Use Of Topical Tranexamic Acid Research Articles

The effect of local application of tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss after off pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

After off-pump CABG surgery, bleeding and requirement of blood transfusion are the most common problems. Systemic use of antifibrinolytic reduces the postoperative blood loss. We have evaluated the effect of the topical use of tranexamic acid in the pericardial cavity on postoperative bleeding following open heart surgery.

Blood Loss and Transfusion After Topical Tranexamic Acid Administration in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

There has been much debate and controversy about the safety and efficacy of the topical use of tranexamic acid in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate whether there is less blood loss and lower rates of transfusion after topical tranexamic acid administration in primary TKA. A systematic review of the electronic databases PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Embase was undertaken. All randomized, controlled trials and prospective cohort studies evaluating the effectiveness of topical tranexamic acid during primary TKA were included. The focus of the analysis was on the outcomes of blood loss results, transfusion rate, and thromboembolic complications. Subgroup analysis was performed when possible. Of 387 studies identified, 16 comprising 1421 patients (1481 knees) were eligible for data extraction and meta-analysis. This study indicated that when compared with the control group, topical application of tranexamic acid significantly reduced total drain output (mean difference, -227.20; 95% confidence interval, -347.11 to -107.30; P<.00001), total blood loss (mean difference, -311.28; 95% confidence interval, -404.94 to -217.62; P<.00001), maximum postoperative hemoglobin decrease (mean difference, -0.73; 95% confidence interval, -0.96 to -0.50; P<.00001), and blood transfusion requirements (risk ratios, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.24 to 0.43; P=.14). The authors found a statistically significant reduction in blood loss and transfusion rates when using topical tranexamic acid in primary TKA. Furthermore, the currently available evidence does not support an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism due to tranexamic acid administration. Topical tranexamic acid was effective for reducing postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements without increasing the prevalence of thromboembolic complications.

Topical Tranexamic Acid Use in Knee Periprosthetic Joint Infection Is Safe and Effective.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease hemoglobin loss and reduce the need for transfusions in primary hip and knee arthroplasty. Our study evaluated the safety and efficacy of topical TXA in revision TKA for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent removal of hardware with antibiotic spacer placement (stage 1) and/or revision TKA (stage 2) for PJI at our institution between September 2007 and July 2013. During that time, 49 patients underwent stage-1 procedures (20 knees with TXA, 29 without TXA) and 47 patients underwent stage-2 revisions (28 with TXA, 19 without TXA). We evaluated hemoglobin loss, need for transfusion, reinfection rate, length of stay (LOS), complications, and mortality with and without the use of TXA in these patients. All data sets were analyzed with a two-sample t-test. Average follow-up was 3.15 years (range, 1-7 years). TXA use led to a significantly lower percentage drop in the postoperative lowest hemoglobin compared with the preoperative hemoglobin in stage-1 surgeries (19.8 vs. 30.05%, p = 0.0004) and stage-2 revisions (24.5 vs 32.01%, p = 0.01). In both groups, TXA use was associated with a significant reduction in transfusion rates (stage-1, 25 vs 51.7%, p = 0.04; stage-2, 25 vs. 52.6%, p = 0.05). There was a nonstatistical decreased LOS in both groups in which TXA was used (stage 1, 5.15 vs. 6.72 days, p = 0.055; stage 2, 5.21 vs. 6.84 days, p = 0.09). There was no difference in the reinfection rate (4 vs. 4, p = 0.56) or mortality rate between groups (0 vs. 2 non-TXA group). A single upper extremity deep vein thrombosis occurred in a stage-1 patient who received TXA, and no pulmonary embolism occurred. We show that topical TXA is safe and effective for use in both stages of revision TKA for PJI. Previous studies have shown TXA to aggravate a staphylococcal infection in mice; however, topical TXA doesn't appear to negatively effect on the treatment of PJI in our patients and did not increase the reinfection, complication, or mortality rate.

