loss following total hip arthroplasty. The effect is more significant in females at this dose

Abstract. By next summer the number of patients in the tranexamic acid group will be much higher, probably around 50–60. Purpose. Tranexamic acid has been extensively studied in single total knee and total hip replacement patients. It has been found to reduce blood loss and transfusion rates, with no increase in the rate of venous thromboembolism. This study was undertaken to determine whether tranexamic acid reduces blood loss and the rate of blood transfusion after bilateral total knee replacement, which has a much higher transfusion rate. Method. The preoperative haemoglobin and the lowest postoperative haemoglobin for 30 consecutive bilateral tkr patients who received tranexamic acid was recorded. These were compared with a a consecutive series of 262 historic controls that did not receive tranexamic acid. All patients were operated on by the same surgeon. The surgical procedure was essentially unchanged throughout the study period. The decision to transfuse was made by the hospitalist, who did not know whether the patient received tranexamic acid. Data calculated included the percentage drop in haemoglobin, and the transfusion rate for each group. A subset of patients who were anaemic preoperatively (Hb < 125) were compared for each group. Results. For the control group, which did not receive tranexamic acid, the average preoperative haemoglobin was 138, and dropped to 85 postoperatively. This represented a 38% drop in haemoglobin. Of the 262 patients, 105 required transfusion, giving a transfusion rate of 40%. The average number of units transfused was 1.8. For the study group, which received tranexamic acid, the average preoperative haemoglobin was 133, and dropped to 97 postoperatively. This represented a 27% drop in haemoglobin. Of the 30 patients, only one required transfusion, giving a transfusion rate of 4%. That one patient required only one unit of blood. For the patients who were anaemic preoperatively (Hb < 125) the transfusion rate for the control group was 97%, and for the study group was 20% (1/5). Conclusion. Tranexamic acid markedly reduces blood loss and the rate of transfusion for patients undergoing bilateral total knee replacement

Aim We have prospectively investigated the effect of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty in a comparative study. Patients and Methods In the study group, tranexamic acid was given half an hour before the skin incision. (10 mg/kg as an intravenous bolus, followed by 10 mg/kg as intravenous infusion over 6 hours). We recorded the haemoglobin level preoperatively and prior to discharge, and number of units of blood transfused. The total peri-operative blood loss and the fall in haemoglobin after surgery was calculated in consultation with our haematologist. There were 9 primary and 17 revision hip replacements in the study group. We compared the results with a control group of 10 primary and 20 revisions performed during a similar period, without tranexamic acid, recording identical parameters. Thrombo-embolic and wound complications were recorded. Results Patients receiving tranexamic acid had a mean fall in haemoglobin level of 3.1 g/dl and mean blood loss of 4.1 litres. The control group operated without tranexamic acid had a mean fall in the level of haemoglobin of 3.7 g/dl, and the mean blood loss 5.4 litres. The average number of units of blood transfusion required was 0.77 per patient in the study group compared to 2.03 per patient in the control group. The differences were significant (p value of 0.05). There was no increase in the incidence of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or wound problems in the study group. Conclusion Tranexamic acid given prior to surgery reduces blood loss and need for blood transfusion, not only in primary but also in revision hip arthroplasty, without any increase in the rate of thrombo-embolic complications

Introduction: Numerous studies have been carried out to assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid on intra and post operative blood loss and its implications. Many of these studies conclude that there is a need to study the effects of tranexamic acid on actual post Operative blood transfusion, thromboembolic events and hospital stay. We analyzed the effects of Tranexamic acid on Intra- operative blood loss, post Operative haemoglobin and haematocrit drop, blood transfusion requirement, incidence of deep vein thrombosis and hospital stay in Patients undergoing Total hip arthroplasty. Methods: Prospective case control study involving 50 patients (25 in each category, ASA class I to III) operated by a single consultant. Patient were given single dose of Intra venous Tranexamic Acid (10 mg/kg,10 minutes pre-incision) and Intra operative blood loss was compared to control group analyzing dry and wet swab weights and irrigation fluid. The actual haemoglobin drop, blood transfusion requirement, average length of stay in hospital and incidence of DVT were noted. Results: There was 30% reduction in intra operative blood loss in the study group. None of the other parameters show evidence of a statistically significant difference between the groups. The average hospital stay was 7 days in both the groups. Discussion: We found out that Tranexamic acid makes little difference in terms of actual haemoglobin and haematocrit drop, blood transfusion requirement and hospital stay. Our study didn’t show any rise in deep vein thrombosis in treatment group. The only difference it made was reduction of intraoperative blood loss by 30%. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the only study which combines all these parameters

