Use Of Intraarticular Tranexamic Acid Research Articles

Comparison of Intra-Articular and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid for Loss of Blood in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Replacement

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used in orthopedic surgeries to minimize blood loss, traditionally administered intravenously. Recent studies have explored intra-articular (IA) administration as a potentially more effective method due to its localized application and reduced systemic absorption. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of IA and IV TXA in reducing blood loss in patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR). Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, from August 30, 2019, to February 29, 2020, with approval from the Ethical Review Board. Seventy patients undergoing THR were enrolled and divided into two groups using a lottery system. Group A (n=35) received 1500 mg of IA TXA diluted in 100 ml of saline after implantation of THR components, while Group B (n=35) received 15 mg/kg of IV TXA five minutes before incision. Both groups were operated on using a lateral approach by the same surgeon. Postoperative blood loss was measured, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with a p-value of <0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean total blood loss in Group A was significantly lower at 446.23 ± 33.81 ml compared to Group B, which had a mean of 928.23 ± 43.93 ml (p-value = 0.0001). The results highlighted a marked reduction in blood loss with IA administration compared to IV. Conclusion: IA administration of TXA during THR is more effective than IV administration in reducing total blood loss. This study supports the use of IA TXA as a safer, more efficient method for managing blood loss during hip replacement surgeries.

Chondrotoxic effects of tranexamic acid and povidone-iodine on the articular cartilage of rabbits.

To evaluate the chondrotoxic effects of intra-articular use of TXA 20 mg/kg and/or 0.35% PVPI on knee joint cartilage in an experimental model of rabbits. Forty-four male New Zealand adult rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups (control, tranexamic acid (TXA), povidone-iodine (PVPI), and PVPI + TXA). The knee joint cartilage was accessed through an arthrotomy and exposed to physiological saline SF 0.9% (control group), TXA, PVPI, and PVPI followed by TXA. Sixty days after surgical procedure, the animals were sacrificed and osteochondral specimens of the distal femur were obtained. Histological sections of cartilage from this area were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and toluidine blue. The following cartilage parameters were evaluated by the Mankin histological/histochemical grading system: structure, cellularity, glycosaminoglycan content in the extracellular matrix, and integrity of the tidemark. The isolated use of PVPI causes statistically significant changes in cartilage cellularity (p-value = 0.005) and decrease glycosaminoglycan content (p = 0.001), whereas the isolated use of TXA decreased significantly the glycosaminoglycan content (p = 0.031). The sequential use of PVPI + TXA causes more pronounced alterations in the structure (p = 0.039) and cellularity (p = 0.002) and decreased content of glycosaminoglycans (p < 0.001) all with statistical significance. Data suggest that intra-articular use of tranexamic acid 20 mg/kg and intraoperative lavage with 0.35% povidone-iodine solution for three min are toxic to the articular cartilage of the knee in an experimental in vivo study in rabbits.

Comparison of Blood Loss with the Use of Intravenous and Intraarticular Tranexamic Acid Versus Isolated Intraarticular in Primary Knee Arthroplasty.

Objective The objective of this work is to compare blood loss during primary knee arthroplasty with the use of intravenous and intraarticular (IV + IA) tranexamic acid versus intraarticular (IA) tranexamic acid alone. Methods This is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Patients with indication for primary total knee arthroplasty were recruited in a specialized clinic, where they were operated by the same surgeon, always using the same surgical technique. Thirty patients were allocated in the IV + IA tranexamic acid group and 30 patients in the IA tranexamic acid group, according to randomization. Blood loss was compared through hemoglobin, hematocrit, drain volume, and blood loss estimation (Gross and Nadler calculus). Results After collection, data from 40 patients were analyzed, 22 in the IA group and 18 in the IV + IA group. There were 20 losses due to collection error. Between groups IA and IV + IA, there were no significant differences in 24 hours between hemoglobin levels (10.56 vs. 10.65 g/dL; F 1.39 = 0.63, p = 0.429), erythrocyte (3.63 vs. 3.73 million/mm 3 ; F 1.39 = 0.90, p = 0.346); hematocrit (32.14 vs. 32.60%; F 1.39 = 1.39, p = 0.240); drainage volume (197.0 vs. 173.6 mL; F 1.39 = 3.38 p = 0.069); and estimated blood loss (1,002.5 vs. 980.1; F 1.39 = 0.09, p = 0.770). The same occurred in comparisons conducted after 48 hours postoperatively. Time was a significant factor for the change of all outcome variables. However, the treatment did not modify the effect of time on these outcomes. No individual presented any thromboembolic event during the work period. Conclusions The use of IV + IA tranexamic acid showed no advantage in reducing blood loss when compared to the use of IA tranexamic acid alone in primary knee arthroplasties. This technique proved to be safe, since no thromboembolic event occurred during the development of the work.

