Transfusion Rates In Patients Research Articles

Combined use of intravenous and topical tranexamic acid efficiently reduces blood loss in patients aged over 60 operated with a 2-level lumbar fusion

PurposeThe current study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of the intravenous (IV) administration combined with topical administration of tranexamic acid (TXA)in patients (aged over 60) scheduled for a 2-level lumbar fusion surgery.MethodsTwo hundred eighty patients scheduled for a 2-level lumbar fusion surgery were randomized into four groups, including an IV group, a local group, a combined group, and a control group. Patients in the combined group, in the IV group, in the topical group, and in the control group were administrated with 15 mg/kg of IV-TXA + 2 g TXA in local, 15 mg/kg IV-TXA, 2 g TXA in local, and 100 ml IV, respectively. The results of total blood loss (TBL), maximum hemoglobin drop, the transfusion rate, and the number of allogeneic blood units were compared. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) events were monitored and recorded.ResultsThe TBL was 635.49 ± 143.60, 892.62 ± 166.85, 901.11 ± 186.25, and 1225.11 ± 186.25 mL for the combined group, the IV group, the topical group, and the control group, respectively (p = 0.015, p = 0.001, respectively). The average maximum hemoglobin drop in the four above groups was 2.18 ± 0.24, 2.80 ± 0.37, 2.40 ± 0.64, and 3.40 ± 1.32 g/dL, respectively. No PE event was reported during the follow-up. Although asymptomatic DVT events were reported by 1, 2, and 2 patients in the combined group, topical group, and control group, respectively, there is no intergroup difference.ConclusionsThe combined use of TXA effectively reduced the total blood loss and blood transfusion rate in patients aged over 60 scheduled for a 2-level lumbar fusion, without increasing the incidence of DVT and PE formation.

Postoperative Intravenous Iron Supplementation Does Not Improve Hemoglobin Level and Transfusion Rate Following Staged Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundWe determined whether postoperative intravenous (IV) iron supplementation could reduce transfusion rate in patients undergoing staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Furthermore, we examined whether hemoglobin (Hb) levels and iron profile differed between patients with and without postoperative IV iron supplementation. MethodsThis retrospective, comparative cohort study included 126 patients who underwent primary staged bilateral TKA during a single hospitalization. The second TKA was performed at a week’s interval. Group iron (n = 65) received IV iron immediately after each surgery, while patients in group no-iron (n = 61) received no iron after surgery. Transfusion rate, change in Hb levels, and iron profile including serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity, and transferrin saturation were evaluated preoperatively; on postoperative days 1, 2, and 4 after the first TKA; and postoperative days 1, 2, 4, and 7, 6 weeks, and 3 months after the second TKA. ResultsThere were no significant differences in Hb levels and transfusion rate following staged bilateral TKA between patients with and without postoperative IV iron supplementation although serum iron profiles were improved in patients with IV iron supplementation. ConclusionPostoperative IV iron supplementation immediately after acute blood loss caused by TKA was not effective in improving the transfusion rate. Therefore, surgeons should use protocols other than postoperative IV iron supplementation for reducing the transfusion rate in patients undergoing staged bilateral TKA in a single hospitalization. Level of EvidenceIII.

Role of acute hemodilution in blood transfusion rate in patients submitted to scoliosis surgery: observational retrospective study

Background and objectivesThe study assessed the role of acute hemodilution in the blood transfusion rate in patients submitted to surgical treatment of scoliosis. MethodsRetrospective observational study performed at Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMRP–USP). Medical charts of patients submitted to elective correction of scoliosis between January 1996 and December 2016 were analyzed. Variables assessed were: age, weight, sex, presence of comorbidities, data regarding anesthesia and surgery, lab data, adverse events and blood transfusion rate. The final sample consisted of 33 procedures performed by the same anesthesiologist and same surgeon, divided into two groups: Hemodilution Group (n=16) and Control Group (n=17). Indication of acute normovolemic hemodilution was determined by patient refusal of blood transfusion for religious reasons. ResultsThe sample was statistically homogeneous and the groups were compared in terms of the attributes analyzed. The volume of homologous blood used by the Hemodilution Group was significantly lower than the Control Group (p=0.0016). The percentage of patients who required transfusion was 12.5% in the Hemodilution Group, while it was 70.69% (p=0.0013) in the Control Group. Upon hospital discharge, mean values of hemoglobin and hematocrit between groups did not present significant differences (p=0.0679; p=0.1027, respectively). ConclusionsAcute normovolemic hemodilution, in scoliosis correction surgeries, reduces blood transfusion rates, meeting patient needs without increasing adverse events or infection rates.

