Abstract
BackgroundMorbid obesity is a challenge in cases that require total knee arthroplasty, and several studies considered it a contraindication for the procedure due to associated risk of complications, including plummeting hemoglobin levels and subsequent need for a blood transfusion. This study investigated risk factors for blood transfusion in this patient group and considered their relationship to obesity. Materials and methodsPatients’ data were extracted from medical records, including estimated blood loss and perioperative hemoglobin levels. Patients were weighed and measured, and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated and stratified according to international criteria. ResultsA total of 188 patients were included in this study; among them, 136 patients had obesity (72%), with a mean BMI of 33.54. The mean volume of blood lost was 1055.4 ml, with the mean postoperative hemoglobin decrease of 1.42 g/dl and 2.88 g/dl at 6 and 24 h after surgery, respectively. The pre-operative Hb level was the only significant risk factor for blood transfusion. BMI did not affect the risk of blood transfusion or amount of blood lost. ConclusionObesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) did not increase the risk of needing a blood transfusion after total knee arthroplasty. A judicious transfusion strategy involving the pre-operative Hb optimization should be adopted in TKA to decrease transfusion rate, benefit patient outcomes, and increase healthcare system efficiency. This study shows that high BMI is not a risk factor for postoperative blood transfusion.
Highlights
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical procedure recommended for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis
This study investigated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) level and risk of blood transfusion in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty
This study aimed to identify factors that influence the need for blood transfusion among patients with obesity and verify whether obesity is an independent risk factor for blood transfusion after TKA
Summary
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical procedure recommended for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis. Patients who undergo this surgery report abated pain, improved functional scores, and satisfactory quality of life [1]. Morbid obesity is a challenge in cases that require total knee arthroplasty, and several studies considered it a contraindication for the procedure due to associated risk of complications, including plummeting hemoglobin levels and subsequent need for a blood transfusion. This study investigated risk factors for blood transfusion in this patient group and considered their relationship to obesity. Conclusion: Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) did not increase the risk of needing a blood transfusion after total knee arthroplasty. This study shows that high BMI is not a risk factor for postoperative blood transfusion
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