Intraarticular use of tranexamic acid during primary total knee arthroplasty

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective in reduction of blood loss after major surgical procedures. In TKA surgeries, it is commonly administered intravenously. Since there are contraindications of systemic use of TXA, local/intraarticular TXA can also be used. The efficacy of both systemic and local TXA administration is demonstrated in the literature. The aim was to assess the effect of intraarticular TXA during total knee arthroplasty in terms of total blood loss and transfusion rate. Methods: A total of 50 TKA in 34 patients were included in this prospective study. Patients received one dose of intraarticular TXA of 3 g after skin closure and before deflation of the tourniquet. Results: The mean total blood loss in intra-articular TXA was 456.9 ml. None of the patients required transfusion postoperatively including those who underwent bilateral staged TKR. Mean postoperative hemoglobin loss was 1.07. Conclusions: TXA reduced blood loss and transfusion requirement. Intra-articular administration of TXA seems to be more effective in terms of reducing total blood loss and transfusion rates. We recommend administration of topical TXA in primary TKA in healthy patients to decrease perioperative blood loss.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair performed with intra-articular tranexamic acid: could it provide improved visual clarity and less postoperative pain? A prospective, double-blind, randomized study of 63 patients.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used in orthopedic surgery with the aim of reducing intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, as well as bleeding-related complications. The purpose of this study was to assess whether intra-articular use of TXA during arthroscopic rotator cuff tear (RCT) repair could improve visual clarity, shorten the duration of the operation, and provide superior pain management as compared with placebo. We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients aged ≥18 years with a magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed RCT and a history of failed conservative treatment for ≥6 months were included. Patients with a history of coagulopathy; a history of cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease; a history of conservative treatment for <6 months; and/or acute RCTs were excluded. Visual clarity as the primary outcome was assessed using an arthroscopic visual scale comprising 5 grades-ranging from grade 1, best visual clarity, to grade 5, worst visual clarity (requiring conversion to open surgery)-after the procedure by the operating surgeon every 10 minutes throughout the video of the operation. Secondary outcomes were operative duration and postoperative pain scores. A total of 63 patients with similar demographic data (age and sex) and intraoperative mean arterial pressure were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups: The TXA group comprised 32 patients with a mean age of 56.46 years, and the placebo group comprised 31 patients with a mean age of 57.83 years. The TXA group was reported to have significantly superior visual clarity (mean arthroscopic visual scale score, 1.5±0.5 vs. 2.86±1.7; P<.001), with a significantly higher percentage of grade 1 visual clarity (78.1% vs. 32.2%, P<.001) and a significantly lower percentage of grade 4 visual clarity (0% vs. 3.2%, P=.003). Grade 5 visual clarity was not recorded in any patient in either group. The TXA group showed a significantly shorter operative duration (55.73 minutes vs. 67.26 minutes, P=.001) and superior pain scores at 8 hours (2.3 vs. 3.6, P=.002) and 24 hours (1.6 vs. 2.4, P<.001) postoperatively. No complications were recorded in either group. This study showed that during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedures, intra-articular use of TXA was able to provide superior arthroscopic visual clarity while shortening the total operative duration significantly and providing significantly superior pain management in the first 8 and 24 hours postoperatively as compared with placebo. This study underlines the safety and efficacy of intra-articular TXA use in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of systemic and topical intra-articular administration of tranexamic acid in primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty.

