Low-dose Tranexamic Acid Research Articles

Moderate Dose of Tranexamic Acid and Complications after Valvular Heart Surgery.

In valvular open-heart surgery, data regarding the effect of a moderate dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) on clinical outcomes are limited. Out of a cohort of 13,293 patients, we performed a propensity-score-matched analysis in 6,106 patients and assessed the risk of convulsive seizures (CS, primary endpoint), stroke, renal replacement therapy, and mortality (secondary endpoints). In the entire study cohort of 13,293 patients, we also assessed the multivariable-adjusted association of CS with postoperative outcomes. The risk of CS was significantly higher in the TXA group (2.4%; n = 72) than in the non-TXA group (1.0%; n = 32), with a relative risk ratio (RR) of 2.28 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50-3.47; p < 0.001). The risk of CS was also higher in patients receiving TXA doses ≥25 mg/kg body weight (3.7%; n = 40) than in patients receiving <25 mg/kg body weight (1.6%; n = 32; p < 0.001). Perioperative secondary clinical endpoints and 1-year mortality did not differ significantly between study groups (p-value > 0.05). Compared with non-CS patients (n = 13,000), patients with nonhemorrhagic, nonembolic CS (n = 253) revealed higher multivariable-adjusted in-hospital risks of stroke (RR: 3.82 [95% CI: 2.44-5.60; p < 0.001]) and mortality (RR: 2.07 [95% CI: 1.23-3.48; p = 0.006]), and a higher 1-year mortality risk (RR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.42-2.41; p < 0.001]). A moderate TXA dose was associated with a significantly higher risk of seizure, but not with other clinical complications such as stroke, renal replacement therapy, and mortality. However, in the small group of patients experiencing a seizure, the risks of stroke and short- and mid-term mortality were substantially higher than in patients not experiencing a seizure, indicating that the use of a low-dose TXA protocol (<25 mg/kg body weight) should be considered.

This Month in Anesthesiology

This Month in Anesthesiology

The role of Tranexamic acid in reducing the need for intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing arthroplasty for osteoarthritis

Intraoperative blood loss and postoperative anaemia in patients undergoing arthroplasty of the hip and knee increase patient's morbidity and mortality. This increases the need for postoperative transfusion of blood products. Though mechanical methods like using tourniquet reduce the intraoperative blood loss, postoperative loss and resulting anaemia cannot be prevented. Our aim was to establish that the use of low dose tranexamic acid Intravenously and Topically in these patients reduce the total blood loss in these patients and hence the need for postoperative blood transfusion and associated complications of anaemia. Our study conducted in SRIHER between 2018-2020 prospectively, included an analysis of 84 patient's undergoing arthroplasty of the hip and knee. All patients included were above 55 years undergoing arthroplasty for hip and knee for osteoarthritis. Patients with h/o stroke, cardiac stents and chronic liver and renal diseases were excluded. Intravenous Tranexamic acid 1gm was given to all patients an hour before surgery as an infusion in normal saline along with tranexamic acid 500mg injected through the drain after closure. The average blood loss was 480ml intraoperatively and the average drain volume was 140ml. Only 14 patients (16.6%) had postoperative anaemia and required transfusion of allogenic blood. The mean postoperative haemoglobin in these patients was 12.2gm/dl. Our study indicates that low dose intravenous and topical Tranexamic acid significantly reduces the intraoperative and postoperative blood loss and resulting anaemia. This effectively reduces the need for postoperative blood transfusion and associated complications.

The role of Tranexamic acid in reducing the need for intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing arthroplasty for osteoarthritis

