Need For Allogeneic Blood Transfusion Research Articles

The value of tranexamic acid for patients with preoperative anemia in primary total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundPreoperative anemia is relatively common in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and is associated with higher medical costs due to blood transfusions.MethodsWe aimed to discuss the efficiency of tranexamic acid (TXA) administration for blood loss control in preoperatively anemic patients undergoing primary TKA. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data regarding a consecutive series of primary unilateral TKA patients with preoperative anemia. Patients were divided into TXA group (received TXA peri-operatively) and control group (did not receive TXA). Outcome measures included drainage volume; hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels recorded preoperatively and over the first 5 days postoperatively; amount of allogeneic blood transfusion; and prevalence of thrombosis.ResultsNinety-six patients from 996 cases were included in the study. Demographics, general health condition, and preoperative conditions were comparable between the two groups. However, significantly lower drainage volume (P < 0.001), hidden blood loss (P < 0.001), and allogeneic blood transfusion volume (χ = 4.00, P = 0.046) were noted in TXA group. The hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly higher in TXA group on the first postoperative day (P = 0.006), but overall the drop in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels over the first 5 days postoperatively was similar between the groups (P = 0.763), as was the incidence of thromboembolism events (P = 0.794).ConclusionTXA has a positive role for patients with preoperative anemia in primary total knee arthroplasty. In patients with mild preoperative anemia, TXA decreases hidden blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion, which mainly appears effective on the first postoperative day of TKA.

Tranexamic Acid in Neuroanesthesia and Neurocritical Care: Time for Its Critical Appraisal

AbstractThere is a renewed interest in the use of antifibrinolytics, especially tranexamic acid (TxA), in varied clinical settings such as trauma, perioperative bleeding, cardiac surgery, and multilevel spine instrumentation procedures. Because of its prothrombotic potential, the use of TxA in neurosurgical disorders has not gained popularity since this subset of the population is more prone to developing thromboembolic complications. However, recent studies have shown that TxA reduces blood loss, reduces the need for allogeneic blood transfusion, and is associated with minimal side effects. In this narrative review, Google Scholar, PubMed, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify publications relevant to the current use of TxA in varied neurosurgical and critical care settings. These publications were analyzed, and a summary of the findings and the role of future research on this drug are presented in this review.

Postoperative shed autologous blood reinfusion does not decrease the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

Postoperative shed autologous blood reinfusion techniques have been used for decades in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the effectiveness of this procedure is still a matter of debate. This multicenter retrospective study investigated the medical records of patients who underwent unilateral and bilateral TKA from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017 in three hospitals. According to whether postoperative shed autologous blood reinfusion was used, the patients were divided into the control group and the shed autologous blood reinfusion group. The volume of perioperative infusion of red blood cells and plasma, the blood transfusion-related costs, and the postoperative hospital stay were compared between the two groups of patients. A total of 200 unilateral and 74 bilateral TKA were included after successful matching. Among the patients who underwent unilateral TKA, the control group and the shed autologous blood reinfusion group had 95 and 91 patients, respectively, who received allogeneic blood infusion (P = 0.268). There was no significant difference in the number of units of allogeneic red blood cells infused (P = 0.154), while the transfusion-related cost was increased (P<0.001). The same phenomena were observed over the patients underwent bilateral TKA. Shed autologous blood reinfusion does not reduce the need for infusing allogeneic red blood cells. In addition, the procedure increases patient expense and may also lead to an extended postoperative hospital stay.

Do postoperative drain volumes correlate with intraoperative blood loss and postoperative transfusion requirements in posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