Background:Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent used to reduce bleeding in major surgical procedures. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of the systemic and topical intra-articular administration of TXA in total hip arthroplasty (THA).Methods:Patients (N = 123) scheduled for primary unilateral THA were divided into 3 treatment groups: control group; TXA, systemic, repeated 1 g bolus; TXA, topically intra-articularly, 2 g in 50 mL saline. Primary readouts used were intra- and postoperative bleeding, transfusion requirement, postoperative hemoglobin levels and complications.Results:Both systemic and topical intra-articular TXA administrations decreased bleeding and transfusion requirements. Topical intra-articular use of TXA led to the reduction in intraoperative and postoperative bleeding and affected hemoglobin levels compared with control. Systemic administration of TXA led to a significant reduction of postoperative bleeding and transfusion rate compared with control and was not different in efficacy and complication incidence when compared to topical administration of TXA.Conclusions:The use of TXA to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in THA is an effective and safe concept in practice. The dose of 2 g TXA topically intra-articularly and a repeated bolus of 1 g TXA systematic led to lower intra- and postoperative bleeding and a significantly lower transfusion rate than the control group. Topical intra-articular TXA administration could be a reasonable alternative in high-risk patients.

Influence of intra-articular tranexamic acid on cost savings and early functional outcomes in total knee arthroplasty

Background and aimTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a frequent intervention that can associate significant blood loss. There are several methods to avoid transfusions. One of the most relevant is tranexamic acid (TXA). Our purpose is to analyse the efficacy in terms of blood savings, transfusion needs, functional results, and cost-effectiveness of intra-articular (IA) administration in TKA. Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of historical cohorts (75 patients each) between January 2015 and December 2016. We included 150 patients (59,3% women) with a mean age of 73,58 years. The intervention consisted of administering 2 g of IA TXA with a contact time of 30 min. Demographic data, preoperative haematological status, surgery data, estimated total blood loss (ETBL), need for transfusion, functional results, and cost analysis were collected. The level of statistical significance was p ≤ 0,05. ResultsThe incidence of transfusion was 17,33% in the control group and 5,33% in the TXA group (p = 0,039), with a relative risk reduction of 78,3%. The TXA cohort showed a reduction in ETBL (p < 0,0005), units transfused (p = 0,019) and length of stay (p = 0,004). All early functional parameters also improved, including a 10° improvement in both flexion and extension (p < 0,0005). The use of IA TXA resulted in savings of 337,78 € per patient. ConclusionsIn our experience, the administration of IA TXA in TKA is a cost-effective and efficient measure in terms of blood savings and immediate postoperative functional improvement.

Influencia del ácido tranexámico intraarticular sobre el ahorro de costes y los resultados funcionales precoces en artroplastia total de rodilla

Background and aimTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a frequent intervention that can associate significant blood loss. There are several methods to avoid transfusions. One of the most relevant is tranexamic acid (TXA). Our purpose is to analyse the efficacy in terms of blood savings, transfusion needs, functional results, and cost-effectiveness of intra-articular (IA) administration in TKA. Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of historical cohorts (75 patients each) between January 2015 and December 2016. We included 150 patients (59.3% women) with a mean age of 73.58 years. The intervention consisted of administering 2 g of IA TXA with a contact time of 30 minutes. Demographic data, preoperative haematological status, surgery data, estimated total blood loss (ETBL), need for transfusion, functional results, and cost analysis were collected. The level of statistical significance was p ≤ 0,05. ResultsThe incidence of transfusion was 17.33% in the control group and 5.33% in the TXA group (p = 0.039), with a relative risk reduction of 78.3%. The TXA cohort showed a reduction in ETBL (p < 0.0005), units transfused (p = 0.019) and length of stay (p = 0.004). All early functional parameters also improved, including a 10° improvement in both flexion and extension (p < 0.0005). The use of IA TXA resulted in savings of 337.78 € per patient. ConclusionsIn our experience, the administration of IA TXA in TKA is a cost-effective and efficient measure in terms of blood savings and immediate postoperative functional improvement.

