Allogeneic Blood Transfusion Rate Research Articles

Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution Reduces Allogeneic Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials.

To better understand the role of acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) in a surgical setting with high risk of bleeding, we analyzed all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the setting of cardiac surgery that compared ANH with standard intraoperative care. The aim was to assess the incidence of ANH-related number of allogeneic red blood cell units (RBCu) transfused. Secondary outcomes included the rate of allogeneic blood transfusion and estimated total blood loss. Twenty-nine RCTs for a total of 2439 patients (1252 patients in the ANH group and 1187 in the control group) were included in our meta-analysis using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and EMBASE. Patients in the ANH group received fewer allogeneic RBCu transfusions (mean difference = -0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.25 to -0.34; P = .001; I = 95.1%). Patients in the ANH group were overall transfused less with allogeneic blood when compared with controls (356/845 [42.1%] in the ANH group versus 491/876 [56.1%] in controls; risk ratio = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.87; P < .0001; I = 72.5%), and they experienced less postoperative blood loss (388 mL in ANH versus 450 mL in control; mean difference = -0.64; 95% CI, -0.97 to -0.31; P < .0001; I = 91.8%). ANH reduces the number of allogeneic RBCu transfused in the cardiac surgery setting together with a reduction in the rate of patients transfused with allogeneic blood and with a reduction of bleeding.

Direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty with a novel mobile traction table -a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe purpose of this prospective cohort study was to clarify the safety and efficacy of total hip arthroplasty via the direct anterior approach in the supine position with a novel mobile traction table.MethodsThe first experience of consecutive surgeries by a single surgeon using the direct anterior approach with a traction table is described with a two-year follow-up period. Of 121 patients, 100 patients without previous hip surgeries, severe deformity, or cemented implants were divided into two groups comprising the first 50 patients and the second 50 patients.ResultsThe implant survival rate was 99% at the two-year follow-up. Revision surgery was required for periprosthetic femoral fracture in one patient. The complication rate possibly related to the traction table was 5% (5 patients): three anterior dislocations, one periprosthetic femoral fracture, and one intraoperative perforation caused by femoral rasping. The complication rate tended to decrease in the second group compared to the first group (4% versus 6%). Mean surgical time (72.0 minutes versus 82.5 min, p = 0.027), rate of allogeneic blood transfusion (2% versus 24%, p = 0.001), and cup alignment in the safe zone (100% versus 88%, p = 0.027) were significantly improved in the second group compared to the first group.ConclusionThe direct anterior approach with a novel mobile traction table showed a positive learning curve for surgical time, rate of allogeneic blood transfusion, and cup alignment in the safe zone.

Comparison Between Closed Suction Drainage and No Drainage Following Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Tertiary Care Setting in Pakistan.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty is associated with hematoma formation and extensive blood loss up to 1.5 liters. The placement of a closed suction drain to control this complication is controversial. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy between total knee arthroplasty without a drain and with a closed suction drain. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2014 and December 2015 on 100 patients to assess the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, the rate of allogeneic blood transfusion, and the length of hospital stay in patients with a closed suction drain versus no suction post-total knee arthroplasty.Results: Fifty-six units of packed red blood cells were transfused in 36 out of 50 patients (72%) in the closed suction group compared to 21 units of packed red blood cells in 18 out of 50 patients (36%) in the no suction group after 24 hours post-surgery. The hemoglobin levels at multiple intervals were lower in the closed suction group (p < 0.05). The closed suction group also had an extra one-day stay in the hospital (p = 0.0492, 95% CI = 0.70 - 0.94).Conclusion: Closed suction drain placement is associated with low hemoglobin levels, an increased rate of allogeneic blood transfusion, and a longer hospital stay.

