Topical Tranexamic Acid Group Research Articles

The Efficacy of Topical Tranexamic Acid in Breast Surgery Evaluating the Drain Output and Complications Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction : The topical administration of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) has gained significant attention for its potential advantages in various plastic surgery procedures. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the use of topical TXA in breast surgery, analysing its impact on postoperative drain output and complications. Method : PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. The data synthesis utilized random-effects models and the findings were presented as a mean difference and weighted odds ratio along with the corresponding 95% confidence interval. Results : Seven studies including four RCTs and three observational studies, comprising 1,553 breasts undergoing surgery were included. The average age of participants was 46 years; mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.1 kg/mm2. Of the breasts studied, 764 (49%) received topical TXA and 789 (51%) received normal saline as placebo. Overall, topical TXA was associated with a lower drain output in the first 24 hours postoperative (MD -25.87; p=0.00001) and a lower cumulative drain output (MD -59.72; p<0.00001). The rate of hematoma is significantly lower in the topical TXA group compared to the control group (OR 0.19; p=0.0009). There were no significant differences in rates of seroma, infection, thromboembolic events and time to drain removal between groups. Conclusion: Evidence of this study suggests that administration of topical TXA significantly reduces the drain output production and hematoma in breast surgery. The use of topical TXA not significantly affecting rates of seroma, infection and postoperative duration with drain.

Tranexamic Acid Can Reduce Early Tendon Adhesions After Rotator Cuff Repair and Is Not Detrimental to Tendon-Bone Healing: A Comparative Animal Model Study

PurposeTo determine the effects of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) administration on tendon adhesions, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and tendon healing in an acute rotator cuff (RC) repair rat model. MethodsA total of 20 Sprague–Dawley rats were used. Tendon adhesion, ROM, and biomechanical and histological analysis of tendon-bone healing were conducted at three and six weeks after surgery. The rats underwent rotator cuff repair surgery on both shoulders and were administered TXA via subacromial injections. The tendon adhesion was evaluated macroscopically and histologically. Biomechanical tendon healing was measured using a universal testing machine, and histological analysis was quantified by Hematoxylin & Eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and picrosirius red staining. ResultsAt three weeks after surgery, the adhesion score was significantly lower in the TXA group (2.10 ± 0.32) than in the control group (2.70 ± 0.48, P = .005), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at six weeks. Regarding the ROM, the TXA group showed a significantly higher external rotation (TXA; 36.35° ± 4.52°, Control; 28.42° ± 4.66°, p= .000) and internal rotation (TXA; 45.35° ± 9.36°, Control; 38.94° ± 5.23°, P = .013) than the control group three weeks after surgery. However, at six weeks, there were no significant differences in external and internal rotation between the two groups. In the biomechanical analysis, no significant differences in gross examination (3 weeks; P = .175, 6 weeks: P = .295), load-to-failure (3 weeks; P = .117, 6 weeks; P = .295), and ultimate stress (3 weeks; P = .602, 6 weeks; P = .917) were noted between the two groups three and six weeks after surgery. In the histological analysis of tendon healing, no significant differences in the total score (3 weeks; P = .323, 6 weeks; P = .572) were found between the two groups three and six weeks after surgery. ConclusionThe topical TXA administration showed a beneficial effect in reducing tendon adhesions and improving ROM at three weeks postoperatively and had no effect at six weeks. This suggests that additional intervention with TXA may be useful to achieve long-term improvement in shoulder stiffness. Additionally, TXA may increase tissue ground substance accumulation in the late postoperative period but does not adversely affect tendon-bone interface healing. Clinical RelevanceThe use of TXA after RC repair has no effect on tendon-bone interface healing in clinical practice and can improve shoulder stiffness in the early postoperative period. Additional research is needed on the long-term effects.