Purpose. Topical application of tranexamic acid (TXA) to bleeding wound surfaces reduces blood loss in patients undergoing some major surgeries, without systemic complications. The objective of this study was to determine if TXA applied topically reduced postoperative bleeding and transfusion rates after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and primary bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BA). Methods. We retrospectively compared 77 patients undergoing hip arthroplasty surgery in which tranexamic acid was routinely used, to a group of 70 patients from a similar time frame prior to the introduction of tranexamic acid use. In the former group 40 patients had THA and 37 patients BA; in the latter group 35 patients underwent THA and 35 patients BA. In both THA and BA, the joint was bathed in TXA solution (at a concentration of 3.0 g TXA per 100 mL saline) at three points during the procedure. The primary outcome was blood loss calculated from the difference between the preoperative hemoglobin level and the corresponding lowest postoperative value or hemoglobin level prior to transfusion. Results. Postoperative transfusions decreased significantly with TXA, dropping from 50.0% to 27.5%, and from 63% to 48%, in the THA and BA groups, respectively. We also found significant reductions in hemoglobin loss and blood loss of 8 g/dL and 336 mL respectively for THAs and 6 g/dL and 176 mL respectively for BAs following the introduction of tranexamic acid. There was no difference in the rates of deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism between the two groups. Discussion and Conclusion. Topical application of TXA significantly reduces postoperative blood loss and transfusion risk in THA and BA, with no clinically important increase in complications being identified

Background:. Role of intra-articular Tranexamic acid in total knee replacement arthroplasty. Materials and methods. Prospective evaluation was done to see the effect of intra-articular Tranexamic acid on blood loss in 60 patients (120 knees) undergoing total knee arthroplasty. All the patients were operated by one surgeon with same technique by using same implants. Patients were randomly injected 1500 mg/20 ml of Tranexamic acid on one side of the knee only. Nothing was injected on the contra lateral knee. Evaluation was done for swelling and the amount of blood loss in the drain. Results:. Average blood loss in the drain on Tranexamic side was 140 ml and the opposite side was 390 ml. Swelling was more observed on the non Tranexamic side. Average time for drain removal on Tranexamic side was 36 hours while it was 48 hours on non Tranexamic side. Early mobilization and weight bearing was less painful in Tranexamic side. No patient had systemic complications of Tranexamic acid. Conclusion:. Intra-articular injection of Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss, swelling around the knee without systemic side effects and allows early weight bearing and mobilization of the joint

Background: Total hip replacement (THR) is one of the commonest operations in orthopaedic practice. Literature review showed that 20–70% of patients who underwent THR needed 1–3 units of blood. Although safer than ever, allogeneic transfusion is still associated with risks for the recipient. There has been unsettled search for ways to reduce such blood loss and transfusion. Tranexamic acid has been popularised as an effective way to reduce blood loss and subsequent blood transfusion. Objectives: To investigate the value of Tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss and blood transfusion after THR and other clinical outcomes such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), ischaemic heart diseases and mortality. Patients and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomised and quasi-randomised trials which used tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss in hip arthroplasty was conducted. The data was evaluated using the generic evaluation tool designed by the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group. Results:. Blood loss. Seven studies (250 patients) were eligible for this outcome. Using Tranexamic acid reduced blood loss by an average of 155 ml (P-value < 0.00001, 95% CI (87–224), Heterogeneity I2 69 %.). Blood transfusion. Nine studies (463 patients) were eligible for this outcome. Tranexamic acid led to a reduction in the proportion of patients requiring blood transfusion (Odds Ratio of 0.35, P- value < 0.00001, 95% CI (0.22–0.55), Heterogeneity I2 25 %.). Other outcomes. There were no significant differences in the length of stay, DVT, PE, mortality, wound haematoma or infections between the study groups. Conclusion: The use of Tranexamic acid in THR results in significant reduction of blood loss and blood transfusion

