IngentaConnect The use of tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss during total hip ...

Authors: Hynes, M.C.¹; Calder, P.¹; Rosenfeld, P.¹; Scott, G.¹

Source: Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Volume 87, Number 2, March 2005 , pp. 99-101(3)

Publisher: The Royal College of Surgeons of England

Abstract:

Introduction: To test the hypothesis that the fall in haemoglobin following total hip arthroplasty is reduced by tranexamic acid administration.

Patients and Methods: A cohort of 64 patients were studied, 32 received tranexamic acid 20 mg/kg on induction. Surgery was performed by the senior author in a standardised fashion. Haemoglobin levels were measured 2 weeks pre- and 3 days postoperatively. Any complications were noted. The study group was matched using the bone and joint research database for age, sex, procedure, disease and pre-operative haemoglobin level.

Results: In the group receiving no tranexamic acid, the mean fall in haemoglobin was 3.8 g/dl (CI of mean 3.4-4.3) and in the group treated with tranexamic acid 2.8 g/dl (CI of mean 2.5-3.2) P < 0.05. Complications included one non-fatal pulmonary embolus in the tranexamic acid group.

Conclusions: The administration of 20 mg/kg of tranexamic acid on induction of surgery is an effective method of reducing the haemoglobin fall following hip arthroplasty.

Keywords: TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY; TRANEXAMIC ACID; BLOOD LOSS

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1308/147870805X28118

Affiliations: 1: Bone and Joint Research Unit, The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London, UK

The use of tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss during total hip arthroplasty: an observational study