The efficacy and safety of microneedling with topical tranexamic acid for melasma treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Microneedling with topical tranexamic acid (TXA) is a novel treatment option for melasma; however, the efficacy and safety of this combined administration therapy is in controversial. This study is conducted to address this issue of this technique in melasma. An extensive literature review was performed to identify relevant trials, including randomized split-face studies, randomized controlled trials and prospective non-randomized split-face studies, comparing microneedling plus topical TXA to routine treatments or placebo. The primary outcomes were changes of the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI)/modified MASI (mMASI)/hemi MASI between before and after treatment, as well as the changes between a particular treatment and microneedling plus TXA. The mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the reduction of melasma severity scores from baseline to each time point. In contrast, the standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs were calculated for the differences in reduction in melasma severity scores between the experimental and control groups at each time point. A total of 16 trials were included in the systematic review and data synthesis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that MASI, mMASI, and hemiMASI scores decreased significantly at 4 weeks (MD = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.15-2.54), 8 weeks (MD = 3.28; 95% CI = 2.31-4.24), 12 weeks (MD = 4.73; 95% CI = 2.79-6.50), 16 weeks (MD = 3.18; 95% CI = 1.50-4.85), and 20 weeks (MD = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.95-4.46) after treatment when compared with baseline. The reduction in melasma severity scores of microneedling with TXA group at 4 weeks was more significant than the routine treatment group (SMD = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.09-1.86), while insignificant at 8 weeks (SMD = 1.21; 95% CI = -0.17 to 2.59), 12 weeks (SMD = 0.63; 95% CI = -0.03 to 1.29), 16 weeks (SMD = 0.61; 95% CI = -2.85 to 4.07), or 20 weeks (SMD = 1.04; 95% CI = -1.28 to 3.36). Despite the high heterogeneity across these studies, the current findings indicated that microneedling with topical TXA is an alternative treatment option for melasma treatment; and more well-designed studies are needed to confirm it.

Is Tranexamic Acid an Effective Prevention in the Formation of Epidural Fibrosis? Histological Evaluation in the Rats.

The present study aimed to determine the topical and systemic efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) on epidural fibrosis in a rat laminectomy model. Thirty-two 12-month-old adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Each rat underwent bilateral laminectomy at the L1 and L2 vertebral levels. Rats were divided into four groups : in group I (control group, n=8), a laminectomy was performed and saline solution was applied into the surgical space. In group II (topical group, n=8), laminectomy was performed and 30 mg/ kg TXA was applied to the surgical site before skin closure. In group III (systemic group, n=8), 30 mg/kg TXA was administered intravenously via the tail vein in the same session as the surgical procedure. In group IV (topical and systemic group, n=8), TXA was administered 30 mg/kg both topical and intravenous. The rats were sacrificed at 4 weeks postoperatively. Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin and eosin were used to assess acute inflammatory cells, chronic inflammatory cells, vascular proliferation, and epidural fibrosis. Epidural fibrosis, acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, and sum histologic score value were significantly lower in the systemic TXA group, systemic and topical TXA groups than in the control group (p<0.05). In addion, the sum histologic score was significantly lower in the topical TXA group than in the control group (p<0.05). In this study, epidural fibrosis formation was prevented more by systemic application, but the topical application was found to be effective when compared to the control group. As a result, we recommend the systemic and topical use of TXA to prevent epidural fibrosis during spinal surgery.