Blood Management Strategies in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

A perioperative blood management program is one of a number of important elements for successful patient care in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and surgeons should be proactive in its application. The aims of blood conservation are to reduce the risk of blood transfusion whilst at the same time maximizing hemoglobin (Hb) in the postoperative period, leading to a positive effect on outcome and cost. An individualized strategy based on patient specific risk factors, anticipated blood loss and comorbidities are useful in achieving this aim. Multiple blood conservation strategies are available in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative periods and can be employed in various combinations. Recent literature has highlighted the importance of preoperative Hb optimization, minimizing blood loss and evidence-based transfusion guidelines. Given TKA is an elective procedure, a zero allogenic blood transfusion rate should be the aim and an achievable goal.

Intra-operative blood salvage in total hip and knee arthroplasty.

To review records of 371 patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA) with intra-operative blood salvage to determine the allogeneic blood transfusion rate and the predictors for allogeneic blood transfusion. Records of 155 male and 216 female consecutive patients aged 17 to 95 (mean, 70) years who underwent primary THA or TKA by a single surgeon with the use of intra-operative blood salvage were reviewed. The preoperative haemoglobin level was <120 g/dl in 15% of THA patients and 5% of TKA patients; the allogeneic transfusion rate was 24% in THA patients and 12% in TKA patients. Despite routine use of intra-operative blood salvage, only 59% of THA patients and 63% of TKA patients actually received salvaged blood, as a minimum of 200 ml blood loss was required to activate blood salvage. In multivariable analysis, predictors for allogeneic blood transfusion were female gender (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=2.8, p=0.02), age >75 years (adjusted OR=5.9, p<0.001), and preoperative haemoglobin level <120 g/l (adjusted OR=30.1, p<0.001), despite the use of intra-operative blood salvage. Patients who received allogeneic blood transfusion had a longer hospital stay and greater complication rate. Intra-operative blood salvage is not effective in preventing allogeneic blood transfusion in patients with a preoperative haemoglobin level <120 g/l. It should be combined with preoperative optimisation of the haemoglobin level or use of tranexamic acid.

Intravenous versus topical tranexamic acid administration in primary total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis was designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of intravenous (IV) versus topical administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by evaluating the need for allogenic blood transfusion, incidence of postoperative complications, volume of postoperative blood loss, and change in haemoglobin levels. Studies were included in this meta-analysis to check whether they assessed the allogenic blood transfusion rate, postoperative complications including pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), volume of postoperative blood loss via drainage, estimated blood loss, total blood loss, and change in haemoglobin levels before and after surgery in primary TKA with TXA administered through both the IV and topical routes. Ten studies were included in this meta-analysis. The proportion of patients requiring allogenic blood transfusion (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.63-2.81; n.s.) and the proportion of patients who developed postoperative complications including PTE or DVT (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.77; n.s.) did not significantly differ between the two groups. There was 52.3mL less blood loss via drainage (95% CI -50.74 to 185.66mL; n.s.), 52.1mL greater estimated blood loss (95% CI -155.27 to 51.03mL; n.s.), and 51.4mL greater total blood loss (95% CI -208.16 to 105.31mL; n.s.) in the topical TXA group as compared to the IV TXA group. The two groups were also similar in terms of the change in haemoglobin levels (0.02g/dL, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.39g/dL; n.s.). In primary TKA, there are no significant differences in the transfusion requirement, postoperative complications, blood loss, and change in haemoglobin levels between the IV and topical administration of TXA. In addition, results from subgroup analysis evaluating the effect of the times of TXA administration through the IV route suggested that double IV dose of TXA is more effective than single dose in terms of the transfusion requirements and blood loss via drainage. The current meta-analysis indicates that IV administration of 10mg/kg of TXA 20min before inflation of the tourniquet followed by 10mg/kg of TXA 15min before deflation of the tourniquet is effective and safe. The topical administration of 2g of TXA mixed with 100mL of normal saline after wound closure could be an alternative option in patients at greater risk of thromboembolic complications. Meta-analysis, Level III.