Papel da hemodiluição aguda na taxa de transfusão sanguínea em pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de escoliose: estudo observacional retrospectivo

Background and objectivesThe study assessed the role of acute hemodilution in the blood transfusion rate in patients submitted to surgical treatment of scoliosis. MethodsRetrospective observational study performed at Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (HC‐FMRP?USP). Medical charts of patients submitted to elective correction of scoliosis between January 1996 and December 2016 were analyzed. Variables assessed were: age, weight, sex, presence of comorbidities, data regarding anesthesia and surgery, lab data, adverse events and blood transfusion rate. The final sample consisted of 33 procedures performed by the same anesthesiologist and same surgeon, divided into two groups: Hemodilution Group (n = 16) and Control Group (n = 17). Indication of acute normovolemic hemodilution was determined by patient refusal of blood transfusion for religious reasons. ResultsThe sample was statistically homogeneous and the groups were compared in terms of the attributes analyzed. The volume of homologous blood used by the Hemodilution Group was significantly lower than the Control Group (p = 0.0016). The percentage of patients who required transfusion was 12.5% in the Hemodilution Group, while it was 70.69% (p = 0.0013) in the Control Group. Upon hospital discharge, mean values of hemoglobin and hematocrit between groups did not present significant differences (p = 0.0679; p = 0.1027, respectively). ConclusionsAcute normovolemic hemodilution, in scoliosis correction surgeries reduces blood transfusion rates, meeting patient needs without increasing adverse events or infection rates.

Tranexamic Acid Does Not Reduce the Risk of Transfusion in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receive transfusions more often than patients with osteoarthritis following lower extremity total joint arthroplasty (TJA), but mitigating factors are not described. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used to reduce blood loss in patients undergoing TJA, but its effect on transfusion rates in patients with RA has not been studied. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from a prospectively collected cohort of patients with RA undergoing TJA. Disease activity measured by Clinical Disease Activity Index, patient-reported outcome measures, and serologies was obtained. Baseline characteristics were summarized and compared. Transfusion requirements and TXA usage were obtained from chart review. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with transfusion in RA patients undergoing TJA. ResultsThe cohort included 252 patients, mostly women with longstanding RA and end-stage arthritis requiring TJA. In multivariate analysis, 1 g/dL decrease in baseline hemoglobin (odds ratio [OR] = 0.394, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.232, 0.669], P = .001), 1-minute increase in surgical duration (OR = 1.022, 95% CI [1.008, 1.037], P = .003), and 1-point increase in Clinical Disease Activity Index (OR = 1.079, 95% CI [1.001, 1.162]) were associated with increased risk of transfusion. TXA use was not associated with decreased risk of postoperative transfusion. ConclusionsPreoperative health optimization should include assessment and treatment of anemia in RA patients before TJA, as preoperative hemoglobin level is the main risk factor for postoperative transfusion. Increased disease activity and increased surgical time were independent risk factors for postoperative transfusion but are less modifiable. While TXA did not decrease transfusion risk in this population, a prospective trial is needed to confirm this. Level of EvidenceIV.