Intraoperative blood loss and postoperative anaemia in patients undergoing arthroplasty of the hip and knee increase patient's morbidity and mortality. This increases the need for postoperative transfusion of blood products. Though mechanical methods like using tourniquet reduce the intraoperative blood loss, postoperative loss and resulting anaemia cannot be prevented. Our aim was to establish that the use of low dose tranexamic acid Intravenously and Topically in these patients reduce the total blood loss in these patients and hence the need for postoperative blood transfusion and associated complications of anaemia. Our study conducted in SRIHER between 2018-2020 prospectively, included an analysis of 84 patient's undergoing arthroplasty of the hip and knee. All patients included were above 55 years undergoing arthroplasty for hip and knee for osteoarthritis. Patients with h/o stroke, cardiac stents and chronic liver and renal diseases were excluded. Intravenous Tranexamic acid 1gm was given to all patients an hour before surgery as an infusion in normal saline along with tranexamic acid 500mg injected through the drain after closure. The average blood loss was 480ml intraoperatively and the average drain volume was 140ml. Only 14 patients (16.6%) had postoperative anaemia and required transfusion of allogenic blood. The mean postoperative haemoglobin in these patients was 12.2gm/dl. Our study indicates that low dose intravenous and topical Tranexamic acid significantly reduces the intraoperative and postoperative blood loss and resulting anaemia. This effectively reduces the need for postoperative blood transfusion and associated complications.

Postoperative Low-Dose Tranexamic Acid After Major Spine Surgery: A Matched Cohort Analysis.

ObjectiveThis was a retrospective, cohort study investigating the efficacy and safety of continuous low-dose postoperative tranexamic acid (PTXA) on drain output and transfusion requirements following adult spinal deformity surgery. MethodsOne hundred forty-seven patients undergoing posterior instrumented thoracolumbar fusion of ≥ 3 vertebral levels at a single institution who received low-dose PTXA infusion (0.5–1 mg/kg/hr) for 24 hours were compared to 292 control patients who did not receive PTXA. The cohorts were propensity matched based on age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status classification, body mass index, number of surgical levels, revision surgery, operative duration, and total intraoperative TXA dose (n = 106 in each group). Primary outcome was 72-hour postoperative drain output. Secondary outcomes were number of allogeneic blood transfusions. ResultsThere was no significant difference in postoperative drain output in the PTXA group compared to control (660 ±420 mL vs. 710 ±490 mL, p = 0.46). The PTXA group received significantly more crystalloid (6,100 ±3,100 mL vs. 4,600 ±2,400 mL, p < 0.001) and red blood cell transfusions postoperatively (median [interquartile range]: 1 [0–2] units vs. 0 [0–1] units; incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.6 [1.2–2.2]; p = 0.001). Rates of adverse events were comparable between groups. ConclusionContinuous low-dose PTXA infusion was not associated with reduced drain output after spinal deformity surgery. No difference in thromboembolic incidence was observed. A prospective dose escalation study is warranted to investigate the efficacy of higher dose PTXA.

Optimal Tranexamic Acid Dosing Regimen in Cardiac Surgery: What Are the Missing Pieces?

Optimal Tranexamic Acid Dosing Regimen in Cardiac Surgery: What Are the Missing Pieces?

Exposure-Response Relationship of Tranexamic Acid in Cardiac Surgery.

It is unclear whether high-dose regimens of tranexamic acid in cardiac surgery (total dose, 80 to 100 mg/kg) confer a clinical advantage over low-dose regimens (total dose, approximately 20 mg/kg), particularly as tranexamic acid-associated seizure may be dose-related. The authors' aim was to characterize the exposure-response relationship of this drug. Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of intravenous tranexamic acid in adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Observational studies were added for seizure assessment. Tranexamic acid concentrations were predicted in each arm of each study using a population pharmacokinetic model. The exposure-response relationship was evaluated by performing a model-based meta-analysis using nonlinear mixed-effect models. Sixty-four randomized controlled trials and 18 observational studies (49,817 patients) were included. Seventy-three different regimens of tranexamic acid were identified, with the total dose administered ranging from 5.5 mg/kg to 20 g. The maximum effect of tranexamic acid for postoperative blood loss reduction was 40% (95% credible interval, 34 to 47%), and the EC50 was 5.6 mg/l (95% credible interval, 0.7 to 11 mg/l). Exposure values with low-dose regimens approached the 80% effective concentration, whereas with high-dose regimens, they exceeded the 90% effective concentration. The predicted cumulative blood loss up to 48 h postsurgery differed by 58 ml between the two regimens, and the absolute difference in erythrocyte transfusion rate was 2%. Compared to no tranexamic acid, low-dose and high-dose regimens increased the risk of seizure by 1.2-fold and 2-fold, respectively. However, the absolute risk increase was only clinically meaningful in the context of prolonged open-chamber surgery. In cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, low-dose tranexamic acid seems to be an appropriate regimen for reducing bleeding outcomes. This meta-analysis has to be interpreted with caution because the results are observational and dependent on the lack of bias of the predicted tranexamic acid exposures and the quality of the included studies.