Systemic and Topical Use of Tranexamic Acid in Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Study Design Combination of narrative and systematic literature reviews. Objectives Massive perioperative blood loss in complex spinal surgery often requires blood transfusions and can negatively affect patient outcome. Systemic use of the antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TXA) has become widely used in the management of surgical bleeding. We review the clinical evidence for the use of intravenous TXA as a hemostatic agent in spinal surgery and discuss the emerging role for its complementary use as a topical agent to reduce perioperative blood loss from the surgical site. Through a systematic review of published and ongoing investigations on topical TXA for spinal surgery, we wish to make spine practitioners aware of this option and to suggest opportunities for further investigation in the field. Methods A narrative review of systemic TXA in spinal surgery and topical TXA in surgery was conducted. Furthermore, a systematic search (using PRISMA guidelines) of PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases as well as World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov (National Institutes of Health), and International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number registries was conducted to identify both published literature and ongoing clinical trials on topical TXA in spinal surgery. Results Of 1,631 preliminary search results, 2 published studies were included in the systematic review. Out of 285 ongoing clinical trials matching the search criteria, a total of 4 relevant studies were included and reviewed. Conclusion Intravenous TXA is established as an efficacious hemostatic agent in spinal surgery. Use of topical TXA in surgery suggests similar hemostatic efficacy and potentially improved safety as compared with intravenous TXA. For spinal surgery, the literature on topical TXA is sparse but promising, warranting further clinical investigation and consideration as a clinical option in cases with significant anticipated surgical site blood loss.

Topical application of tranexamic acid in primary total hip arthroplasty: A systemic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveA systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs was performed to evaluate efficacy for the reduction of postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements of topical use of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. MethodPotential articles were identified from Medline (1966 – September 2014), Embase (1980 – September 2014), Pubmed (1980 – September 2014) and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Other internet databases are also searched to find trials according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Moreover, gray literatures are also selected from the reference list of the included studies. High quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were selected. The software RevMan 5.1 was used for the mate-analysis. ResultsFour RCTs and four non-RCT meet the inclusion criteria. There were significant differences in hemoglobin, total blood loss, transfusion requirements and postoperative drainage volume between TXA groups and control groups. There were no significant differences in length of stay, incidence of wound infection, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) between treatment and control groups. ConclusionsPresent meta-analysis indicates that the antifibrinolytic agent, also known as tranexamic acid, could reduce hemoglobin decline, volume of drainage, total blood loss and transfusion requirements after THA, and is not related to adverse reactions or complications such as wound infection, DVT and PE.

Comparison of Topical and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss and Transfusion Rates in Total Hip Arthroplasty

The objective of this study was to determine whether topical tranexamic acid (TXA) carried similar hemostatic effect compared with intravenous TXA in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Three hundred and three THA patients were enrolled and randomized into 3 groups: no TXA group, topical and intravenous TXA group. The results showed that the topical and intravenous TXA group had reduced but similar blood transfusion rates (5.88% v. s. 5.94%, P=0.816). No significant difference was detected in total blood loss between the two TXA groups [(963.4±421.3) ml vs. (958.5±422) ml P=0.733]. We conclude that topical use of TXA was equally effective and safe compared with intravenous TXA in reducing blood loss and transfusion rate following THA without substantial complications.

Topical Tranexamic Acid Reduces Blood Loss and Transfusion Rates Associated With Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Systemic tranexamic acid can decrease blood loss and rates of transfusion in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the efficacy of topical tranexamic acid in THA has only recently been characterized in a small number of studies. The purpose of this study was to compare (1) the greatest hemoglobin decrease after surgery; (2) transfusion rates; and (3) symptomatic thromboembolic events among patients undergoing THA who did and did not receive topical tranexamic acid. We retrospectively compared 135 patients (154 THAs) who received 10mL 5% tranexamic acid added in a topical cocktail solution during surgery between January 2009 and July 2011 with 211 patients (234 THAs) who received only the topical cocktail solution (analgesic and antibiotic agent) between January 2005 and December 2008. Contraindications for the use of tranexamic acid included a documented history of a venous thromboembolic event, an allergy to tranexamic acid, thrombophilia, or a high risk of venous thromboembolism based on the guidelines of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; the 135 patients who received it during that period represented 99.4% of the patients undergoing THA during that time. We compared changes in Hb, transfusion rates, estimated blood loss, surgical results, and complications between the groups. The transfusion threshold was the same, when the Hb values were<10g/dL. Patients were screened for thromboembolic disease if symptoms or signs appeared. Hb decreased less in the tranexamic acid group (1.87±1.10g/dL) than in the control group (2.2±1.36g/dL; p=0.01) on the first postoperative day. The frequency of transfusion was lower in patients receiving tranexamic acid (17% as compared with 35% in the control group; p<0.001). There was only one nonfatal pulmonary embolism in the control group during the study period. Use of topical tranexamic acid in patients undergoing THA reduces postoperative bleeding and decreases blood transfusion rates. No increase in major complications was identified in patients managed with topical tranexamic acid. This retrospective study confirms the results of a smaller randomized trial on the same topic by another group. Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Topical use of tranexamic acid