Comparison of Intravenous and Intra-Articular Use of Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Comparison of Intravenous and Intra-Articular Use of Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Does Intra-Wound Vancomycin Powder Affect the Action of Intra-Articular Tranexamic Acid in Total Joint Replacement?

The intra-articular use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has contributed to reduced blood loss in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of simultaneously topical use of tranexamic acid and vancomycin powder within the TJA space. From 2016 to 2017, 219 consecutive total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and 272 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were performed in a tertiary care center, with a group of patients receiving intra-articular TXA and vancomycin, compared to patients receiving only TXA and to a control group that did not receive anything. Haemoglobin and hematocrit were measured preoperatively, on the first and third days. Transfusions and adverse events were recorded. Haemoglobin and hematocrit dropped significantly in all THA and TKA groups till the third day postoperatively, with a major reduction in the control group, compared to the other two treatment groups. Infections and thromboembolic events were similar in either group of the TJAs. In conclusion, the topical use of tranexamic acid mixed with the vancomycin powder within the joint space after the TJAs of the hip and knee did not alter the anti-fibrinolytic effect of TXA.

Tranexamic acid is effective in decreasing postoperative intraarticular bleeding in arthroscopic knee surgery.

: Arthroscopic knee surgery to perform partial meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is frequent and effective, although a possible complication is postoperative hemarthrosis. When intraarticular bleeding occurs, in addition to the associated pain, the patient usually requires joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) to avoid loss of range of motion (ROM). Sometimes this complication ends up associated with a poor result of surgery due to a loss of ROM. The aim of this narrative review of the literature is to attempt to clarify whether tranexamic acid (TXA) should be utilized in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and arthroscopic meniscectomy and by what route (intraarticular or intravenous). A number of studies seem to favor the use of intravenous TXA in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction and arthroscopic synovectomy to diminish articular postoperative bleeding and its consequences (pain, swelling, loss of ROM, and the need for arthrocentesis). Regarding the use of intraarticular TXA, one in-vitro study has indicated that TXA in high concentrations is cytotoxic to chondrocytes. Common sense leads me to conclude that until better designed studies can confirm that intraarticular TXA is not cytotoxic to chondrocytes, its use should not be advised. Currently, for patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and arthroscopic meniscectomy, it seems safer to use intravenous TXA.

Intraarticular use of tranexamic acid reduces blood loss and transfusion rate after primary total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundTranexamic acid (TXA) is effective in reduction of hemorrhage after major surgical procedures. In total joint replacement it is commonly administered intravenously. Despite various studies regarding the safety of its antifibrinolytic effect there are contraindications for systemic use. In total knee arthroplasty (TKA) TXA can also be administered intraarticular. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on dosage, effectiveness and complications of this local treatment. This study aimed to evaluate if blood loss and transfusion rate can be reduced in primary TKA by local application of TXA.MethodsWe included a total of 202 consecutive primary, unilateral TKA patients, 101 without and 101 with intraartricular application of 2 g TXA. Surgery was conducted after a standardized protocol. Blood loss, transfusion and complication rates were evaluated until three months after surgery. Blood loss was estimated using the hematocrit-value (Hk) prior and five days after surgery by Rosenecher’s and Mercuriali’s formula.ResultsBy the use of TXA a significant reduction of blood loss (Rosencher average 1220 ml vs 1900 ml, Mercuriali average 430 ml vs 700 ml p < 0,001) and transfusion rate (0% vs 24.75% of patients, p < 0,001) was observed. There were no differences regarding complication rates. Due to the lower cost of TXA compared to applied erythrocyte concentrates a side effect of the treatment was a cost reduction of € 1.609 within this cohort.ConclusionsThe intraarticular application of 2 g TXA resulted in a significant reduction of blood loss and transfusion rate after primary TKA without increased complication rates. This method therefore seems to be a safe and cost effective instrument to reduce perioperative blood loss. However, it has to be considered that this is an off-label use.