Efecto en la transfusión posoperatoria de pacientes con artroplastia de rodilla mediante dosis única de ácido tranexámico preoperatorio entre los años 2010 - 2016 en una institución hospitalaria

BackgroundPostoperative transfusion is a common complication of knee arthroplasty. Tranexamic acid has shown efficacy in reducing the probability of bleeding, however, there are few studies on the subject. The aims of the study are: 1) To compare the effect of a single dose of 1g of preoperative tranexamic acid on the transfusion rate in patients who underwent knee arthroplasty between January 2010 and December 2016. 2) Characterize the population of patients who underwent knee arthroplasty. 3) Determine blood transfusion rate in study groups. 4) Determine risk factors for blood transfusion in patients with knee arthroplasty. MethodsA descriptive observational study of a retrospective analytical cross section type was performed. ResultsGroup transfusion rate without TA=15.2%, group transfusion rate with TA=1.2%. The blood loss and the surgical time did not show statistically significant differences between the groups (p>0.05). The following are considered risk factors: anticoagulation (OR: 3.52; 95%CI 1.28-9.65), chronic renal failure (OR: 5.91; 95%CI 1.11-31.27) and rheumatoid arthritis (OR: 55.83; 95%CI 18.34-169.91). DiscussionAccording to logistic regression, the amount of blood lost and administration of the TA can predict with a 97.5% accuracy the probability of transfusion in the presence of rheumatoid arthritis. Blood loss greater than 400 cc significantly increases the probability of transfusion when TA is not administered.The use of preoperative TA is effective in reducing the rate of blood transfusion in patients who undergo ATREvidence Level: III

Can tranexamic acid reduce the blood transfusion rate in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy? A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveA systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to explore the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing transfusion events in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases from January 1980 to October 2019 were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed TXA efficacy in reducing transfusion events during PCNL. Intervention treatments include using TXA compared with placebo (or no intervention) for patients who underwent PCNL. The search strategy and study selection process were managed in accordance with the PRISMA statement.ResultsSix RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, TXA intervention groups showed a significant reduction in blood transfusion events (RR = 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19 to 0.62), hemoglobin decrease (MD = −0.80; 95% CI = −1.32 to −0.28), operative time (MD = −12.62; 95% CI = −15.62 to −9.61), and length of hospital stay (MD = −0.73; 95% CI = −1.36 to −0.10) compared with control groups after PCNL. However, TXA had no substantial impact on the rate of stone clearance (RR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.21).ConclusionsTXA can effectively reduce the transfusion rate and blood loss during PCNL.

Transfusion rates after 800 Aquablation procedures using various haemostasis methods.

ObjectiveTo determine if athermal methods are as effective in preventing blood transfusions as the use of cautery across various prostate volumes following prostate tissue resection for benign prostatic hyperplasia using Aquablation. Patients and methodsThe current commercial AQUABEAM robot that performs Aquablation therapy was first used in 2014. Since then numerous clinical studies have been conducted in various countries; Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Lebanon, Spain, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States. All of the clinical trial data since 2014 were pooled with the early commercial procedures from France, Germany, and Spain to determine the effectiveness of haemostatic techniques in reducing the transfusion rate in patients after Aquablation.ResultsIn all, 801 patients were treated with Aquablation therapy from 2014 to early 2019. The mean (SD, range) prostate volume was 67 (33, 20–280) mL and 31 (3.9%) transfusions were reported. The largest contributing factor to transfusion risk was prostate size and method of traction. There was an increasing risk of transfusions in larger prostates when robust traction using a catheter‐tensioning device (CTD) without cautery was used, ranging from 0.8% to 7.8% in prostates ranging from 20 to 280 mL. However, when standard traction (taping the catheter to the leg, gauze knot synched up to the meatus, or no traction at all) was used and where the surgeon performed bladder neck cautery only when necessary, the risk of transfusion was 1.4–2.5% in prostates ranging from 20 to 280 mL.ConclusionsWhile the athermal subgroup with robust traction with a CTD had comparable transfusion rates for smaller prostates, the risk increased significantly as prostate volume increased. With standard traction methods and selective bladder neck cautery, the risk of transfusion was reduced to 1.9% across all prostate sizes.