Topical use of tranexamic acid can reduce opioid consumption compared with intravenous use for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe problem of opioid addiction after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been widely concerned. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be effective in reducing blood loss for patients undergoing THA, but few studies focus on its alleviation of postoperative local pain symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether topical TXA could reduce early postoperative hip pain for primary THA patients, thereby reducing the use of opioids, and whether local pain is related to inflammatory response.MethodsIn this prospective randomized controlled study, we randomly divided 161 patients into a topical group (n = 79) and an intravenous group (n = 82). Hip pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score within three days after surgery and tramadol was used for pain relief when necessary. Inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total blood loss and hemoglobin drop were assessed by hematologic tests. The primary outcomes included the VAS score and dose of tramadol from the first to the third day after surgery. The secondary outcomes included the inflammatory markers level, total blood loss and complications.ResultsThe pain score and inflammation markers level on the first day in the topical TXA group were significantly lower than those in the intravenous TXA group (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the VAS score on the first day after surgery was positively correlated with the inflammation markers level (P < 0.05). The tramadol dose for topical group was lower than intravenous group on the first and second day after surgery. There were no differences in total blood loss between the two groups (640.60 ± 188.12 ml vs. 634.20 ± 187.85 ml, P = 0.06). There was no difference in the incidence of complications.ConclusionTopical use of TXA could relieve the local pain symptoms and reduce opioid consumption compared with intravenous use for patients undergoing primary THA by reduce the early postoperative inflammatory response.Trial registrationThe trial was registered at the China Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100052396) on 10/24/2021.

Topical tranexamic acid reduces postoperative hematomas in reduction mammaplasties

BackgroundPostoperative bleeding requiring reoperation is an untoward event in breast surgery. Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) has been routinely used to reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding in some surgical fields. In breast surgery, it is not routinely used owing to scarce information. We investigated whether the intraoperatively applied topical TXA reduces the incidence of postoperative hematoma in reduction mammaplasty surgeries. MethodsThis retrospective, single-center cohort study comprises of 415 consecutive patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty between 2019 and 2021. The prophylactic use of topically applied TXA (20 mg/ml) was implemented as a part of the hospital protocol in November 2020. The patients who were rinsed with TXA before the wound closure were compared with those who were not rinsed. The results were analyzed using statistical tests, two-sided Pearson’s Chi-Square and Fisher’s exact tests. ResultsTopical TXA significantly reduced the number of postoperative hematomas requiring evacuation (p = 0.008). In the non-TXA control group, 12 (5.8%) hematomas were observed out of 208 patients. In the topical TXA group, only one (0.6%) hematoma occurred among the 168 patients. A tendency towards fewer wound infections, seromas, and other minor wound-healing problems can also be seen in the topical TXA group (ns). No adverse events of topical TXA were detected. ConclusionsThe incidence of postoperative hematomas decreased to a tenth after the introduction of topical TXA in reduction mammaplasty surgeries. This simple procedure may save patients from reoperations owing to bleeding. Randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Topical administration of tranexamic acid reduces postoperative blood loss and inflammatory response in knee arthroscopic arthrolysis: a retrospective comparative study

BackgroundKnee arthroscopic arthrolysis serves as an effective treatment for knee arthrofibrosis. However, hemarthrosis is the most common complication in arthroscopic surgery, which has potential adverse effects on postoperative rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) in knee arthroscopic arthrolysis.MethodsA total of 87 patients with knee arthrofibrosis who underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis from September 2019 to June 2021 were eligible for this retrospective review. Patients in the TXA group (n = 47) received topical administration of TXA (50 mL, 10 mg/mL) at the end of the surgery, and patients in the control group (n = 40) received no TXA. The postoperative drainage volumes, hematologic levels, inflammatory marker levels, knee range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, Lysholm knee scores and complications were compared between the two groups. The curative effect of each group was calculated according to Judet’s criteria.ResultsThe mean drainage volumes on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD 2, and total drainage volume were significantly lower in the TXA group than in the control group (P < 0.001 for all). The TXA group had significantly lower postoperative CRP and IL-6 levels on POD 1 and POD 2, and at postoperative week (POW) 1 and POW 2 than the control group. The VAS pain scores in the TXA group were significantly lower on POD 1 and POD 2, and at POW 1 and POW 2 than those in the control group (P < 0.001 for all). Patients in the TXA group showed better postoperative ROM and Lysholm knee scores at POW 1 and POW 2. No patient had any complications such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or infection. The excellent and good rates of knee arthroscopic arthrolysis were comparable between the two groups at the sixth postoperative month (P = 0.536).ConclusionsTopical administration of TXA in knee arthroscopic arthrolysis can reduce postoperative blood loss and inflammatory response, alleviate early postoperative pain, increase early postoperative knee ROM, and improve early postoperative knee function without increased risks.

