Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces total knee replacement (TKR) & total hip replacement (THR) blood loss. We launched a ‘fast track’ protocol to reduce inpatient stay including a single 15mg/kg dose of TXA. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis on haemoglobin balance and transfusion requirement before and after the protocol, which aimed to reduce blood loss during lower limb arthroplasty. Patients undergoing primary cemented THR or TKR were drawn from the periods: control 1/10/06 to 31/3/07; fast track 1/4/08 -31/7/08. We identified pre- and post-operative Day 1 haemoglobin concentration (Hb g/dl), and transfusion number & timing. Transfusion trigger was Hb<8 unless symptomatic. In patients transfused before the Day 1 assay, we corrected Hb drop for number of units given, (1 unit ≍ 1g/dl). Outcome measures are Day 1 Hb drop corrected for transfusion (t-test) and number transfused (Chi-squared).Introduction
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