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Isolated femoral shaft fractures in children rarely require a blood transfusion

BackgroundNo recent study has examined how a trend toward surgical fixation for pediatric femoral shaft fractures has impacted blood loss and transfusion requirements. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing transfusions in the treatment of pediatric femoral shaft fractures. MethodsA retrospective review of patients with femoral shaft fractures treated surgically from 2004 – 2017 at a tertiary pediatric hospital was conducted. Electronic medical records were reviewed for fixation method, additional injuries, blood loss (estimated blood loss (EBL), hemoglobin, hematocrit) and transfusion. The relationship between fixation method with blood loss and transfusion was examined. Two groups were compared, those with and without additional injuries. Additional injuries were defined as additional fractures and/or abdominal, chest, or head injuries. Results172 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 129 patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures and 43 patients with femoral shaft fractures and concomitant additional injuries. The transfusion rate in patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures was 0.8% (1/129) which was significantly lower than in patients with additional injuries; 39.5% (17/43) (p < 0.05). In patients with additional injuries, there was a significant relationship between number of additional surgeries and odds of transfusion (OR=2.1, CI: 1.2–3.6, p < 0.05). In patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures, EBL was higher in patients treated with rigid intramedullary nails (148.5 ± 119.0 mL) than flexible intramedullary nails (34.1 ± 56.3 mL) (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in transfusion or changes in hemoglobin/hematocrit between fixation methods in patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures. ConclusionPediatric patients with surgically treated isolated femoral shaft fractures rarely require transfusion (<1%), while patients with femoral shaft fractures and additional injuries had a high transfusion rate (39.5%). Surgical fixation method had a significant impact on EBL, with rigid intramedullary nail fixation having a significantly higher EBL than flexible intramedullary nails, however it did not lead to higher rates of transfusions. Blood transfusions are rarely needed in isolated femoral shaft fractures, despite the trend towards increase in surgical fixation and newer fixation techniques.

Obstetric Hemorrhage Outcomes by Intrapartum Risk Stratification at a Single Tertiary Care Center.

IntroductionPostpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Performance of a postpartum hemorrhage risk assessment prior to delivery has been recommended to identify patients at higher risk for hemorrhage to support advanced planning for optimal response. The objective of this quality improvement initiative is to evaluate the transfusion and hemorrhage rates for patients at low, moderate, and high risk for postpartum hemorrhage by utilizing standardized risk assessment.Methods and materialsA historic cohort study was performed among women delivering from March 2017 to June 2018 at a single United States military tertiary medical center. A postpartum hemorrhage risk assessment was performed utilizing the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative toolkit for all patients admitted to Labor and Delivery and when the postpartum hemorrhage risk increased during the intrapartum period. An electronic log was reviewed to determine blood loss volume, change in hematocrit, and transfusion rates in patients at low, moderate, and high risk for postpartum hemorrhage for all deliveries, stratified by delivery type.ResultsThere were 3,377 deliveries during the study period with 145 excluded due to lack of assigned risk category. The high-risk group (12.3% of deliveries) was 4.3 times more likely to receive a blood transfusion, 2.9 times more likely to have a blood loss over 1000 mL, and 2.1 times more likely to have a transfusion or hematocrit drop of 10 points when compared with the low-risk group (69.4% of deliveries). Of those transfused, the majority were classified as low risk as this was the most common assignment.ConclusionRisk stratification can differentiate low from high-risk patients for postpartum hemorrhage and associated transfusion or change in hematocrit. However, the majority of patients who receive a transfusion will be classified as low or moderate risk. Thus, all patients should be monitored closely and treated aggressively to prevent morbidity.