Tranexamic Acid Reduces Blood Transfusions in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe use of tranexamic acid (TEA) can significantly reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusions in elective primary joint arthroplasty. Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) requires increased utilization of postoperative blood transfusions for acute blood loss anemia compared with elective primary hip arthroplasty. There is limited literature to support the routine use of TEA in revision THA. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 161 consecutive patients who underwent revision THA from 2012 to 2014 at a single institution by 2 fellowship-trained surgeons. We compared the transfusion requirements and the postoperative hemoglobin drop of the TEA group (109 patients, 114 hips) vs the no-TEA group (52 patients, 56 hips). Our standard protocol for administering TEA is 1000 mg IV at incision and the same dose repeated 2 hours later. The no-TEA group did not receive the medication because of previous hospital contraindication criteria. ResultsThe transfusion rate was significantly less for the TEA group (7%) compared with the no-TEA group (34%; P < .0001). The mean hemoglobin delta was also significantly less for the TEA group (2.0 ± 1.3 g/dL) compared with the no-TEA group (3.5 ± 1.4 g/dL, P < .0001). No adverse thromboembolic events occurred in the patients who received TEA. ConclusionThe routine use of TEA during revision THA demonstrated a significant reduction in allogenic blood transfusion rates. The postoperative hemoglobin drop was also significantly less with the use of TEA. We recommend the routine use of TEA during revision THA.

Intravenous vs Topical Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty Without Tourniquet Application: A Randomized Controlled Study

BackgroundUse of tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective and safe in reducing the blood loss in total knee arthroplasty (TKR) performed using a tourniquet, but, data in TKR performed without tourniquet are limited, and there is no study comparing the topical (T) with intravenous (IV) TXA administration. Our aim was to compare the topical (T) with intravenous (IV) TXA administration in TKR performed without tourniquet. Material and methodsA total of 120 patients undergoing unilateral TKR for knee osteoarthritis were included in a prospective randomized study. Operations were performed under spinal anesthesia, no tourniquet was used, and the postoperative regime was the same for all patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups; in group C (control), 40 patients received no TXA, in group IV, 40 patients received 1 g of TXA intravenously, and in group L, 1 g of TXA was applied locally to 40 patients. The primary outcome measures included the calculated blood loss, the transfusion rate, and quantity of allogeneic blood units, whereas secondary outcome measures were complications. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in patient's demographics and perioperative results. Calculated blood loss, allogeneic blood transfusion rate, and quantity in group C were significantly higher compared with those of TXA groups (P < .001). There was no significant difference in complications rate between the 3 groups. ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, IV or T administration of 1-g TXA significantly reduced the blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing TKR without a tourniquet (with no significant difference between the 2 routes of administration).

Two-year experience with cell salvage in total hip arthroplasty

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the cell salvage system in total hip arthroplasty surgeries and whether the cell salvage system can reduce the allogeneic blood transfusion requirement in total hip arthroplasty patients. We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of patients who underwent hip arthroplasty surgeries between 2010 and 2012 in a university hospital. A total of 181 arthroplasty patients were enrolled in our study. In the cell salvage group, the mean perioperative rate of allogeneic blood transfusion was significantly lower (92.53±111.88mL) than that in the control group (170.14±116.79mL; p<0.001). When the mean postoperative transfusion rates were compared, the cell salvage group had lower values (125.37±193.33mL) than the control group (152.22±208.37mL), although the difference was not statistically significant. The number of patients receiving allogeneic blood transfusion in the CS group (n=29; 43.2%) was also significantly lower than control group (n=56; 73.6%; p<0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, perioperative amount of transfusion, odds ratio (OR) -4.257 (95% CI -0.502 to 0.184) and operation time, OR: 2.720 (95% CI 0.001-0.004) were independent risk factors for the usage of cell salvage system. Cell salvage is an effective strategy for reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in the perioperative setting; it provides support to patient blood management interventions. Thus, we recommend the cell salvage system for use in total hip arthroplasty surgeries to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion, if possible.