Background. Tourniquets and tranexamic acid (TXA) are commonly used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there is not consensus on how these interventions affect blood transfusion rates and total blood loss. Few studies examine the combined use of both interventions. We compared outcome measures and transfusion rates following TKA, with and without the use of tourniquet and TXA. Methods. Retrospective cohort study of 477 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA at a single center between 2008 and 2013. There were 243 in the tourniquet-assisted (TA) and 234 in the tourniquet-unassisted (TU) group. Subanalysis was performed on those patients receiving TXA. Results. Mean operative duration was 66.4 minutes (30–135) in the TA group and 87.5 minutes (43–162) in the TU group (p<0.0001). Mean post-operative drop in hemoglobin was significantly greater in TU group (3.1g/dl vs. 2.8g/dl, p=0.002). The transfusion rate was 9.5% in TA compared to 11.5% in TU patients (p=0.46) with comparable mean units transfused (2.6 vs. 2.2, p=0.30). There was no significant difference in rate of wound infection (2% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.82) and total complication rate (4.1% vs. 2.5%, p=0.19) between groups. Mean length of stay was 5.8 days in TA and 7 days in the TU group (p=0.07). Those patients given TXA had a lower hemoglobin drop (2.6g/dl vs. 3.3g/dl, p=0.04) with similar transfusion (10.9% vs. 13.3%, p=0.61) and complication (3.3% vs. 5.2%, p=0.95) rates. Discussion. Tourniquet-unassisted TKA had a greater operative duration and post-operative drop in hemoglobin than tourniquet-assisted TKA. However, transfusion rates were similar between groups. TXA use reduced the operative decrease in hemoglobin with no effect on complication or transfusion rates. Key words. TKA, tourniquet, tranexamic acid, transfusion rates, outcomes. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Background. The reductions of perioperative blood loss and inflammatory response are important in total knee arthroplasty. Tranexamic acid reduced blood loss and the inflammatory response in several studies. However, the effect of epinephrine administration plus tranexamic acid has not been intensively investigated, to our knowledge. In this study, we evaluated whether the combined administration of low-dose epinephrine plus tranexamic acid reduced perioperative blood loss or inflammatory response further compared with tranexamic acid alone. Methods. This randomized placebo-controlled trial consisted of 179 consecutive patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty. Patients were randomized into 3 interventions: Group IV received intravenous low-dose epinephrine plus tranexamic acid, Group TP received topical diluted epinephrine plus tranexamic acid, and Group CT received tranexamic acid alone. The primary outcome was perioperative blood loss on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes included perioperative blood loss on postoperative day 3, coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters (measured by thromboelastography), inflammatory cytokine levels, transfusion values (rate and volume), thromboembolic complications, length of hospital stay, wound score, range of motion, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. Results. The mean calculated total blood loss (and standard deviation) in Group IV was 348.1 ± 158.2 mL on postoperative day 1 and 458.0 ± 183.4 mL on postoperative day 3, which were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared with Group TP at 420.5 ± 188.4 mL on postoperative day 1 and 531.1 ± 231.4 mL on postoperative day 3 and Group CT at 520.4 ± 228.4 mL on postoperative day 1 and 633.7 ± 237.3 mL on postoperative day 3. Intravenous low-dose epinephrine exhibited a net anti-inflammatory activity in total knee arthroplasty and did not induce an obvious hypercoagulable status. Transfusion values were significantly (p=0.023 and 0.032) reduced in Group IV, but no significant differences were observed in the incidence of thromboembolic complications, wound score, range of motion, and HSS score among the 3 groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The combined administration of low-dose epinephrine and tranexamic acid demonstrated an increased effect in reducing perioperative blood loss and the inflammatory response compared with tranexamic acid alone, with no apparent increased incidence of thromboembolic and other complications

Introduction: Knee replacement surgery is associated with minimal intraoperative blood loss, but marked postoperativelloss. Allogenic blood transfusions are associated with known risks. The need to establish programmes of blood conservation in knee replacement surgery becomes evident. We present a retrospective comparative study of 3 blood salvage methods used in TKR: autologous blood donation, cell saver and tranexamico acid. The purpose of this study is to asses the results of tranexamic acid compared with other used methods. Material and methods: We reviewed 90 TKR operated during 2002–2003 with the same technique and by the same surgical team. 3 patients cohorts have been done based on the blood saving method used,. Patients and surgical variables were recorded, to confirm the homogeneity of the groups. Haemoglobin and hematocrit levels in preoperative, early postoperative and late postoperative were collected, as well as blood loss and the number of blood units transfused. Results: The statistic analysis of the 3 groups didn’t show any differences between them, assuring the homogeneity. ANOVA statistical analysis was done, showing significative differences in the early postoperative Hb and HTC, 9.4 g/dL −28.1% in autologous group, 9.6g/dL−28.5% in cell saver group and 10.8g/dl−31.4% in the tranexamic acid group. Total blood loss was 1088.5 mL in the autologous group, 1080mL in the cell saver group and 690.3 mL in the tranexamic acid group, showing significant differences (p.< 0.001). The autologous group received 1.4 units of blood per patient, compared with 0.6 in the cell saver group and 0.2 in the tranexamic acid group (p< 0.05). Conclusions: We conclude that the use of tranexamic acid in total knee replacement reduces postoperative blood loss, keeps Hb and HTC during the postoperative and significatively reduces the need of blood transfusion compared with other systems