The use of biological glue (Starsil® Hemostat) in robotic partial nephrectomy: a safety and efficacy study

Introduction: Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is a relatively safe nephron sparing surgery (NSS) approach for the treatment of small renal masses (cT1). However, a major perioperative complication is extensive bleeding and blood loss necessitating blood transfusion. This complication is most challenging during the intraoperative setting and requires proper tumor bed closure. Recently several biological tissue adhesives have been tested to decrease intraoperative bleeding. A novel adhesive, Starsil® Hemostat is a plant-derived polysaccharide that can be applied directly to a bleeding wound to achieve hemostasis. The aim of our current study was to perform an evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this novel hemostat in patients undergoing RPN. Methods: This prospective single arm study included twenty patients with T1a-T1b renal masses who underwent RPN between the years 2017-2018. Renal masses were classified according to size, exophytic/endophytic properties and anatomic location into low, moderate and high complexity cases as described by the R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score. Starsil® Hemostat was applied by a feeding tube through a laparoscopic port after tumor excision. Perioperative data were collected, including blood loss during surgery, blood product transfusion rates, short and long-term adverse events and surgeon satisfaction using a visual analog scale (VAS 1-10). Results: Twenty RPN surgeries were completed using the Starsil® Hemostat. The average age was 61.8 ± 14.3. Average maximal tumor diameter was 3.8 cm (range 1.5-5.7). The calculated mean R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score was 8.4 (range 5-12). Mean blood loss during surgery was 346 mL (range 50-1400 mL). Mean surgeon satisfaction (VAS 1-10) with bleeding control was 8.3, when recorded 24 hours post operation. In 17/20 procedures (85%), bleeding control was good (VAS 9-10) and only 2 patients required blood transfusion. None of the patients developed an allergic reaction. No adverse events related to the adhesive product were noted in the post-surgical follow up period. Conclusion: Tumor bed closure during NSS with the adhesive STARSIL® Hemostat is safe, feasible and easy to use. It has the potential to reduce blood loss and transfusion rate in patients undergoing RPN.

Tranexamic acid in hip fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The primary objective of this review was to determine whether tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces transfusion rates in patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures. The secondary objective was to assess the effects of TXA on mortality and thromboembolic events in the same cohort. A systematic review of electronic databases was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included randomized controlled trials comparing perioperative TXA in patients treated surgically for hip/proximal femoral fractures against placebo. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring blood transfusion. Secondary outcomes were blood loss, mortality, and complications. Meta-analysis was performed using inverse variance and random effects model. The pooled data from 10 studies involving 842 patients showed that the proportion of patients requiring blood transfusion was significantly less in the TXA group (risk ratio (RR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.88). There was no difference between TXA and control groups when comparing mortality (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.65-2.10), deep venous thrombosis (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.43-3.06), pulmonary embolism (RR 0.53, CI 0.09-3.02), acute coronary syndrome (RR 1.52, CI 0.18-12.98), cerebrovascular events (RR 0.78, CI 0.16-3.68), or wound complications (RR 1.61, CI 0.51-5.13). There is evidence that TXA reduces the proportion of patients requiring blood transfusions when undergoing hip fracture surgery. However, the small sample size and low event rates for adverse effects preclude any definitive conclusions from being established regarding adverse effects. Future trials should be powered to further assess potential complications and determine the ideal dosage and regime.

The efficiency and safety of oral tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty: A meta-analysis.