Most studies have excluded postoperative drain volumes in analyzing blood loss associated with scoliosis surgery. We sought to analyze patient and surgical factors that influenced postoperative drain outputs. A retrospective review was conducted on 50 consecutive patients who had undergone posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation and subfascial drain placement over a 6-year period at a single institution for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Postoperative drain volumes were correlated to patient factors, surgical variables, and change in postoperative hemoglobin values. The association between drain output volumes and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion was also analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Total postoperative drain volume positively correlated with Cell Saver volume (r=0.28, P=0.049), units of packed red blood cells transfused intraoperatively (r=0.31, P=0.03), and a number of Ponte osteotomies (r=0.43, P=0.002). On the basis of multiple linear regression analysis, only the number of osteotomies performed was associated with increasing total drain volume (R=0.25, P=0.003). Total drain output did not correlate with postoperative change in hemoglobin (P=0.85), the need for postoperative blood transfusion (P=0.22), or the total volume of blood transfused perioperatively (P=0.06). Patients with large intraoperative blood loss or multiple osteotomies are more likely to have higher postoperative drain volumes. Drain volume alone, however, should not be used as a trigger for recommending a postoperative blood transfusion.

Hemostasis Management of Patients Undergoing Emergency Cardiac Surgery After Ticagrelor Loading

Summary Ticagrelor, a direct and reversible inhibitor of P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor, has become one of the most commonly used oral antiplatelet agents in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Consequently, an increasing number of patients are presenting for emergent cardiac surgery with extensive platelet inhibition, and a potential risk for major perioperative bleeding. Herein, we describe the management of 3 patients, each of whom required an emergent cardiac surgical procedure following a loading or maintenance dose of ticagrelor for presumed ACS. Preoperative platelet function assessment was performed using a whole blood platelet aggregation test to confirm the extent of platelet P2Y12 inhibition. Platelet transfusion in the presence of therapeutic drug levels of ticagrelor have minimal impact on cessation of bleeding. Appropriate timing of surgery, and use of adjunctive hemostatic therapies is therefore imperative to achieve intraoperative hemostasis, and to minimize the need for allogeneic blood transfusion.

Blood loss management in major elective orthopaedic surgery

Blood loss is anticipated with all surgical procedures. Within the field of elective orthopaedic surgery it is especially important to reduce bleeding to maintain a patient's haemodynamic balance and ensure a clear surgical field. Complex reconstructive arthroplasty and spinal procedures can be complicated by significant intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and result in the need for allogenic blood transfusion. Patients with higher rates of IBL have increased blood transfusion requirements, resulting in a higher risk of mortality and significant postoperative morbidity. The aim of this review is to outline strategies to manage IBL for both paediatric and adult patients undergoing major elective orthopaedic surgery, and to evaluate the available evidence regarding their efficacy in managing IBL and reducing the need for perioperative allogenic transfusion.

Inflammation and coagulation following minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation technologies.

Minimally invasive extracorporeal perfusion technologies are based on the use of a minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) system. This includes a closed CPB circuit; biologically inert blood contact surfaces; reduced priming volume; a centrifugal pump; a membrane oxygenator; a heat exchanger; a cardioplegia system; a venous bubble trap/venous air removing device; and a shed blood management system. Some of these items, alone or in combination, are able to modify the blood activation usually elicited by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The hemostatic system activation is less activated and lower degrees of thrombin generation and platelet activation have been found in numerous studies. Additionally, the reduced level of hemodilution plays an important role in preserving clot firmness after CPB with MiECC. These biochemical changes are reflected by a blood loss containment, a reduced need for allogeneic blood transfusions, and, in some studies, by a lower thromboembolic complications rate. The activation of the inflammatory cascade is in turn limited by MiECC, both directly (through a blunting of the contact-phase activation) and indirectly (through a limited thrombin generation, platelet activation, and consequent lower release of pro-inflammatory cytokines). The clinical consequences of this are mainly demonstrated by a lower rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation; other inflammation-derived outcomes appear favorably affected by MiECC (lung function, acute kidney injury) but the multi-factorial nature of these complications makes difficult to clearly attribute this pattern to a lower degree of inflammation. Overall, the existing body of evidence is in favor of MiECC with respect to standard CPB.