PD43-04 A POPULATION BASED ANALYSIS OF COMPLICATIONS AFTER RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY – RESULTS FROM A NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE DATABASE

You have accessJournal of UrologyProstate Cancer: Localized: Surgical Therapy VI1 Apr 2016PD43-04 A POPULATION BASED ANALYSIS OF COMPLICATIONS AFTER RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY – RESULTS FROM A NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE DATABASE Jan Schmitges, Jana Rose, Johannes Pollmanns, Markus Graefen, Benno Neukirch, Martin Friedrich, Saskia Droesler, and Maria Weyermann Jan SchmitgesJan Schmitges More articles by this author , Jana RoseJana Rose More articles by this author , Johannes PollmannsJohannes Pollmanns More articles by this author , Markus GraefenMarkus Graefen More articles by this author , Benno NeukirchBenno Neukirch More articles by this author , Martin FriedrichMartin Friedrich More articles by this author , Saskia DroeslerSaskia Droesler More articles by this author , and Maria WeyermannMaria Weyermann More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.1782AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a common treatment option for prostate cancer. To date, no nationally representative data exist for Germany. METHODS Analysis based on nationwide administrative hospital data from the German diagnosis related groups (DRG) database administrated by the Federal Statistical Office for the year 2012. Patients with prostate cancer as principle diagnosis and procedure code for radical prostatectomy were included. Available patient characteristics consisted of age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, surgical approach (retropubic vs. robot-assisted vs. laparoscopic vs. perineal), status of lymph node dissection (LND) and nerve-sparing procedure, hospital district, hospital region and hospital volume. We examined the rate of blood transfusion, intra- and postoperative complications, in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges using validated methodology. RESULTS Overall, 25,333 men underwent RP. Of these, 16,372 (64.6%) men were treated by retropubic, 5,657 (22.3%) by robot-assisted, 2,730 (10.8%) by laparoscopic and 574 (2.3%) by perineal RP. The rate of LND and nerve-sparing procedure was 84.1 and 52.8%, respectively. The rate of autologous and allogeneic blood transfusion was 0.3 and 8.8%, respectively. Intraoperative complications were recorded in 2.7%. Specifically, rectal laceration, ureteral injury and nerve- or vessel injury were recorded in 1.5, 0.7 and 1.1%, respectively. Postoperative complications were recorded in 26.7%. Specifically, 2.7% of patients suffered from cardial, 1.1% from respiratory, 4.0% from wound, 1.6% from vascular, 8.6% from genitourinary, 7.5% from miscellaneous medical and 13.2% from miscellanoeous surgical complications. In-hospital mortality was 0.2%. Mean LOS was 10.8 days. Mean hospital charges were 7,409 Euro. Results from multivariable logistic regression analyses will be presented at the congress. CONCLUSIONS Institutional results should ideally be compared to nationally representative data. In 2012, RP in Germany was performed in 33% in a minimally-invasive fashion, the most temporal overall postoperative complication rate was 27%. © 2016FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 195Issue 4SApril 2016Page: e993-e994 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016MetricsAuthor Information Jan Schmitges More articles by this author Jana Rose More articles by this author Johannes Pollmanns More articles by this author Markus Graefen More articles by this author Benno Neukirch More articles by this author Martin Friedrich More articles by this author Saskia Droesler More articles by this author Maria Weyermann More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Bipolar Sealer Device Reduces Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements in Posterior Spinal Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis: A Randomized Control Trial.

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study. To determine the efficacy of bipolar sealer device in reducing perioperative blood loss and transfusions in degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients undergoing primary posterior spinal fusion. It has recently been used successfully in pediatric spine surgery, particularly in idiopathic and neuromuscular deformities. However, there is a dearth of literature on prospective study of the efficacy of bipolar sealer device in reducing perioperative blood loss and transfusions in patients undergoing degenerative lumbar scoliosis surgery. A total of 100 consecutive degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients who had undergone primary decompression and posterior spinal fusion with segmental spinal instrumentation between June 2010 and June 2012 were prospectively randomized into 1 of 2 groups according to whether bipolar sealer device for intraoperative/postoperative blood management was used or not. Demographic distribution, perioperative blood loss, blood transfusion rate, the length of stay, and postoperative complications were analyzed. The operation time was significantly shorter in the study group than in the control group, 223.4 versus 248.9 minutes (P=0.026). There was significantly lower intraoperative estimated blood loss in the bipolar sealer group, 407 versus 696 mL (P=0.000). Of the patients with the use of bipolar sealer device, the mean red blood cell transfusion requirement during hospitalization was significantly less than the control group, 0.4 versus 1.1 U/patient (P=0.003). Furthermore, significant difference existed in allogenic blood transfusion rate between the 2 cohorts. Within the study group (with the use of bipolar sealer device), the entire perioperative allogenic blood transfusion rate was 18.0% compared with 40.0% of the control group (P=0.015). There were no complications related directly to the use of the bipolar sealer. Utilization of a bipolar sealer during correction of lumbar degenerative scoliosis may offer comparable hemostatic effects, without prohibitive cost or adverse drug-related risks.