Background:Intravenous (IV), topical and combination of both application of tranexamic acid (TXA) can reduce blood loss, hemoglobin drop, and transfusion rate in patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Lately, published articles reported that oral TXA had as similar blood-saving as IV and topical TXA in THA. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to investigate the efficiency and safety of oral TXA in THA.Methods:We systematically searched articles about oral administration of TXA in THA from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and the Chinese Wanfang database. Study eligibility criteria:1.Patients underwent primary THA;2.The intervention was oral application of TXA in THA;3.Outcomes included hemoglobin drop, total blood loss, transfusion rate, length of stay, and complications;4.The studies were designed as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or clinical comparative trial (CCT).The outcomes were collected and analyzed by the Review Manager 5.3.Results:Nine RCTs and 1 CCT, containing 1305 patients, were ultimately included according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria in the meta-analysis. The effectiveness of oral TXA was as similar as the IV or topical TXA in regard to hemoglobin drop (SMD = −0.14; 95% CI, [−0.28, 0.01]; P = .06), total blood loss (SMD = 0.01; 95% CI, [−0.13, 0.16]; P = .84), transfusion rate (OR = 0.76; 95% CI, [0.38, 1.55]; P = .37). Compared with single oral TXA or blank group, multiple oral TXA effectively reduced hemoglobin drop (SMD = −1.06; 95% CI, [−1.36, −0.77]; P < .05), total blood loss (SMD = −1.30; 95% CI, [−1.66, −0.94]; P < .05), transfusion rate (OR = 0.53; 95% CI, [0.29, 0.95]; P = .03). There were no significant difference in terms of length of stay and complication among all of enrolled studies.Conclusion:Oral TXA has favorable effect of blood-saving and do not increase risk of complication in patients following THA. Oral TXA may have no effect in the length of stay. More high quality RCTs are necessary.

The Effect of Intraoperative Ferric Carboxymaltose in Joint Arthroplasty Patients: A Randomized Trial.

This study assessed the efficacy of intraoperative high-dose intravenous iron therapy in facilitating recovery from postoperative anemia and reducing the transfusion rate in patients with total knee and total hip arthroplasty. This prospective randomized controlled study involved 58 subjects. Group F received 1000 mg intravenous ferric carboxymaltose and Group C received normal saline. The changes in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, iron metabolism variables, transfusion rates, and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen and the fraction of oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio were recorded. There were 29 patients of each group. The change in Hb levels from baseline to 1 month post-surgery was higher in Group F than in Group C (0.3 ± 1.0 g/dl vs. −0.8 ± 0.8 g/dl, p < 0.001). Functional iron deficiency occurred more frequently in Group C (0% vs. 48.3%, p < 0.001) after the operation. The incidence of postoperative anemia, transfusion rate and P/F ratio did not significantly differ between the two groups. This study suggests that intraoperative high-dose ferric carboxymaltose during lower limb total arthroplasty can facilitate the recovery from postoperative anemia. Although it could not prevent the occurrence of postoperative anemia or the administration of transfusion, this treatment seemed to overcome surgery-related decrease of iron availability.

Intraoperative cell salvage use reduces the rate of perioperative allogenic blood transfusion in patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy.

Blood loss during periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is variable, with losses ranging from 100 to 3900 ml in published series. Perioperative allogenic blood transfusion is frequently utilized although is associated with significant risk of morbidity. Cell salvage (CS) is a common blood conservation tool; however, evidence supporting its use with PAO is lacking. Our aim was to assess whether CS affects perioperative allogenic blood transfusion rate in patients undergoing PAO. The clinical records of 58 consecutive PAOs in 54 patients (median age 24.7 years, interquartile range 17.8–29.4 years) performed by a single surgeon between 1 January 2016 and 30 April 2018 were reviewed. Autologous blood pre-donation and surgical drains were not used. Due to variable technician availability, CS was intermittently used during the study period. PAOs were allocated into a CS group or no cell salvage group (NCS group), according to whether an intraoperative CS system was used. There was no significant difference in patient age, gender, body mass index, dysplasia severity, regional anesthetic technique, tranexamic acid administration, surgical duration or estimated blood loss (all P > 0.05) between the two groups. The CS group had a lower preoperative hemoglobin compared to the NCS group (median, 13.4 g/dl versus 14.4 g/dl, P = 0.006). The incidence of allogenic blood transfusion was significantly lower in the CS group compared to the NCS group (2.5% versus 33.3% patients transfused, P = 0.003). Multivariate modeling showed CS use to be protective against allogenic blood transfusion (P = 0.003), with an associated 80-fold reduction in the odds of transfusion (odds ratio, 0.01; 95th% CI, 0–0.57). To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the effect of CS use on allogenic transfusion rate in patients undergoing PAO. Our results demonstrate CS to be a mandatory component of blood conservation for all patients undergoing PAO.