Operative Time Directly Correlates with Blood Loss and Need for Blood Transfusion in Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been shown to negatively affect patient outcomes. This study aimed to examine if there is a correlation between operative time and the need for allogeneic blood transfusions during TJA. We performed a retrospective review of 866 patients who underwent primary TJA during a one-year period at our institution. Logistic regression was performed to identify the association between operative time and need for allogeneic blood transfusion, controlling for other patient and surgical factors. Multiple linear regression analysis was also performed to see how the same factors affected CBL. Of the 866 cases, 13%(115) were simultaneous bilateral. 52%(449) of patients received preoperative autologous blood donation. The average operative time for unilateral and bilateral patients was 74.1±(33.9) and 132.6±(36.0) minutes, respectively. Average CBL for unilateral patients was 2120mL±(1208) and 4051mL±(1311) for bilateral cases. The average number of allogeneic transfusions was also higher within the bilateral group (0.49 vs 1.15 units). Multivariate analysis indicated that duration of surgery (odds ratio [OR]:1.35 per 15 minutes) and bilateral TJA (OR: 2.97) increase the risk of allogeneic blood transfusion, while patients having total knee arthroplasty are less likely to receive allogeneic blood transfusion (OR: 0.50). CBL also increased significantly with surgical duration (211.5 mL per 15 minutes). A subgroup analysis confirmed that there was a correlation between operative time and need for allogeneic transfusion following unilateral TJA. Expeditious surgery can minimize blood loss and subsequent need for blood transfusion and its associated adverse consequences. III.

Multiple intravenous tranexamic acid doses in total knee arthroplasty without tourniquet: a randomized controlled study.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used in the orthopedic field and particularly in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Its efficacy and safety in reducing the blood loss in TKA have been well-documented in the current literature. Little data regarding TKA without tourniquet and TXA exist. Our aim is to compare three different dosages of intravenous (IV) TXA in TKA without tourniquet. A total of 180 patients undergoing TKA for knee osteoarthritis were stratified in three equal groups. All surgeries were performed under spinal anesthesia, without tourniquet. Group A (60 patients) received 15mg/kg of IV TXA given on induction, Group B (60 patients) received an additional dose of IV TXA (15mg/kg) 3h after incision and Group C (60 patients) received an additional (third) dose 3 h later (15mg/kg). The measured outcomes were the change in hemoglobin (Hb) from pre-operatively to post-operatively, the amount of blood transfusion given (units), the functional and quality of life (QoL) and pain assessment based on their corresponding scoring system. Calculated blood loss, Hb decrease and transfusion rate were significantly lower in Group C (p value < 0.05). Additionally, patients that had been included in the three-dosage group benefited much more in terms of faster rehabilitation, better QoL, decreased post-operative pain, with no increase in complications. According to our results, three doses of IV TXA have effectively and safely reduced blood loss and the need of allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing TKA without tourniquet, with additional patients-related benefits. II.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Intraoperative Cell Salvage for Obstetric Hemorrhage

(Anesthesiology. 2018;128(2):328–337) Intraoperative cell salvage is recommended for blood conservation in cases of anticipated extreme blood loss, and reduces the need for allogeneic blood transfusion after cesarean delivery. There is a need for cost-effectiveness analysis of cell salvage in patients undergoing cesarean delivery to inform guidelines on obstetric blood management. Prior cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated cost-savings in cases of massive transfusion or high risk of transfusion. This study aimed to use a societal perspective to analyze the cost-effectiveness of intraoperative cell salvage during cesarean delivery.

Analysis of a large data set to identify predictors of blood transfusion in primary total hip and knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of need for allogenic blood transfusion (ALBT) in primary lower limb total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study utilized a large dataset of 15,187 patients undergoing primary unilateral TJA. Risk factors and demographic information were extracted from the electronic health record. A predictive model was developed by both a random forest (RF) algorithm and logistic regression (LR). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) was used to compare the accuracy of the two methods. The rate of ALBT was 18.9% in total. Patient-related factors associated with higher risk of an ALBT included female sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) II, ASA III, and ASA IV. Surgery-related risk factors for ALBT were operative time, drain use, and amount of intraoperative blood loss. Higher preoperative hemoglobin and tranexamic acid use were associated with decreased risk for ALBT. The RF model had a better predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] 0.84) than the LR model (AUC, 0.77; p < 0.001). The risk factors identified in the current study can provide specific, personalized perioperative ALBT risk assessment for a patient considering lower limb TJA. Furthermore, the predictive accuracy of the RF algorithm was significantly higher than that of LR, making it a potential tool for future personalized preoperative prediction of risk for perioperative ALBT.