A Randomized Trial of Three Routes of Tranexamic Acid Administration in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease blood loss and transfusion rates across a variety of routes of administration and doses in the setting of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Oral TXA is less studied but has decreased cost and increased ease of administration. This prospective, randomized study compared the efficacy and cost of three routes of TXA administration in the setting of primary TKA. Primary outcomes were 24-hour hemoglobin loss, calculated blood loss, and blood transfusion rate. One-way analysis of variance, Pearson's chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. One hundred eleven patients were enrolled. The mean 24-hour hemoglobin loss for the intravenous (IV), oral, and topical TXA groups was 2.50±0.95 g/dL, 2.64±0.94 g/dL, and 2.52±0.90 g/dL, respectively, with no clinical or statistically significant differences among the groups (P=.79). Calculated blood loss was not significantly different (P=.61) among the IV TXA (1067±371 mL), oral TXA (1127±455 mL), and topical TXA (1027±454 mL) groups. No patients in any treatment group required a blood transfusion. IV, oral, and topical routes of TXA administration offer similar clinical benefits for perioperative bleeding and blood transfusion rate in TKA. Oral TXA provides a cost-benefit relative to the other routes of administration ($14 vs $114 per patient), making it a more cost-effective choice. Oral TXA has additional logistical challenges compared with other routes of administration due to increased absorption time, which may impact its use in clinical practice. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(5):285-290.].

A comparative study of 20% azelaic acid cream versus 5% tranexamic acid solution for the treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with acne vulgaris: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial.

There is a lack of evidence on the therapeutic efficacy of topical tranexamic acid (TA) for the treatment of acne-related postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of twice-daily administration of 20% azelaic acid (AZA) cream versus 5% TA solution for the treatment of PIH in patients with acne vulgaris. Patients in the present single-blinded randomized clinical trial were randomized into AZA or TA groups for 12 weeks. The rate of healing was assessed by scoring recorded photographs based on postacne hyperpigmentation index (PAHI) at baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. The frequency of side effects was examined and recorded at each study time point. Thirty volunteers in each treatment group completed the intervention. PAHI score in both AZA and TA groups improved during the study course (Ptime < 0.001, for both groups). However, mean PAHI scores were comparable in the two groups (Pgroup = 0.05). No significant interaction was also found between time and treatments in terms of PAHI score (Ptime × group = 0.66). The frequency of treatment-related side effects was significantly higher in the AZA group compared to the TA group at week 4 of treatment (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the frequency of reported side effects at weeks 8 and 12 of the treatment (P > 0.05). Topical administration of 20% AZA cream and 5% TA solution was comparably efficient in the treatment of acne-related PIH with a significantly better safety profile of TA in the 1st month of the treatment.

Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Topical Intrapleural Application of Tranexamic Acid in Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Bleeding remains a common complication post-thoracic surgery. Although intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease blood loss, its use has been associated with adverse effects. Accordingly, topical TXA has been proposed as an alternative to reduce bleeding with fewer systemic complications. We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing topical TXA versus control (i.e., placebo) in patients undergoing thoracic procedures. The primary outcome was total postoperative blood loss at 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included were the number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Meta-analyses were pooled using mean difference with inverse-variance weighting and random-effects. Out of the 575 unique studies that were screened, we identified three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 399 patients. Out of the three RCTs analyzed, two studies, accounting for 67% of the total, were found to have a low risk of bias. The primary outcome of 24-h post-operative blood loss was significantly lower in patients who received TXA (mean difference [MD] -93.6 ml, 95% CI -121.8 to -65.4 ml, I2 = 45%). In addition, the need for RBC transfusion was significantly lower in the topical TXA group compared to control (MD -0.5 units, 95% CI -0.8 to -0.3 units, I2 = 60%). However, there was no significant difference in the hospital length of stay (LOS) (MD -0.3 days, 95% CI -0.9 to 0.4 days, I2 = 0%). These results remained consistent after several sensitivity analyses. The use of topical intrapleural tranexamic acid has also been found to be safe without any significant safety concerns. Topical intrapleural TXA reduces blood loss and the need for blood transfusions during thoracic surgery. In addition, there is no evidence of the increased safety concerns associated with its use. Larger trials are necessary to validate these findings and evaluate the safety and efficacy of different dosages.

