Practical issues for the use of tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review was undertaken to answer three specific questions relating to the clinical values of tranexamic acid (TNA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA): (1) Whether there are differences in blood-saving effects between the systemic and topical administrations; (2) Whether blood-saving effects of TNA differ by doses and timings of administration; and (3) Whether the use of TNA is safe at all reported doses, timings, and routes of administration with respect to the incidences of symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). A systematic review was carried out with 28 randomised controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TNA use in TKA identified from the literature. Both systemic and topical administrations reduced blood loss after TKA, but transfusion reducing effects varied in studies whether systemic or topical administrations. The effects of TNA were influenced by doses and timings of administration. No increased incidences of symptomatic DVT and PE were found for all reported doses, timings, and routes of TNA administration. Surgeons can consider incorporating the use of TNA to their blood-saving protocols in TKA without serious concern of adverse events but need to adopt optimal doses, timings, and routes of TNA administrations.