Effect of intravenous tranexamic acid on blood loss and blood transfusion in total knee replacement: a prospective, randomized study in Indian population

Authors

  • Shivakumar Kerakkanavar Department of Orthopaedics, Rajarajeshwari Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Raghavendra Venkatesh Department of Orthopaedics, Rajarajeshwari Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • K. M. Gopinath Department of Orthopaedics, Rajarajeshwari Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Pramodkumar M. Department of Orthopaedics, Rajarajeshwari Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20173117

Keywords:

Tranexamic acid, Total knee replacement, Blood loss, TKR

Abstract

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is antifibrinolytic drug which has the property to reduce intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. There are several studies supporting the use of tranexamic acid in total knee replacements (TKR) and few in total hip replacements. Our study was intended to establish the effects of tranexamic acid in minimizing the intra operative and post-operative blood loss in uncomplicated primary total knee replacement.

Methods: This was a prospective follow up study conducted in Rajarajeshwari Medical College and Hospital Bangalore, over a period of 14 months from June 2015 to August 2016. A total number of 60 patients who underwent unilateral primary total knee replacement were included for this study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I patients infused (intravenous) with 20 mg/kg TXA before incision and 3 hours after surgery whereas no TXA was administered in Group II. Total blood loss and transfusion rate were used as outcome.

Results: Mean amounts of blood loss were 578 ml in Group 1 and 946 ml in Group 2. There was a decrease in blood loss in TXA groups (p<0.001). Transfusion was required in 6 patients of Group I and 17 patients of Group II (p<0.001). No thromboembolic problem was seen in any patients.

Conclusions: Since TXA decrease perioperative blood loss and lessen the need for blood transfusion significantly, without increasing thromboembolic events in TKR. We suggest using intravenous (IV) TXA in TKR. 

Author Biographies

Shivakumar Kerakkanavar, Department of Orthopaedics, Rajarajeshwari Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Assistant professor in department of Orthopaedics

Raghavendra Venkatesh, Department of Orthopaedics, Rajarajeshwari Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Assistant professor in department of Orthopaedics

K. M. Gopinath, Department of Orthopaedics, Rajarajeshwari Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Associate professor in the department of Orthopaedics

Pramodkumar M., Department of Orthopaedics, Rajarajeshwari Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Assistant professor in department of Orthopaedics

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Published

2017-08-24

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Original Research Articles