Efficacy of a Combined Intramedullary, Periarticular Injection, and Intraarticular Tranexamic Acid Application on Postoperative Bleeding in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Case-Matched Study.

Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used to reduce postoperative blood loss following total knee replacement (TKA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined intramedullary, periarticular injection, and intraarticular TXA application in patients who underwent TKA as compared to those who did not. This was a retrospective case-matched study of 111 patients. We evaluated the transfusion rate and postoperative drainage of 56 patients who underwent TKA using combined topical tranexamic acid application (directly pushed into the femoral intramedullary canal and tibia base, with periarticular soft tissue injection and injected into the knee cavity via a drain tube) and the control group of 55 patients. In the control and TXA groups, 7.14% and 1.81% of the patients received blood transfusions, respectively (p=0.176). The closed-suction drainage output at 0-8 h and total drainage output were significantly lower in the TXA group than those in the control group (p < 0.001). Application of topical TXA with the combined method (intramedullary, periarticular injection, and intraarticular) in TKA decreases postoperative suction drainage and may reduce the need for postoperative blood transfusion.

Application of Topical Tranexamic Acid Reduces Postoperative Blood Loss after Posterior Spinal Fusion with Instrumentation in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Purpose: There is limited literature regarding the topical use of tranexamic acid (TXA) to control postoperative bleeding during spinal deformity correction and fusion procedures, which often require blood transfusions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical TXA on postoperative blood loss in patients undergoing deformity correction and posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgeries. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between January 2011 and April 2017 in 51 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent long-segment PSF with hybrid thoracic-hook pedicle screw instrumentation or pedicle-screw-alone constructs. Twenty-five patients were assigned to receive topical TXA (1 g/20 mL), and the drain was clamped for 2 h. Twenty-six patients in the control group were treated with antifibrinolytic agents. Results: Median drainage blood loss, median day of drain removal, and median postoperative hospitalization were significantly lower in the topical TXA group (all p &lt;0.05). The postoperative packed red cell transfusion rate was significantly lower in the topical TXA group than that in the control group (15 of 25, 60% vs. 23 of 26, 88.5%; p=0.02; risk ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.48–0.96). Conclusions: The use of topically administered 1 g TXA in AIS patients undergoing instrumented PSF effectively reduced postoperative transfusion requirements, decreased the total amount of drainage blood loss, reduced the time till drain removal, and shortened the length of postoperative hospitalization.

Topical Tranexamic Acid (TXA) Decreases Time to Drain Removal, Wound Healing Complications, and Postoperative Blood Loss in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Drain placement is commonplace after many plastic surgery procedures to evacuate excess blood and fluid. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that has been shown to decrease bleeding and fluid production at surgical sites and can be administered orally, intravenously, and topically. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of topical TXA on drain removal in abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction (ABABR). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent ABABR from August 2018 to November 2019. In 1 cohort, a 2.5% TXA solution was topically applied to the abdominal wall prior to closure. Drains were removed when output was less than 30 mL/day for 2 consecutive days. The primary outcome was days to drain removal. Secondary outcomes include daily inpatient drain output, postoperative hemoglobin levels, blood transfusions, and complications within 30 days postoperatively. Results: Eighty-three patients were included, with 47 in the control group and 36 in the TXA group. Drains were removed significantly earlier in patients who received TXA (16 days vs 23 days, P = .02). Additionally, significantly fewer patients required postoperative blood transfusions in the TXA group (2 vs 14, P = .005). Abdominal complications were fewer in the TXA group with significantly less wound healing complications (22% vs 49%, P = .01). There was no difference in flap loss or systemic thromboembolic events. Conclusion: Topical TXA use in ABABR results in earlier abdominal drain removal, less blood transfusions, and lower abdominal wound complications without an increased risk of flap loss or adverse patient outcomes.

Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Spinal Surgery.

Objective The safety and effectiveness of topical tranexamic acid in spinal surgery has not yet been reached, and further research is needed to confirm it. This study is aimed at detecting the effectiveness and safety on the tranexamic acid in spinal surgery. Methods The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and other databases were searched. The search time was from 2016 to 2019. All randomized controlled trials comparing the topical tranexamic acid group and the control group were collected. The experimental group used topical application. Tranexamic acid was used to treat bleeding after spinal surgery. The control group was no tranexamic acid or isotonic saline. The total bleeding, blood transfusion rate, and the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis were compared between the two groups. Rev Man 5.2.0 software was used for meta-analysis. Results A total of 8 randomized controlled trials were included, including 884 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that the total bleeding volume of the tranexamic acid group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant weighted mean difference ((WMD) = –360.27 mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) (–412.68, –307.87) mL, P < 0.00001). The blood transfusion rate in the tranexamic acid group was lower than that in the control group (odds ratio (OR) = 0.22, 95% CI (0.14, 0.33), P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of deep vein thrombosis between the two groups: OR = 1.48, 95% CI (0.41, 5.34), P = 0.55. Conclusion Tranexamic acid can significantly reduce perioperative total blood loss, intraoperative blood loss, and blood transfusion rate during spinal surgery but has no significant effect on blood transfusion and thrombosis.

The Effect of Topical Tranexamic Acid on Intraoperative Blood Loss in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Laminectomy and Discectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial Study.

Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial study. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) on intraoperative blood loss (IBL) in patients that have degenerative lumbar canal stenosis and undergo posterior lumbar laminectomy and discectomy. The volume of IBL is directly proportional to potential surgical complications. Recent reports have shown that the topical use of antifibrinolytic drugs, such as TXA, during surgery might decrease IBL and improve patient outcomes. A total of 104 patients with lumbar canal stenosis were enrolled in this randomized, double blinded clinical trial. Participants were randomized and divided into two groups: TXA (54 cases) and control (50 cases). In the TXA group, a TXA solution was used for washing and soaking, whereas, in the control group, irrigation of wound was with normal saline. IBL, pre- and postoperative coagulative studies, operation time, conventional hemostatic agent usage, systemic complications, and length of hospitalization were consecutively recorded. All participants were followed for an additional two months to gather data on their recovery status and time to return to work (RTW). At baseline, there was no difference in clinical or lab findings, between the groups. IBL and use of hemostatic agents were significantly decreased in TXA group, as compared to the control group (p=0.001 and p=0.011, respectively). Systemic complications, length of hospitalization, and RTW were not significantly different between groups (p=0.47, p=0.38, and p=0.08, respectively). This study showed that topical use of TXA during surgery may decrease IBL and minimize the use of hemostatic materials during posterior midline-approach laminectomy and discectomy, without increasing the potential for complications seen with intravenous TXA usage.

Effect of Topical Administration of Tranexamic Acid on Intraoperative and Postoperative Blood Loss during Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion Surgery: A Retrospective Study.

