Is tranexamic acid exposure related to blood loss in hip arthroplasty? A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic study.

Abstract

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent, decreasing blood loss in hip arthroplasty. The present study investigated the relationship between TXA exposure markers, including the time above the in vitro threshold reported for inhibition of fibrinolysis (10mg l-1 ), and perioperative blood loss. Data were obtained from a prospective, double-blind, parallel-arm, randomized superiority study in hip arthroplasty. Patients received a preoperative intravenous bolus of TXA 1g followed by a continuous infusion of either TXA 1g or placebo over 8h. A population pharmacokinetic study was conducted to quantify TXA exposure. In total, 827 TXA plasma concentrations were measured in 166 patients. A two-compartment model fitted the data best, total body weight determining interpatient variability in the central volume of distribution. Creatinine clearance accounted for interpatient variability in clearance. At the end of surgery, all patients had TXA concentrations above the therapeutic target of 10mg l-1 . The model-estimated time during which the TXA concentration was above 10mg l-1 ranged from 3.3h to 16.3h. No relationship was found between blood loss and either the time during which the TXA concentration exceeded 10mg l-1 or the other exposure markers tested (maximum plasma concentration, area under the concentration-time curve). In hip arthroplasty, TXA plasma concentrations were maintained above 10mg l-1 during surgery and for a minimum of 3h with a preoperative TXA dose of 1g. Keeping TXA concentrations above this threshold up to 16h conferred no advantage with regard to blood loss.