English

English

High-dose versus low-dose tranexamic acid for paediatric craniosynostosis surgery: a double-blind randomised controlled non-inferiority trial

BackgroundTranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss and transfusion in paediatric craniosynostosis surgery. The hypothesis is that low-dose TXA, determined by pharmacokinetic modelling, is non-inferior to high-dose TXA in decreasing blood loss and transfusion in children. MethodsChildren undergoing craniosynostosis surgery were enrolled in a two-centre, prospective, double-blind, randomised, non-inferiority controlled trial to receive high TXA (50 mg kg−1 followed by 5 mg kg−1 h−1) or low TXA (10 mg kg−1 followed by 5 mg kg−1 h−1). Primary outcome was blood loss. Low dose was determined to be non-inferior to high dose if the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the mean difference in blood loss was above the non-inferiority margin of –20 ml kg−1. Secondary outcomes were transfusion, TXA plasma concentrations, and biological markers of fibrinolysis and inflammation. ResultsSixty-eight children were included. Values were non-inferior regarding blood loss (39.4 [4.4] vs 40.3 [6.2] ml kg−1 [difference=0.9; 95% CI: –14.2, 15.9]) and blood transfusion (21.3 [1.6] vs 23.6 [1.5] ml kg−1 [difference=2.3; 95% CI: –2.1, 6.7]) between high-dose (n=32) and low-dose (n=34) groups, respectively. The TXA plasma concentrations during surgery averaged 50.2 (8.0) and 29.6 (7.6) μg ml−1. There was no difference in fibrinolytic and inflammatory biological marker concentrations. No adverse events were observed. ConclusionsTranexamic acid 10 mg kg−1 followed by 5 mg kg−1 h−1 is not less effective than a higher dose of 50 mg kg−1 and 5 mg kg−1 h−1 in reducing blood loss and transfusion in paediatric craniosynostosis surgery. Clinical trial registrationNCT02188576.

436: Effect of tranexamic acid dose on clot lysis: implications for preventing postpartum hemorrhage

Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces bleeding when administered during postpartum hemorrhage. The pharmacodynamics of TXA in the obstetric population are unknown. Since pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state, it is important to determine the lowest effective dose for prevention. Our objective was to determine pharmacodynamic relationships between TXA administered at cesarean delivery and clot lysis. We administered 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg (max 1 g) of intravenous TXA to pregnant women at time of umbilical cord clamp. Inclusion criteria were scheduled cesarean delivery >34 wks gestation and normal renal function. Exclusion criteria were known thrombophilia or anticoagulation. We collected blood prior to delivery (A), and after TXA administration (B:< 10 min, C:30-60 min, D:1.5-3 hrs, E:4-6 hrs, F:7-8 hrs and G:24 hrs, Figure). We performed rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) using whole blood and whole blood spiked with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). The primary outcome was maximum lysis (ML), which reflects extent of clot lysis, in samples spiked with tPA. Thirty women were enrolled and 28 completed all blood draws. Women were 32 ± 5.1 years old (mean±SD), 38 weeks (range 34-39) in gestation, and had a body mass index of 34.7 ± 8.5 kg/m2. For all TXA doses combined, pre-delivery clot lysis was nearly 100% and post TXA infusion approached 100% with each successive half-life (t1/2=2.5 hours) (Table). The 5 mg/kg group received 0.45±0.09 g TXA. Average ML in the 5 mg/kg group differed between times C and D (p=0.0057) but in the higher dose groups this difference was seen between times D and E (10 mg/kg p=0.0001, 15 mg/kg p< 0.0001) (Figure). There were no serious adverse maternal or neonatal events. ROTEM shows TXA inhibits tPA-induced clot lysis in a dose-dependent manner. Higher TXA dose produced more sustained antifibrinoytic effects; however, even 5 mg/kg TXA effectively inhibited fibrinolysis for 4-6 hours after cord clamp. Low-dose TXA may provide safe and effective antifibrinolytic activity for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Tranexamic Acid in Thoracic and Lumbar Fusions and Perioperative Blood Loss