Intravenous versus Intra-articular Tranexamic Acid in Patients Undergoing Primary Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objectives:Tranexamic acid (TXA) is commonly used in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce blood loss, however the most appropriate route of administration is still debated. This study was conducted to compare the two most commonly used routes of TXA administration, intravenous (IV) and intra-articular (IA).Methods:This study was conducted as a non-inferiority, double blinded randomized trial to compare IA TXA with IV TXA in terms of efficacy in reducing blood loss as measured by post-operative Hb drop and transfusion rates. We hypothesized that IA TXA is not inferior to IV TXA in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements.Results:One hundred and sixty eight patients were analysed. Mean day 1 and day 2 post-operative Hb values for both the groups were statistically similar (p=0.88, p=0.95 respectively). Also, no statistical difference was seen on comparison of change in Hb between pre-operative and day 1 or day 2 values (p=0.55, p=0.58 respectively). There were no transfusions given in either group.Conclusion:Intra-articular TXA is non-inferior to IV TXA in terms of fall in Hb and blood transfusion requirements. This trial further establishes and supports the use of IA TXA for primary TKA.

One step closer to sparing total blood loss and transfusion rate in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of different methods of tranexamic acid administration.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) in orthopedics has recently been gaining favor due to its efficacy and ease of use, both in intravenous (IV) and intraarticular (IA) usage. However, because of safety concerns with IV administration, there has been a growing interest in the IA use of TXA to prevent bleeding. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that included 31 randomized, controlled trials in which the effect of systemic and topical TXA on total blood loss (TBL), rates of transfusion, and thromboembolic events was investigated. Compared to the control, the IA administration of TXA led to the significant reduction of mean TBL (p < 0.001), rate of transfusion (p < 0.001), and reduction of rate of thromboembolic events (p = 0.29). Compared to the control group, the IV administration of TXA resulted in significant reduction of mean TBL (p < 0.001), rate of transfusion (p < 0.001), and rate of thromboembolic events (p = 0.66). Although no significant differences in efficacy and safety between the IA and IV administration of TXA were found, the IA method was safer than the IV method in that it reduced rate of transfusion and thromboembolic events. This study showed that TXA leads to significant reductions in TBL and the rate of allogeneic transfusions. Generally, no significant difference was detected between IA and IV administration of TXA; however, more studies with focus on safety and efficacy are warranted.

Is tranexamic acid clinically effective and safe to prevent blood loss in total knee arthroplasty? A meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trials.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is well established as a versatile intraarticular and intravenous (IV) antifibrinolytic agent that has been successfully used to control bleeding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The present meta-analysis aimed at assessing the effectiveness and safety of TXA in reducing blood loss and transfusion in TKA. We searched the PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases from 1966 to December 2013. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the present study. Two independent reviewers identified the eligible studies, assessed their methodological quality, and extracted data. The data were using fixed-effects or random-effects models with standard mean differences and risk ratios for continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the IV or intraarticular administration of TXA. Thirty-four RCTs encompassing 2,594 patients met the inclusion criteria for our meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis indicated that when compared with the control group, the IV or intraarticular use of TXA significantly reduced total blood loss, postoperative blood loss, Hb loss, and transfusion rate as well as blood units transfused per patient after primary TKA, but did not reduce intraoperative blood loss. No significant difference in deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, or other adverse events among the study groups. IV or intraarticular use of TXA for patients undergoing TKA is effective and safe for the reduction blood loss and blood transfusion requirements, yet does not increase the risk of postoperative DVT. Level II.