Association between perioperative surgical home implementation and transfusion patterns in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing spinal fusion.

Blood transfusions in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after fusion have been associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between implementation of blood-conservation strategies within the perioperative surgical home on transfusion rates for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing spinal fusion. Two hundred and thirteen patients (44 preperioperative surgical home, 169 postperioperative surgical home) who underwent posterior spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis between 23 June 2014, and 30 July 2017, were enrolled in this case control study. The perioperative surgical home implemented in March 2015 involved evidence-based perioperative interventions to create a standardized clinical pathway including judicious use of crystalloid management, restrictive transfusion strategy, routine use of cell saver, and standardized administration of anti-fibrinolytics. The primary outcome was odds of perioperative transfusion. Secondary outcomes included volumes of crystalloid, albumin, cell saver, packed red blood cells as well as calculated blood loss. Other variables that were documented included antibrinolytic total dose, mean arterial pressure, temperature, laboratory values, intrathecal morphine dosing, and surgical time. Statistical methods included t test and logistic regression. For the postperioperative surgical home, the odds of perioperative transfusion were 0.30 (95% CI 0.13-0.70), as compared to preperioperative surgical home. In terms of secondary outcomes, calculated blood loss was significantly lower in the postperioperative surgical home patients (27.0mL/kg preperioperative surgical home vs 22.8mL/kg postperioperative surgical home; mean difference=-0.24 [-0.44, -0.04]). Although no difference was noted in the amount of intraoperative cell saver or albumin administered, a reduction was noted in mean intraoperative crystalloid given postperioperative surgical home (41.4mL/kg±20.4mL/kg preperioperative surgical home vs 28.0mL/kg±13.7mL/kg postperioperative surgical home; log mean difference=0.37 [95% CI 0.21-0.53], P<0.001). Postperioperative surgical home patients also had a significantly higher temperature nadir (mean difference=-0.47 [95% CI -0.70 to -0.23]; P<0.001), received a significantly higher total anti-fibrinolytic dose (mean difference=-3939 [95% CI -5364 to -2495]; P<0.001), and were exposed to shorter surgical times (mean difference=0.72 [95% CI 0.36-1.09]; P<0.001). Implementation of blood-conservation strategies as part of a perioperative surgical home for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spine fusion resulted in significant decrease in perioperative blood transfusions.

Tranexamic acid use is associated with lower transfusion rates in shoulder arthroplasty patients with preoperative anaemia.

We evaluate tranexamic acid use in high-risk shoulder arthroplasty patients, hypothesizing that tranexamic acid will decrease transfusion rates in patients with low preoperative haematocrit. A retrospective review of shoulder arthroplasty patients with preoperative anaemia compared those treated with and without perioperative tranexamic acid. Inclusion criterion was any shoulder arthroplasty with a preoperative haematocrit (Hct) <38%. Tranexamic acid was given generally as 1 g intravenously before incision and 1 g during wound closure; topical tranexamic acid was used in cases of contraindication to IV tranexamic acid. Preoperative Hct, postoperative Hct, estimated blood loss, preoperative anticoagulation use, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, transfusion rate and demographic data were compared between groups with and without tranexamic acid. Of the 435 arthroplasties performed, 109 patients had preoperative Hct < 38% (haemoglobin of 12.7 g/dL); 69 had tranexamic acid perioperatively and 40 did not. Demographics, anticoagulation use, diagnosis, arthroplasty types, estimated blood loss and preoperative Hct were similar between groups. The tranexamic acid group had a higher postoperative Hct, significantly lower transfusion rate and significantly smaller drop in Hct. Hct levels, Hct change and transfusion rate for topical versus intravenous tranexamic acid were not significantly different. Perioperative tranexamic acid in high-risk shoulder arthroplasty patients with preoperative Hct <38% is associated with higher postoperative Hct and lower transfusion rates.