This study was a retrospective cohort design. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of tranexamic acid (TXA) on total perioperative wound output following thoracic and lumbar spinal fusions. TXA has been extensively studied with regard to intraoperative blood loss and transfusion rates. Few studies have looked specifically at the effect of TXA on postoperative drain output. We examined blood loss patterns in 617 consecutive adult patients undergoing lumbar and/or thoracic fusions at a single institution from January 2009 to 2016. These patients were divided into TXA and non-TXA, as well as high-dose and low-dose TXA, groups and analyzed using a propensity score to account for differences between cohorts. The TXA and non-TXA groups were demographically similar. The mean number of levels fused was higher in the TXA group (4.8 vs. 3.1 levels, P<0.01). There was a significant reduction in both intraoperative blood loss (77.7 mL per level, P=0.020) and postoperative drain output (83.3 mL per level, P=0.002) in the TXA group when examined on a per level fused basis, but no significant difference without controlling for a number of levels. Postoperative blood loss tended to be higher in the TXA group for surgeries involving >5 levels fused. There was a significantly less blood loss in the high-dose TKA group both intraoperatively (296.4 mL per level fused, P<0.001) and postoperatively (133.4 mL per level fused, P<0.001). TXA significantly reduced both intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in lumbar and thoracic fusions when examined on a per level basis. However, with surgeries involving fusions >5 levels, TXA may increase postoperative drain output, with those losses offset by reduced intraoperative blood loss. High-dose TXA further reduced both intraoperative and postoperative blood loss as compared with low-dose TXA.

Outcome impact of different tranexamic acid regimens in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (OPTIMAL): Rationale, design, and study protocol of a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Tranexamic acid (TxA) reduces perioperative blood transfusion in cardiac surgery; however, the optimal dose of TxA remains unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: This large-scale, double-blind, randomized controlled trial with a 1-year follow-up enrolls patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients are randomly assigned 1:1 into either the high-dose TxA group (intravenous bolus [30 mg/kg] after anesthesia followed by intravenous maintenance [16 mg/kg/h] throughout the operation, and a pump prime dose of 2 mg/kg) or the low-dose TxA group (intravenous bolus and maintenance are 10 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg/h, respectively, and a pump prime dose of 1 mg/kg). The primary efficacy end point is the rate of perioperative allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion defined as the number (%) of patients who will receive at least 1 RBC unit from operation day to discharge. The primary safety end point is the 30-day rate of the composite of perioperative seizures, renal dysfunction, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and all-cause mortality. The secondary end points are perioperative allogeneic RBC transfusion volume, the non-RBC blood transfusion rate, postoperative bleeding, reoperation rate, mechanical ventilation duration, intensive care unit stay, hospital length of stay, total hospitalization cost, each component of composite primary safety end point, and the 6-month/1-year follow-up mortality and morbidity. We estimated a sample size of 3,008 participants. CONCLUSIONS: The study is designed to identify a TxA dose with maximal efficacy and minimal complications. We hypothesize that the high dose has superior efficacy and noninferior safety to the low dose.

The use of tranexamic acid in adult spinal deformity: is there an optimal dosing strategy?

BACKGROUND CONTEXTASD (Adult spinal deformity) surgery often entails complex osteotomies and realignment procedures, particularly in the setting of rigid deformities. Although previous studies have established the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA), data evaluating the widely variable dosing regimens remains sparse. PURPOSETo improve understanding of blood loss and transfusion requirements for low-dose and high-dose TXA regimens for adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGThis is a retrospective cohort study of 318 ASD patients who received TXA. Outcome measures include estimated blood loss (EBL), perioperative transfusion requirement, and complications. METHODSA retrospective review was conducted on 318 ASD patients: 258 patients received a low-dose regimen of TXA (10 or 20 mg/kg loading dose with a 1 or 2 mg/kg/h maintenance dose) and 60 patients received a high-dose regimen of TXA (40 mg/kg loading dose with a 1 mg/kg/h maintenance dose, 30 mg/kg loading dose with a 10 mg/kg/h maintenance dose, or 50 mg/kg loading dose with a 5 mg/kg/h maintenance dose). RESULTSCompared with the low-dose TXA group, the high-dose TXA group had significantly decreased EBL (1402 vs. 1793 mL, p=.009), blood volume lost (30.3 vs. 39.4%, p=.01), intraoperative packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion (0.9 vs. 1.6 U, p<.0001), and intraoperative platelet transfusion (0 vs. 0.1 U, p<.0001). High-dose TXA was predictive of 515 cc less EBL (p=.002), 11.4% less blood volume lost (p=.004), and 1 U pRBC less transfused intraoperatively (p<.0001) than the low-dose TXA group. The high-dose TXA group had a higher incidence of postop atrial fibrillation (5 vs. 0%, p<.0001) and myocardial infarction (1.7 vs. 0%, p=.04). CONCLUSIONSVarying dosing regimens of TXA are utilized for ASD surgery, with a prevailing theme of dosing ambiguity. These data demonstrate that high-dose TXA is more effective than low-dose TXA in reducing blood loss and blood product transfusion requirement in ASD surgery. Importantly, rates of MI and postop AF were higher in the high-dose TXA group.