Computer navigation is effective in reducing blood loss but has no effect on transfusion requirement following primary total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the effects of computer navigation on blood conservation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by comparing postoperative blood loss and need for allogenic blood transfusion in patients undergoing computer navigation and conventional primary TKAs. Studies were included in this meta-analysis if they compared change in haemoglobin concentration before and after surgery, postoperative blood loss via drainage or calculated total blood loss, and/or allogenic blood transfusion rate following TKA using computer navigation and conventional methods. For all comparisons, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for binary outcomes, while mean difference and 95% CI were calculated for continuous outcomes. Twelve studies were included in this meta-analysis. The change in haemoglobin concentration was 0.39g/dl lower with computer navigation than with conventional TKA (P=0.006). Blood loss via drainage was 83.1ml (P=0.03) lower and calculated blood loss was 185.4ml (P=0.002) lower with computer navigation than with conventional TKA. However, the need for blood transfusion was similar for the two approaches (n.s.). The primary TKA with computer navigation was effective in reducing haemoglobin loss and blood loss, but had no effect on transfusion requirement, compared with conventional primary TKA. These findings suggest the importance of analysing several blood loss parameters, because each may not always accurately reflect true postsurgical bleeding. Meta-analysis, Level III.

Subcutaneous versus intraarticular closed suction indwelling drainage after total knee arthroplasty

Background:Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is widely accepted treatment for moderate or severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Significant blood loss can be seen during the early postoperative period where a blood transfusion may be necessary. Closed suction drainage is known to prevent the formation of hematomas in the operative field, decrease tension on incisions, diminish delayed wound healing and reduce the risk of infection. Subcutaneous indwelling closed suction drainage method has been known to be beneficial and an alternative to the intraarticular indwelling method. This prospective randomized study was to compare the visible, hidden, total blood loss and postoperative hemodynamic change of subcutaneous and intraarticular indwelling closed suction drainage method after TKA.Materials and Methods:One hundred and sixty patients with primary osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral TKA were enrolled; group A with subcutaneous (n = 78) and group B with intraarticular (n = 79) indwelling closed suction drainage method. Total blood loss, visible blood loss, internal blood loss, postoperative day 1, 5th, 10th day hemoglobin, hematocrit levels were compared. Allogeneic blood transfusion rate and complications related to soft tissue hematoma formation were additionally compared.Results:Allogenic transfusion requirements between subcutaneous drainage group and intraarticular drainage groups (6.4% vs. 24.1%) were significantly different (P = 0.002). Although the minor complications such as the incidence of bullae formation and the ecchymosis were higher in the subcutaneous indwelling group, the functional outcome at postoperative 2 year did not demonstrate the difference from intraarticular drainage group.Conclusion:Subcutaneous indwelling closed suction drainage method is a reasonable option after TKA for reduction of postoperative bleeding and transfusion rate.