A Study on use of tranexamic acid during total knee arthroplasty surgery

Purpose: Our aim was to determine whether the administration of intravenous tranexamic acid is a safe and effective means of reducing blood loss associated with unilateral total knee replacement surgery. Method: Sequential cohort study analyzing hemoglobin titers, transfusion rates, and the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing unilateral knee replacements with and without the administration of tranexamic acid at the time of induction. Results: One hundred patients were included in our study after the exclusion. We demonstrated that 10-15 mg/kg of tranexamic acid administered intravenously at the time of induction and two post operative doses significantly reduces operative blood loss and transfusion rates (p < 0.05). Moreover, the use of tranexamic acid reduces the costs associated with surgery.Conclusions: The administration of 10-15 mg/kg of intravenous tranexamic acid is a safe and effective means of reducing operative blood loss and blood transfusion rates in patients undergoing unilateral knee replacements.

Patient Blood Management: Implementation of a Preoperative Anemia Clinic for Elective Orthopedic Surgical Patients

Background: Patient blood management (PBM) programs aim to implement best practices and encourage blood stewardship. Judicious use of red blood cell transfusions improves patient safety, decreases hospital length of stay (LOS) and reduces cost. A 2010 World Health Organization statement asserted “…before surgery every reasonable measure should be taken to optimize the patient's own blood volume, minimize the patient's blood loss and to harness and optimize physiological tolerance of anemia…”. A comprehensive PBM program includes a preoperative anemia clinic to facilitate these goals. At our institution, 21% of surgical patients are anemic prior to their elective surgery and these patients consume approximately 67% of our transfused operating room blood. Our aim was to reduce red blood cell transfusions in elective orthopedic surgical patients by 25% and decrease hospital LOS through the implementation of a preoperative anemia clinic.Methods: After enlisting the support of hospital leadership, a preoperative anemia clinic referral/consult order was added the electronic medical record. Appropriate patients for referral were undergoing elective orthopedic surgery and had anemia defined as a Hgb <11.0 g/dl. Additional non-anemic patients with extenuating circumstances such as religious objection to transfusion were also referred. Every effort was made to see patients at least 2 weeks prior to the date of scheduled surgery or within 48 hours if the referral was not placed that far in advance. Work-up of anemia was individualized based on a patient's laboratory abnormality and medical profile. Interventions were targeted at treating the underlying cause of anemia and included but were not limited to parenteral iron, erythropoietin receptor agonists, and vitamin B12 injections. The primary measures assessed were the average LOS from day of surgery to discharge and the number of red blood cell units transfused during that stay.Findings: Early data since implementing our preoperative anemia clinic has demonstrated a reduction in LOS from 5.5 days for anemic patients undergoing elective surgery without a referral versus 3.5 days for those with a referral. A relative decrease in LOS of 36%. Reductions in hospital LOS were observed across the spectrum of all elective surgical procedures. The overall red blood cell transfusion rate in patients without referral versus with referral was 1.5% and 1.2% respectively; and of those requiring a transfusion, the mean red blood cell units transfused in the perioperative period was 2.31 units versus 1.19 units, resulting in a relative reduction of 48%. Additionally, 2 patients were diagnosed with a gastric ulcer and 2 patients with multiple myeloma during work-up and referred appropriately for treatment.Discussion: Expansion of the PBM program at our institution to include a preoperative anemia clinic has led to significant reductions in both red blood cell transfusions and hospital LOS in elective orthopedic surgical patients. Early results indicate a near doubling of our goal of a 25% reduction in red blood cells transfused. This has positively impacted our patients and led to both direct and indirect financial savings at our institution. Given the initial success, we hope to expand our preoperative anemia clinic to include all surgical specialties and streamline workflow. To facilitate growth additional staffing will be required. We have created patient education videos about the benefits of correcting their anemia prior to an elective surgery and hope to further engage primary care practitioners to refer patients earlier in their surgical evaluation. We conclude that the creation of a preoperative anemia clinic at our institution is a valuable resource and has led to a decreased use of red blood cell transfusions, a decreased average hospital LOS, improved patient safety and considerable financial savings. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.