Potentially clinically relevant concentrations of Cefazolin, Midazolam, Propofol, and Sufentanil in auto-transfused blood in congenital cardiac surgery

BackgroundUse of donor blood in congenital cardiac surgery increases the risk for post-operative morbidity and mortality. To reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusion a technique for peri-operative mechanical red cell salvage is applied. Blood from the operation site is collected in a reservoir, processed, passed through a lipophilic filter and returned to the patient. Influence of this cellsaver system on coagulation, fibrinolysis and inflammatory markers is known. To our knowledge no studies have been performed on the effects of autotransfusion on drug concentrations. A clinically relevant drug dose could potentially be returned to the patient through the auto-transfused blood, leading to unwanted drug reactions post-operatively. We aimed to measure drug concentrations in blood salvaged from the operation site and in the auto-transfused blood to determine if a clinically relevant drug dose is returned to the patient.MethodsThe study was performed at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of a tertiary university hospital. Blood samples were taken from the reservoir, after processing before the lipophilic filter, the auto-transfused blood, and the waste fluid. Samples were stored at − 80 C and drug concentration for sufentanil, propofol, midazolam and cefazolin were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Drug concentrations measured in the reservoir and the auto-transfused blood were compared and the relative reduction was calculated for each patient.ResultsBlood samples were taken from 18 cellsaver runs in 18 patients, age 0–13 years. Drug concentrations in the reservoir were comparable to concomitant concentrations in the patient. For sufentanil 34% (median, IQR 27–50) of drug concentration was retained from the reservoir in the auto-transfused blood, for midazolam 6% (median, IQR 4–10), for cefazolin 5% (median, IQR 2–6) and for propofol 0% (median, IQR 0–0) respectively.ConclusionDepending on the drug, up to 34% of the drug concentration salvaged from the operation site is returned to the patient through autotransfusion, potentially causing unwanted drug reactions post-operatively. Additionally, influence of a cellsaver system should be considered in pharmacological research during and after congenital cardiac surgery and could result in dose adjustments in the postoperative phase.Trial registrationRegistration at the Dutch Trial Registry (NTR3579) at August 14 2012.

Safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in patients undergoing majororthopaedic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Among the various pharmacological options to decrease peri-operative bleeding, tranexamic acid appears to be one of the most interesting. Several trials have consistently documented the efficacy of this synthetic drug in reducing the risk of blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. The safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in major orthopaedic surgery, particularly regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism, was systematically analysed in this review. A systematic search of the literature identified 73 randomised controlled trials involving 4,174 patients and 2,779 controls. The raw overall incidence of venous thromboembolism was 2.1% in patients who received intravenous tranexamic acid and 2.0% in controls. A meta-analytic pooling showed that the risk of venous thromboembolism in tranexamic acid-treated patients was not significantly different from that of controls (risk difference: 0.01%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.05%, 0.07%; risk ratio: 1.067, 95% CI: 0.760-1.496). Other severe drug-related adverse events occurred very rarely (0.1%). In conclusion, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that intravenous tranexamic acid is a safe pharmacological treatment to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery.

Effects of acute normovolemic hemodilution on healing of gastric anastomosis in rats.