Evaluating Perioperative Blood Loss in Cardiac Surgery Patients Receiving High and Low Dose Tranexamic Acid

Excessive perioperative blood loss is a concern for patients undergoing high risk procedures; thus, tranexamic acid (TXA) is administered at the beginning of surgery to minimize blood loss. Previous studies have had mixed results. The aim of this retrospective chart review is to determine whether low or high dose TXA minimizes blood transfusions and post-operative adverse events.

Efficacy and safety of antifibrinolytic agents in spinal surgery: a network meta-analysis.

Background:Significant blood loss is still one of the most frequent complications in spinal surgery, which often necessitates blood transfusion. Massive perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion can create additional risks. Aprotinin, tranexamic acid (TXA), and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) are antifibrinolytics currently offered as prophylactic agents to reduce surgery-associated blood loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aprotinin, EACA, and low/high doses of TXA in spinal surgery, and assess the use of which agent is the most optimal intervention using the network meta-analysis (NMA) method.Methods:Five electronic databases were searched, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Web of Science, from the inception to March 1, 2018. Trials that were randomized and compared results between TXA, EACA, and placebo were identified. The NMA was conducted with software R 3.3.2 and STATA 14.0.Results:Thirty randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were analyzed. Aprotinin (standardized mean difference [SMD]=−0.65, 95% credibility intervals [CrI;−1.25, −0.06]), low-dose TXA (SMD = −0.58, 95% CrI [−0.92, −0.25]), and high-dose TXA (SMD = −0.70, 95% CrI [−1.04, −0.36]) were more effective than the respective placebos in reducing intraoperative blood loss. Low-dose TXA (SMD = −1.90, 95% CrI [−3.32, −0.48]) and high-dose TXA (SMD = −2.31, 95% CrI [−3.75, −0.87]) had less postoperative blood loss. Low-dose TXA (SMD = −1.07, 95% CrI [−1.82, −0.31]) and high-dose TXA (SMD = −1.07, 95% CrI [−1.82, −0.31]) significantly reduced total blood loss. However, only high-dose TXA (SMD = −2.07, 95% CrI [−3.26, −0.87]) was more effective in reducing the amount of transfusion, and was significantly superior to low-dose TXA in this regard (SMD = −1.67, 95% CrI [−3.20, −0.13]). Furthermore, aprotinin (odds ratio [OR] = 0.16, 95% CrI [0.05, 0.54]), EACA (OR = 0.46, 95% CrI [0.22, 0.97]) and high dose of TXA (OR = 0.34, 95% CrI [0.19, 0.58]) had a significant reduction in transfusion rates. Antifibrinolytics did not show a significantly increased risk of postoperative thrombosis. Results of ranking probabilities indicated that high-dose TXA had the greatest efficacy and a relatively high safety level.Conclusions:The antifibrinolytic agents are able to reduce perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirement during spine surgery. And the high-dose TXA administration might be used as the optimal treatment to reduce blood loss and transfusion.