To assess the role of topical administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) on intraoperative and postoperative blood loss of patients undergoing posterior cervical laminectomy and lateral mass screw ?xation (PCLF) compared to a control group. The data of 88 patients that underwent PCLF surgery, including 41 females and 47 males, were included in this retrospective study. Data elements including intraoperative blood loss (IBL), postoperative blood loss (PBL), amount of blood transfusion, surgical time, use of hemostatic agents, length of hospital stay, and time to return to work were extracted from medical records and compared between those who received topical TXA during surgery (irrigation of the surgical field with a solution of 3 g TXA in 100 ml normal saline) and an age- and sex-matched control group. There were 48 patients in the TXA group and 40 patients in the control group. There were no significant differences in the baseline measurements and the level of operation between the two groups. The results showed that IBL and PBL were significantly lower in the TXA group compared to the control group (p=0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences in the need for blood transfusion, surgical time, and hospital stay between the two groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, the use of hemostatic materials during surgery and the time to return to work were significantly lower in the topical TXA group (p=0.04 and p < 0.01, respectively). Topical TXA efficiently reduces intraoperative and postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing posterior cervical laminectomy and PCLF surgery. These results need further investigation in future studies to draw a definite conclusion.

Systemic prednisolone versus topical tranexamic acid for prevention of rebleeding in patients with traumatic hyphema: A randomized clinical trial

To compare the efficacy of systemic prednisolone and topical tranexamic acid (TA) on the rate of rebleeding in patients with macroscopic traumatic hyphema (MTH). In a randomized clinical trial, patients with MTH were randomized to receive oral prednisolone (OP group) or topical TA drops (TA group). Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations including slit lamp examination and fundoscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and check for rebleeding were performed in all cases. Ninety eyes of 90 patients were included, and 45 patients were allocated into each group. Age, sex, IOP, BCVA and grade of hyphema were not different between groups. Rebleeding in the TA group (2 patients, 4.4%) occurred less frequently than in the OP group (7 patients, 15.6%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P=0.081). However, there was a significant difference between the two groups over time in terms of absorption of the MTH (P<0.001). Topical TA appears promising in the management of macroscopic traumatic hyphema.

201. Prospective randomized controlled trial of tranexamic acid use during elective lumbar spine surgery, preliminary results

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Current literature demonstrates that tranexamic acid (TXA) use during spine surgery is safe and effective at reducing intraoperative blood loss and need for blood transfusion. TXA use is increasing and it is now being used in both major and minor spine procedures. Literature comparing the use of topical TXA and intravenous (IV) TXA in reducing blood loss and transfusion rates in elective lumbar spine procedures is scarce. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical and IV TXA in reducing intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in adult patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Prospective randomized controlled trial at a single tertiary academic center. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> This is a preliminary report on 125 prospectively enrolled patients who underwent elective decompressive lumbar laminectomy of one to four levels, with or without lumbar fusion. In total, 195 patients will be enrolled; we currently are presenting data from the 125 patients who have completed the protocol to date. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Primary outcomes included intraoperative estimated blood loss, perioperative change in hemoglobin / hematocrit, transfusion rates, and postoperative drain output. Secondary outcomes included operative and anesthesia time, hospital length of stay (LOS), postoperative complications including venous thromboembolism and infection, and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores with morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day. <h3>METHODS</h3> A total of 125 patients were randomized preoperatively into one of three treatment arms: control (n=34), topical TXA (n=35), or IV TXA (n=56). The control group received normal saline and did not receive either topical or IV TXA. The topical TXA group received 3g TXA diluted in 250ml of normal saline, which bathed the surgical site undisturbed for 2 minutes prior to wound closure. The IV TXA group received a 10 mg/kg bolus prior to incision followed by a second 10mg/kg dose three hours after the initial dose. The primary and secondary outcome measures were compared between the three groups. Descriptive, ANOVA, chi-squared, and multiple logarithmic regression analysis were utilized. <h3>RESULTS</h3> No differences were found between the control, IV TXA, and topical TXA groups in intraoperative estimated blood loss (211.2 ± 152.5ml vs 157.1 ± 119.2ml vs 175.6 ± 153ml, p=0.207), postoperative change in hematocrit (7.7 ± 2.9 vs 6.2 ± 3.2 vs 7.0 ± 2.9, p=0.176), and blood transfusion rates (2.9% vs 3.6% vs 0%, p=.5496). Patients who received IV TXA and topical TXA both had significantly less drain output on postoperative day 1 (POD1) than the control group (172 ± 98.2ml vs 72.8 ± 52.9ml vs 52.0 ± 50.0ml, p=0.0001); however, there was no difference in POD1 drain output between the IV and topical groups (p=0.089). There was a decreased risk of requiring pain medication in oral morphine equivalents in the IV and topical TXA groups compared to controls. There were no significant differences in LOS, operative and anesthesia time, pain scores, and postoperative complications. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> There were significant decreases in POD1 drain output and pain medication requirements in IV and topical TXA patients, when compared to controls, in adult elective lumbar spine patients. There were no observed differences between intraoperative blood loss, postoperative change in hematocrit, or transfusion rates. There were no major TXA-related complications. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> Tranexamic acid (Approved for this indication).