PurposeAcute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) is an autologous transfusion method, using blood collected during surgery, to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion. ANH is controversial because it may lead to various complications. Among the possible complications, anastomotic leakage is one that would have a significant effect on the operation outcome. However, the relationship between ANH and anastomotic site healing requires additional research. Therefore, we conducted this prospective study of ANH, comparing it with standard intraoperative management, undergoing gastric anastomosis in rats.MethodsSixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: group A, surgery with ANH; group N, surgery with standard intraoperative management; and group C, sham surgery with standard intraoperative management. ANH was performed in group A animals by, removing 5.8–6.6 mL of blood and replacing it with 3 times as much crystalloid. All rats were enthanized on postoperative day 6, and histopathologic analyses were performed.ResultsThe mean hematocrit values, after hemodilution were 22.0% (range, 18.0%–29.0%), group A; 33.0% (29.0%–35.0%), group N; and 32.5% (29.0%–34.0%), group C. There were significant differences between groups A and N (P = 0.019, P = 0.009, P = 0.004, P = 0.039, and P = 0.027), and between groups N and C (P = 0.006, P = 0.027, P = 0.04, P = 0.008, and P = 0.009) with respect to inflammatory cell numbers, neovascularization, fibroblast numbers, edema and necrosis, respectively; there were no differences between groups A and N.ConclusionIn rat model, anastomotic complications did not increase in the ANH group, compared with the standard intraoperative management group.

Safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in patients undergoing majororthopaedic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Among the various pharmacological options to decrease peri-operative bleeding, tranexamic acid appears to be one of the most interesting. Several trials have consistently documented the efficacy of this synthetic drug in reducing the risk of blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. The safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in major orthopaedic surgery, particularly regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism, was systematically analysed in this review. A systematic search of the literature identified 73 randomised controlled trials involving 4,174 patients and 2,779 controls. The raw overall incidence of venous thromboembolism was 2.1% in patients who received intravenous tranexamic acid and 2.0% in controls. A meta-analytic pooling showed that the risk of venous thromboembolism in tranexamic acid-treated patients was not significantly different from that of controls (risk difference: 0.01%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.05%, 0.07%; risk ratio: 1.067, 95% CI: 0.760-1.496). Other severe drug-related adverse events occurred very rarely (0.1%). In conclusion, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that intravenous tranexamic acid is a safe pharmacological treatment to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery.

Application of postoperative autotransfusion in total joint arthroplasty reduces allogeneic blood requirements: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundTotal joint arthroplasty is associated with significant blood loss and often requires blood transfusion. However, allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) may lead to severe problems, such as immunoreaction and infection. Postoperative autotransfusion, an alternative to ABT, is controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the ability of postoperative autotransfusion to reduce the need for ABT following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsSystematic literature searches for randomized controlled trials were performed using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until February 2016. Relative risks (RRs) and weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed-effect or random-effect models; we also evaluated publication bias and heterogeneity.ResultsSeventeen trials with a total of 2314 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled RRs of ABT rate between autotransfusion and the regular drainage/no drainage groups for TKA and THA were 0.446 (95% CI = 0.287, 0.693; p < 0.001) and 0.757 (95% CI = 0.599, 0.958; p = 0.020), respectively. In the subgroup analysis performed in TKA patients according to control interventions, the pooled RRs were 0.377 (95% CI = 0.224, 0.634; p < 0.001) (compared with regular drainage) and 0.804 (95% CI = 0.453, 1.426, p = 0.456) (compared with no drainage). In the subgroup analysis performed for THA, the pooled RRs were 0.536 (95% CI = 0.379, 0.757, p < 0.001) (compared with regular drainage) and 1.020 (95% CI = 0.740, 1.405, p = 0.904) (compared with no drainage).ConclusionsCompared to regular drainage, autotransfusion reduces the need for ABT following TKA and THA. This reduction is not present when comparing autotransfusion to no drainage. However, the reliability of the meta-analytic results concerning TKA was limited by significant heterogeneity in methods among the included studies.

Serotonergic Antidepressants Are Associated with Increased Blood Loss and Risk for Transfusion in Single-Level Lumbar Fusion Surgery.