Tranexamic Acid Plus Low-dose Epinephrine Reduces Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The present study assessed the effectiveness of the combined administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) plus low-dose epinephrine in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We searched the following Chinese electronic databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang Data. We also searched the following English electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Central Register of Controlled Trials. To search for additional eligible studies, we also used Google's search engine. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing TXA plus low-dose epinephrine (Combined group) and TXA alone in TKA were systematically searched. The primary outcomes were total blood loss, hidden blood loss, the requirement for transfusion, maximum hemoglobin (Hb) drop, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Drainage volume, operation time, length of stay, hospital for special surgery (HSS) score, and range of motion (ROM) were considered as secondary outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the benefits of using a tourniquet and the application routes of topical or intravenous TXA between the two groups. Statistical analysis was assessed using RevMan 5.3 software. Four independent RCT were included involving 426 patients, with 213 patients in the Combined group and 213 patients in the TXA alone group. In the Combined group there was significant reduction in total blood loss (MD, 204.70; 95% CI, -302.76 to -106.63; P < 0.0001), hidden blood loss (MD, 185.63; 95% CI, -227.56 to -143.71; P < 0.00001), drainage volume (MD, 93.49; 95% CI, -117.24 to -69.74; P < 0.00001), and maximum Hb drop (MD, 5.33, 95% CI, -6.75 to -3.91; P < 0.00001). No statistical differences were found postoperatively in terms of the requirement for transfusion (risk ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.26-1.04; P = 0.06), operation time (MD, 0.85; 95% CI, -2.62 to 4.31; P = 0.63), length of stay (MD, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.52 to 0.47; P = 0.93), HSS score (MD, 0.78; 95% CI, -0.36 to 1.92; P = 0.18), and ROM (MD, 1.40; 95% CI, -1.01 to 3.81; P = 0.26), and not increasing the risk of DVT (risk ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.33 to 3.02; P = 1.00) in the two groups. This meta-analysis demonstrated that the administration of tranexamic acid plus low-dose epinephrine is a safe and efficacious treatment to reduce total blood loss, hidden blood loss, drainage volume, and maximum Hb drop in primary TKA, without increasing the risk of DVT in primary THA.

Can Low-dose Tranexamic Acid Decrease Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements in Total Knee Arthroplasty?

IntroductionTranexamic acid (TA) has been used successfully in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to minimize blood loss and transfusions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of perioperative single low-dose TA administration on postoperative blood loss and necessity for blood transfusion in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia.Material and MethodsData of patients undergoing TKA between January 2013 through December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients that underwent unilateral knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were separated into two groups: those where TA was used (10 mg/kg) and a control group where TA was not used. The following data were collected from medical records and compared between groups according to demographics, hemoglobin levels, and drainage amount.ResultsA total of 48 patients' data were evaluated (TA: 20; control: 28). The use of tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasties seemed to reduce the postoperative drainage rate and blood transfusion requirement. Average 24-hour drainage levels were significantly lower in the TA group when compared to the control group. Required 24-hour total blood transfusion amounts were significantly higher in the control group. There was no difference in preoperative and postoperative sixth or 24th-hour hemoglobin levels between the groups.ConclusionA low or single dose of TA is a safe and effective agent that significantly lowers blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion requirements.

Can tranexamic acid conserve blood and save operative time in spinal surgeries? A meta-analysis

Background ContextIt is widely accepted that tranexamic acid (TXA) effectively reduces blood losses and transfusions in major surgeries. However, limited studies investigated the role of TXA in conserving blood and saving operative time in spine surgeries. PurposeThis meta-analysis was conducted to gather scientific evidence for TXA efficacy on conserving blood and saving operative time in spine surgeries. Study DesignA meta-analysis was performed. Patient SampleEighteen RCTs and 18 non-RCT studies involving 2,572 patients were included in the final analyses, comparing the effectiveness of intravenous TXA with a placebo/no treatment group. Outcome MeasuresOutcomes of interest included intraoperative, postoperative, and perioperative blood losses, allogeneic blood transfusion rates, cell salvage transfusion amounts, operative time, and the number of postoperative thrombosis events. MethodsAn exhaustive literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from January 2000 through March 2017. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.0. For continuous outcomes, the means and standard deviations were pooled to a mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. The quantity of heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. When there was no statistical evidence of substantial heterogeneity (I2≤50%), a fixed-effect model was adopted; otherwise, a random-effect model was chosen. Subgroup analysis was performed when more than three studies were included on one issue, based on low or high the dose of TXA. Beijing Talent Fund (2016) was received to support this work. ResultsSignificantly reduced intraoperative (weighted mean difference [WMD]=−280.09.00, p<.00001), postoperative (WMD=−120.15, p<.00001), perioperative (WMD=−310.86, p<.00001) blood losses, cell salvage transfusion amount (WMD=−471.79, p=.01), perioperative transfusion rate (odds ratio [OR], 0.33 [0.17, 0.65], p=.001), and operative time (WMD=−4.69, p=.003) were observed in TXA group. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that high-dose TXA could reduce both intraoperative-perioperative allogeneic transfusion rates and operative time, whereas low dose of the drug does not convey such effects. ConclusionsWith the most comprehensive literature inclusion up to the present, this meta-analysis suggests that intravenous TXA use constitutes an important measure for conserving blood and saving operative time in spinal surgeries. High-dose TXA significantly reduces intraoperative-perioperative allogeneic transfusion rates and operative time, whereas low-dose TXA does not convey such efficacies. Larger prospective trials are still required to define the optimal regimen and to confirm the safety of TXA use in such surgeries.