Combination of Topical Use of a Thrombin-Based Hemostatic Matrix and Tranexamic Acid does not have a Synergic Effect on Reducing Postoperative Blood Loss in Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Background: There is limited information regarding the blood-conservation effect of combined topical Tranexamic Acid (TXA) and Thrombin-Based Hemostatic Matrix (TBHM) in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This study is to evaluate whether there is synergic effect of combined use of TXA and TBHM to reduce blood loss during TKA. Materials and Methods: Sixty-nine patients (69 knees) who underwent primary TKA were randomly assigned into a TXA group (n=34), who received intra-articular administration of 3g of TXA in 60mL saline, and a TXA + TBHM group (n=35), who received intra-articular TBHM and TXA (3g) in 60mL saline after TKA. The primary outcomes were Total Blood Loss (TBL) and postoperative Hemoglobin (Hb) level. Secondary outcomes included the transfusion rate and the incidence of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). Results: The mean TBL in the TXA + TBHM group was 678 ± 203 mL , which was similar to that in the TXA only group at 733 ± 217 mL (p=0.276). There were no differences in the postoperative Hb level between the two groups. The transfusion rate was similar in the TXA + TBHM group and the TXA only group (2.9% versus 0%, p=0.242). No patients in either group developed VTE within 3 months. Conclusions: Our prospective randomized controlled study did not show a synergic blood-conservation effect of combined use of topical TBHM and TXA in patients undergoing TKA. Further investigation with a larger sample size may be required.

What is the ideal route of administration of tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty? A meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

Tranexamic acid (TXA) was conducive in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce blood loss and transfusion demand. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of different administration of TXA in primary TKA. Database PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and Embase were searched. The relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to analysis dichotomous outcomes. The mean differences (MD) with 95% CIs were calculated to analysis dichotomous outcomes. Data was analyzed using RevMan 5.3. Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies were included in this meta-analysis involving a total of 4,200 participants. There were no obvious differences between oral, intravenous or topical TXA group in total blood loss (intravenous vs. topical: MD =11.55, 95% CI, -10.23 to 33.34, oral vs. intravenous or topical: MD =-52.25, 95% CI, -121.28 to 16.78), transfusion rate (intravenous vs. topical: RR =1.04, 95%CI, 0.64 to 1.69, oral vs. intravenous or topical: RR =0.75, 95% CI, 0.36 to 1.54), incidence of venous thrombotic events (VTE) (intravenous vs. topical: RR =1.43, 95% CI, 0.81 to 2.54). The topical TXA administration had significantly increased postoperative hemoglobin (HB) level compared with the intravenous TXA administration (MD =-0.37, 95% CIs, -0.47 to -0.26). In the combined group, the total blood loss (MD =-119.58, 95% CI, -181.68 to -57.49) and postoperative HB level (MD =0.54, 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.64) were more acceptable than the single-route group. Combined administration of TXA can reduce total blood loss, postoperative HB drop compared with intravenous, topical or oral TXA alone. Oral administration of TXA is similar to intravenous or topical TXA use alone.