Risk Factors for the Postoperative Transfusion of Allogeneic Blood in Orthopedics Patients With Intraoperative Blood Salvage: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The purpose of this study is to explore the risk factors affecting the postoperative transfusion of allogeneic blood in patients undergoing orthopedics surgery with intraoperative blood salvage (IBS). A retrospective study of 279 patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries with IBS from May 2013 to May 2015 was enrolled. The binary logistic regression was used to find out the risk factors associated with postoperative transfusion of allogeneic blood in orthopedics patients with IBS, and then receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to determine the optimal threshold of the regression model.Single factor analysis showed that age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, preoperative hemoglobin, operation time, received autologous blood, the laying time of autologous blood, bleeding volume, and postoperative drainage volume had significant effects on postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion.In binary logistic regression analysis, the independent factors predicting orthopedic patients with IBS need to transfuse allogeneic blood after surgeries were age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.415, P = 0.006), ASA grade (OR = 2.393, P = 0.035), preoperative hemoglobin (OR = 0.532, P = 0.022), and postoperative drainage volume (OR = 4.279, P = 0.000). The area under ROC curve was 0.79 and the predicted accuracy rate of the model was 81.58%.After operation, the orthopedic patients with IBS still have a high allogeneic blood transfusion rate, and IBS is not a perfect blood protection method. The logistic regression model of our study provides a reliable prediction for postoperative transfusion of allogeneic blood in orthopedic patients with IBS, which have a certain reference value.

The effects of tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, controlled trial.

Tourniquets are still widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although they may be associated with several adverse effects. An observer-blinded, randomized, controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effects of tourniquet use in TKA. Fifty participants who underwent staged bilateral TKA were recruited for this study. The first-side TKA was randomly allocated to either long-duration tourniquet use or short-duration tourniquet use followed by a 3-month washout period and crossover to the other tourniquet strategy for the opposite-side TKA. Blood loss was monitored perioperatively. The operating time, allogeneic blood transfusion rate, thigh pain, knee pain, limb swelling, clinical outcome as measured by the Likert-type Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) score, straight leg raising and knee active range of motion (ROM) were also recorded. The long-duration tourniquet group exhibited reduced total blood loss [-99.1ml, 95% confidence interval (CI) -168.1 to -30.1, P=0.0411] and intraoperative blood loss (-225.2ml, 95% CI -369.5 to -80.9, P=0.0071) compared with the short-duration tourniquet group. However, there were greater postoperative blood loss (69.6ml, 95% CI 21.1 to 118.2, P=0.0282) and hidden blood loss (52.8ml, 95% CI 10.5 to 95.1, P=0.0332) in the long-duration tourniquet group. The short-duration tourniquet group showed better outcomes for thigh and knee pain, limb swelling, WOMAC score at 6-week follow-up, straight leg raising and knee ROM. Similar allogeneic blood transfusion rates were observed for both groups. Total and intraoperative blood losses were reduced with the long-duration tourniquet use, whereas the short-duration tourniquet use would reduce postoperative and hidden blood losses without increasing the allogeneic blood transfusion rate. In addition, short-duration tourniquet use would result in faster recovery and less pain during the early rehabilitation period following TKA. I.

The Use of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Patients Undergoing Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Analysis at a Single Military Institution.

To describe a single institution's experience after initiation of a protocol in which all primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients were administered intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) intraoperatively to decrease perioperative blood loss. A retrospective review of medical records at a single institution from February 2012 to April 2014. The TXA treatment group was compared to a control group. We reviewed intraoperative blood loss, preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) levels, postoperative day 0 to 2 Hb levels, transfusion rates, postoperative venous thromboembolism, and other complication rates. 259 patients underwent either TKA (165) or THA (94). 121 received perioperative intravenous TXA and 138 did not. There was a statistically decreased rate of allogeneic blood transfusion (0 vs. 10, p = 0.003) as well as a higher postoperative day 2 Hb level (10.8 ± 1.1 vs. 10.2 ± 2.6 g/dL, p = 0.02) in the treatment group. There was no statistical difference in any variable measured in the THA group, though there was a trend toward higher postoperative Hb levels at all-time points measured. Intravenous TXA is a safe and effective drug to decrease perioperative blood loss and allogeneic transfusion in THA and TKA. There was no increased risk of venous thromboembolism or other complications in our review.