High-dose Versus Low-dose Tranexamic Acid to Reduce Transfusion Requirements in Pediatric Scoliosis Surgery.

Our objective was to quantify blood loss and transfusion requirements for high-dose and low-dose tranexamic acid (TXA) dosing regimens in pediatric patients undergoing spinal fusion for correction of idiopathic scoliosis. Previous investigators have established the efficacy of TXA in pediatric scoliosis surgery; however, the dosing regimens vary widely and the optimal dose has not been established. We retrospectively analyzed electronic medical records for 116 patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery for idiopathic scoliosis by a single surgeon and were treated with TXA. In total, 72 patients received a 10 mg/kg loading dose with a 1 mg/kg/h maintenance dose (low-dose) and 44 patients received 50 mg/kg loading dose with a 5 mg/kg/h maintenance dose (high-dose). Estimated blood loss and transfusion requirements were compared between dosing groups. Patient characteristics were nearly identical between the 2 groups. Compared with the low-dose TXA group, the high-dose TXA group had decreased estimated blood loss (695 vs. 968 mL, P=0.01), and a decrease in both intraoperative (0.3 vs. 0.9 units, P=0.01) and whole hospitalization (0.4 vs. 1.0 units, P=0.04) red blood cell transfusion requirements. The higher-dose TXA was associated with decreased intraoperative (P=0.01), and whole hospital transfusion (P=0.01) requirements, even after risk-adjustment for potential confounding variables. High-dose TXA is more effective than low-dose TXA in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in pediatric idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing surgery. Level-III, retrospective cohort study.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Low-Dose Tranexamic Acid versus Placebo to Reduce Red Blood Cell Transfusion During Complex Multilevel Spine Fusion Surgery.

Multilevel spine fusion surgery for adult deformity correction is associated with significant blood loss and coagulopathy. Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in high-risk surgery, but the efficacy of a low-dose regimen is unknown. Sixty-one patients undergoing multilevel complex spinal fusion with and without osteotomies were randomly assigned to receive low-dose tranexamic acid (10 mg/kg loading dose, then 1 mg·kg-1·hr-1 throughout surgery) or placebo. The primary outcome was the total volume of red blood cells transfused intraoperatively. Thirty-one patients received tranexamic acid, and 30 patients received placebo. Patient demographics, risk of major transfusion, preoperative hemoglobin, and surgical risk of the 2 groups were similar. There was a significant decrease in total volume of red blood cells transfused (placebo group median 1460 mL vs. tranexamic acid group 1140 mL; median difference 463 mL, 95% confidence interval 15 to 914 mL, P= 0.034), with a decrease in cell saver transfusion (placebo group median 490 mL vs. tranexamic acid group 256 mL; median difference 166 mL, 95% confidence interval 0 to 368 mL, P= 0.042). The decrease in packed red blood cell transfusion did not reach statistical significance (placebo group median 1050 mL vs. tranexamic acid group 600 mL; median difference 300 mL, 95% confidence interval 0 to 600 mL, P= 0.097). Our results support the use of low-dose tranexamic acid during complex multilevel spine fusion surgery to decrease total red blood cell transfusion.