Ensayo clínico para determinar si el momento de administración del ácido tranexámico en la cirugía de prótesis total de rodilla con torniquete influye en el sangrado perioperatorio

Abstract

Background and objectivesThe ideal timing of tranexamic acid administration in total knee arthroplasty with tourniquet remains unclear. Our primary objective was to prove if administering it before surgical incision, instead of before releasing the tourniquet, reduces postoperative bleeding. A second objective was to determine whether a second dose reduces post-operative bleeding. Material and methodsA prospective, double-blind clinical trial was performed on 212 patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty. They were randomised into 4 groups. Tranexamic acid was administered before the surgical incision in “pre-induction groups” (1 and 2), and just before the tourniquet release in “pre-release groups” (3 and 4). Groups 2 and 4 received a second dose 3hours post-surgery. Main outcome was postoperative bleeding (visible blood loss and calculated total bleeding). Secondary outcomes were haemoglobin variations, complications and transfusion rate. ResultsThe mean calculated total bleeding was 1563ml (95%CI: 1445 to 1681) in preinduction groups versus 1576ml (95%CI: 1439 to 1713) in pre-release groups (P=.9); 1579ml (95%CI: 1452 to 1706) in single-dose groups versus 1559ml (95%CI: 1431 to 1686) in double-dose groups (P=.82). One patient was transfused. The mean haemoglobin at discharge was 10.4g/dl (95%CI: 10.2 to 10.7) in singledose groups versus 10.8 (95%CI: 10.6 to 11.1) in double-dose groups (P=.06). ConclusionsThere were no differences in bleeding or transfusion regarding the time of tranexamic acid administration. The second dose had not impact on outcomes.Trial registration: EudraCT 2016-000071-24.