The role of tranexamic acid in a comprehensive blood management protocol for total hip and knee arthroplasty patients

Allogeneic blood transfusions during total hip or knee arthroplasty have been associated with increased risks for perioperative complications as well as increased medical costs. A multi-modal approach toperioperative management of the patients to minimize the risk for an allogeneic blood transfusion can help both the patient and the health care system. This approach involves optimizing the patients’ hemoglobin preoperatively, utilizing a variety of techniques intraoperatively including tranexamic acid to minimize blood loss, and using patient specific transfusion triggers post-operatively. In particular, the incorporation of tranexamic acid to the perioperative management of total hip and total knee replacement patients dramatically decreased the rate of allogeneic blood transfusions in our hospital.

Two-year experience with cell salvage in total hip arthroplasty

Background and objectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the cell salvage system in total hip arthroplasty surgeries and whether the cell salvage system can reduce the allogeneic blood transfusion requirement in total hip arthroplasty patients. MethodsWe reviewed retrospectively the medical records of patients who underwent hip arthroplasty surgeries between 2010 and 2012 in a university hospital. A total of 181 arthroplasty patients were enrolled in our study. ResultsIn the cell salvage group, the mean perioperative rate of allogeneic blood transfusion was significantly lower (92.53±111.88mL) than that in the control group (170.14±116.79mL; p<0.001). When the mean postoperative transfusion rates were compared, the cell salvage group had lower values (125.37±193.33mL) than the control group (152.22±208.37mL), although the difference was not statistically significant. The number of patients receiving allogeneic blood transfusion in the CS group (n=29; 43.2%) was also significantly lower than control group (n=56; 73.6%; p<0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, perioperative amount of transfusion, odds ratio (OR) −4.257 (95% CI −0.502 to 0.184) and operation time, OR: 2.720 (95% CI 0.001–0.004) were independent risk factors for the usage of cell salvage system. ConclusionCell salvage is an effective strategy for reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in the perioperative setting; it provides support to patient blood management interventions. Thus, we recommend the cell salvage system for use in total hip arthroplasty surgeries to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion, if possible.

Comparison of therapeutic effects between drainage blood reinfusion and temporary clamping drainage after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE:To compare the therapeutic effects between drainage blood reinfusion and temporary clamping drainage after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis to provide a basis for clinical practice.METHODS:Data from 83 patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty were retrospectively analyzed. The 83 patients were divided into a drainage blood reinfusion group (DR group, n = 45) and a temporary clamping drainage group (CD group, n = 38). In the DR group, postoperative drainage blood was used for autotransfusion. In the CD group, closed drainage was adopted, and the drainage tube was clamped for 2 h postoperatively followed by patency. The postoperative drainage amount, hemoglobin level, rate and average volume of allogeneic blood transfusion, swelling and ecchymosis of the affected knee joint, time to straight-leg raising and range of active knee flexion were compared between the two groups.RESULTS:The total drainage volume was higher in the DR group than in the CD group (P = 0.000). The average volume of postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion (P = 0.000) and the decrease in the hemoglobin level 24 h after total knee arthroplasty (P = 0.012) were lower in the DR group than in the CD group. Swelling and ecchymosis of the affected knee joint, time to straight-leg raising and the range of active knee flexion were improved in the DR group compared with the CD group (all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Compared with temporary clamping drainage, drainage blood reinfusion after total knee arthroplasty can reduce the allogeneic blood transfusion volume and is conducive to early rehabilitation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Blood Conservation Strategies in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Peri-operative blood management is one of a number of components important for successful patient care in total joint arthroplasty and surgeons should be proactive in its application. The aims of blood conservation are to reduce the risks of blood transfusion whilst at the same time maximizing haemaglobin in the post-operative period, thereby leading to a positive effect on early and long term outcomes and costs. An individualized strategy based on patient specific risk factors, anticipated blood loss and co-morbidities is useful in achieving this aim. Multiple blood conservation strategies are available in the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative periods and can be utilised either individually or in combination. Recent literature has highlighted the importance of identifying and correcting pre-operative anaemia, salvaging peri-operative red cells and the use of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss. Given total hip and knee arthroplasty is an elective procedure, a zero allogenic blood transfusion rate should be the aim and an achievable goal.