Study DesignRetrospective case-control study.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of antidepressants on blood loss and transfusion requirements in spinal surgery patients.Overview of LiteratureSeveral studies have shown an increase in perioperative bleeding in orthopedic surgery patients on antidepressant drug therapy, yet no study has examined the impact of these agents on spinal surgery patients.MethodsCharts of patients who underwent single-level spinal fusion (posterior lumbar interbody fusion with posterior instrumentation) performed by five fellowship-trained surgeons at a tertiary spine center between 2008 and 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusion criteria included select medical comorbidities, select drug therapy, and Amercian Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification score of greater than 2. Serotonergic antidepressants were examined in multivariate analysis to assess their predictive value on estimated blood loss and risk of transfusion.ResultsA total of 235 patients, of which 52% were female, were included. Allogeneic blood was transfused in 7% of patients. The average estimated blood loss was 682±463 mL. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were taken by 10% of all patients. Multivariable regression analysis showed that intake of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors was a significant predictor for blood loss (average increase of 34%, p=0.015) and for the need of allogeneic blood transfusion (odds ratio, 4.550; p=0.029).ConclusionsThere was a statistically significant association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and both increased blood loss and risk of allogeneic red blood cell transfusion. Surgeons and perioperative providers should take these findings into account when assessing patients' preoperative risk for blood loss and transfusion.

Management of Blood Loss in Hip Arthroplasty: Korean Hip Society Current Consensus.

The volume of hip arthroplasty is stiffly increasing because of excellent clinical outcomes, however it has not been shown to decrease the incidence of transfusions due to bleeding related to this surgery. This is an important consideration since there are concerns about the side effects and social costs of transfusions. First, anemia should be assessed at least 30 days before elective hip arthroplasty, and if the subject is diagnosed as having anemia, an additional examination of the cause of the anemia should be carried and steps taken to address the anemia. Available iron treatments for anemia take 7 to 10 days to facilitate erythropoiesis, and preoperative iron supplementation, either oral or intravenous, is recommended. When using oral supplements for iron storage, administer elemental iron 100 mg daily for 2 to 6 weeks before surgery, and calculate the dose using intravenous supplement. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic derivative of the lysine component, which reduces blood loss by inhibiting fibrinolysis and clot degradation. TXA is known to be an effective agent for reducing postoperative bleeding and reducing the need for transfusions in primary and revision total hip arthroplasties. Patient blood management has improved the clinical outcome after hip arthroplasty through the introduction and research of various agents, thereby reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusions and reducing the risk of transfusion-related infections and the duration of hospitalizations.

Strategies to Minimize Blood Loss and Transfusion in Pediatric Spine Surgery

* Definitive correction of pediatric spinal deformities can result in considerable blood loss, operative time, cost, and need for allogenic blood transfusion.* Numerous intraoperative strategies are utilized by surgeons and anesthesiologists to minimize blood loss through conservation or transfusion.* With the use of modern perioperative blood-conserving techniques, blood loss and blood transfusion rates have been reduced substantially in pediatric patients treated operatively for spinal deformities.

Effect of tranexamic acid use on blood loss and thromboembolic risk in hip fracture surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Intravenous tranexamic acid (IV TXA) is a recognised pharmaceutical intervention utilised to minimise blood loss and allogenic blood transfusion. However, the use of IV TXA in hip fracture surgery remains inconclusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the role of TXA in operative hip fracture management on operative and total blood loss, allogenic blood transfusion requirements and impact on venous thromboembolic (VTE) event incidence. A systematic computerised literature search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, Ovid, The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Trip and Google was conducted. We reviewed the efficacy of IV TXA on perioperative blood loss, total blood loss, pre- and postoperative haemoglobin differences, duration of surgery, allogenic blood transfusion requirements and VTE events. 8 studies were eligible including 6 randomised control trials and 2 cohort studies. Patients receiving IV TXA had reduced mean total blood loss of 442.9 mls (95% CI, 426.5-459.3; p<0.00001), reduced operative blood loss of 88.5 mls (95% CI, 59.9-117.2; p<0.00001), a decrease in the need for allogenic blood transfusion (OR 0.37; 95% CI, 0.26-0.53; p<0.00001) and a reduction in pre- and postoperative haemoglobin difference (p = 0.013.) There was no significant increase in VTE risk (OR 1.59; 95% CI 0.67-3.75; p>0.29) or significant difference on duration of surgery seen with IV TXA usage (p>0.06). Our review demonstrated the efficacy of IV TXA in minimising perioperative, reducing total blood loss and lowering the necessity for allogenic blood transfusions with no significant increased risk in VTE events.