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was done on 50 patients undergoing primary cementless total hip arthroplasty to determine the effect of tranexamic acid on intra- and postoperative blood losses and on the transfusions requirements. 50 patients were randomized to tranexamic acid (15 mg/kg) given as a bolus intravenous injection or placebo (normal saline) given intravenously, 15 minutes before the incision. The intraoperative and postoperative blood loss (at removal of the drain 24 hours after the operation) and the number of blood transfusions required were recorded. The patients were screened for deep venous thrombosis with bilateral compression Ultrasonography using Colour Doppler imaging on the tenth postoperative day. The Hemoglobin level was measured preoperatively and on the 3rd postoperative day. The D-dimer levels were measured preoperatively and 24 hrs postoperatively. Patients receiving tranexamic acid had a mean intraoperative blood loss of 410 ml (range, 300–510 ml) versus 615 ml (range, 515–750ml) (p value<0.05) in patients receiving placebo, a postoperative blood loss of 210 ml(range, 150–325ml) versus 490 ml(range, 370–540ml) (p value<0.05), and a total need for 8 blood transfusions versus 30. Only 6 out 25 patients in tranexamic acid group required blood transfusion whereas 18 out of 25 patients in the placebo group required transfusion. In the group receiving placebo the mean fall in hemoglobin was 2.9g/dl (range, 2.5–3.2) and in the group treated with tranexamic acid 1.6 g/dl (1.3–2) (p<0.05). At 24 hrs postoperatively, mean plasma D-dimer concentration in the Tranexamic group was half of that in the control group. No patient in either group had any evidence of deep vein thrombosis on bilateral compression Ultrasonography using Colour Doppler imaging done on the tenth postoperative day. Tranexamic acid 15 mg/kg given as a single preoperative bolus dose reduces peroperative and postoperative and total blood loss, and transfusion requirements in primary cementless total hip replacement surgery without any increased risk of thrombus formation

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was done on 50 patients undergoing primary cementless total hip arthroplasty to determine the effect of tranexamic acid on intra- and postoperative blood losses and on the transfusions requirements. 50 patients were randomized to tranexamic acid (15 mg/kg) given as a bolus intravenous injection or placebo (normal saline) given intravenously, 15 minutes before the incision. The intraoperative and postoperative blood loss (at removal of the drain 24 hours after the operation) and the number of blood transfusions required were recorded. The patients were screened for deep venous thrombosis with bilateral compression Ultrasonography using Colour Doppler imaging on the tenth postoperative day. The Haemoglobin level was measured preoperatively and on the 3rd postoperative day. The D-dimer levels were measured preoperatively and 24 hrs postoperatively. Patients receiving tranexamic acid had a mean intraoperative blood loss of 410 ml (range, 300-510 ml) versus 615 ml (range, 515-750ml) (p value<0.05) in patients receiving placebo, a postoperative blood loss of 210 ml(range, 150-325ml) versus 490 ml(range,370-540ml) (p value<0.05), and a total need for 8 blood transfusions versus 30. Only 6 out 25 patients in tranexamic acid group required blood transfusion whereas 18 out of 25 patients in the placebo group required transfusion. In the group receiving placebo the mean fall in haemoglobin was 2.9g/dl (range, 2.5-3.2) and in the group treated with tranexamic acid 1.6 g/dl (1.3-2) (p<0.05). At 24 hrs postoperatively, mean plasma D-dimer concentration in the Tranexamic group was half of that in the control group. No patient in either group had any evidence of deep vein thrombosis on bilateral compression Ultrasonography using Colour Doppler imaging done on the tenth postoperative day. Tranexamic acid 15 mg/kg given as a single preoperative bolus dose reduces peroperative and postoperative and total blood loss, and transfusion requirements in primary cementless total hip replacement surgery without any increased risk of thrombus formation

The effectiveness of intravenous tranexamic acid (TA) in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements during total hip replacement (THR) is well recognised. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a fibrin sealant in comparison to intravenous TA and a control group. We prospectively studied 270 patients with primary hip osteo-arthritis who underwent a straight forward THR between February 2012 and September 2013. The first 70 patients acted as the control group. The next 100 consecutive patients received fibrin sealant spray before closure and the last 100 patients received 1g TA on induction. Demographic data, comorbidities, surgical time, surgeon grade, anaesthetic type, haemoglobin drop post-operative and transfusion requirements were analysed using one-way ANOVA. The demographic characteristics, surgical time, surgeon grade, anaesthetic type and pre-operative haemoglobin of the 3 groups were comparable. Both fibrin sealant and intravenous TA were effective in reducing blood loss during THR (15%, p = 0.04 & 22.5%, p = 0.01, respectively), when compared to the control group. However, neither treatment was found to be superior to the other in preventing blood loss p = 0.39. Tranexamic acid was superior to fibrin sealant in decreasing allogeneic transfusion requirements (0% vs 10%, p = 0.05). The LOS was significantly shorter in the tranexamic acid group than fibrin sealant group and in the fibrin sealant group compared with control group. There was no significant difference between the groups with regards to proportion of patients with wound leaking problems. No other complications (e.g. VTE) were encountered. Both fibrin sealant and intravenous tranexamic acid were effective in reducing blood loss. However, tranexamic acid use reduced post-operative transfusion requirements