Topical use of tranexamic acid

Topical Tranexamic Acid Reduces Transfusion Rates in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

The efficaciousness of topical tranexamic acid use at the end of knee arthroplasty surgery to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements has previously been shown. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the effectiveness of topical tranexamic acid use, comparing 155 patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty surgery in which tranexamic acid was routinely used, to a group of 149 patients from a similar time frame prior to the introduction of tranexamic acid use. The transfusion rate fell from 19.3% to 2.3% for hip arthroplasty patients and from 13.1% to 0% for knee arthroplasty patients; these differences were significant. We also found significant reductions in haemoglobin loss, blood loss and length of stay of 8g/L, 244mL and 1.0days respectively for hip arthroplasties and 15g/L, 527mL and 1.2days respectively for knee arthroplasties following the introduction of tranexamic acid.

An Evaluation of the Use of Topical Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical tranexamic acid in primary TKA from a clinical and economic standpoint. We retrospectively reviewed 683 primary total knee arthroplasties performed at a single institution over a 2-year period. We compared 373 cases performed in 2010 without tranexamic acid to 310 cases performed in 2011 with tranexamic acid. Demographic data, hemoglobin levels, transfusion rates, hospital length of stay, cost, and perioperative complications during the first 3 months were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using two sample t-tests and Fisher's exact tests. There was no difference in age, sex, height, or pre-operative hemoglobin between the two groups. The tranexamic acid group had significantly higher post-operative hemoglobin (P<0.0001), lower transfusion rate (P<0.0001), decreased length of stay (P<0.0001), decreased blood bank costs (P<0.0001), increased pharmacy cost (P<0.0001), and decreased total direct cost to the hospital (P<0.0001). The average savings was approximately $1500 per patient. There were no differences in thromboembolic events or infection. The use topical tranexamic acid in primary TKA is safe, effective, and results in significant cost savings.

Topical use of tranexamic acid in cardiac surgery—A review and meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials

The article deals with the issue of topical use of tranexamic acid in cardiac surgery. Four randomized, double-blind trials comparing tranexamic acid vs. placebo were identified in the available literature (371 patients in total). In all of these studies the topical application of tranexamic acid significantly reduced postoperative blood loss, whereas a significant reduction of transfusion requirements was only described in one of these studies. A meta-analytic approach confirmed a significant reduction in blood loss (in 24h) by 321.6mL on average (95% confidence interval −530.3mL, −112.9mL; p=0.003). Another trial was performed to examine a possible augmentation of systemic administration of tranexamic acid by the additional topical application. Despite an evident tendency toward lower blood loss in the group treated also topically, the differences between groups in this study did not reach statistical significance. There is an apparent need for further controlled trials with larger groups of patients.

Case report: use of topical tranexamic acid to stop localised bleeding

A case is presented in which topical tranexamic acid was used to stop local bleeding from a nipple following piercing in a young man with haemophilia. This case, with a...

Use of Topical Tranexamic Acid or Aminocaproic Acid to Prevent Bleeding After Major Surgical Procedures

To evaluate the literature describing topical use of tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid for prevention of postoperative bleeding after major surgical procedures. Literature was retrieved through MEDLINE (1946-September 2011) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-September 2011) using the terms tranexamic acid, aminocaproic acid, antifibrinolytic, topical, and surgical. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed. All identified articles in English were evaluated. Clinical trials, case reports, and meta-analyses describing topical use of tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid to prevent postoperative bleeding were included. A total of 16 publications in the setting of major surgical procedures were included; the majority of data were for tranexamic acid. For cardiac surgery, 4 trials used solutions containing tranexamic acid (1-2.5 g in 100-250 mL of 0.9% NaCl), and 1 trial assessed a solution containing aminocaproic acid (24 g in 250 mL of 0.9% NaCl). These solutions were poured into the chest cavity before sternotomy closure. For orthopedic procedures, all of the data were for topical irrigation solutions containing tranexamic acid (500 mg-3 g in 50-100 mL of 0.9% NaCl) or for intraarticular injections of tranexamic acid (250 mg to 2 g in 20-50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride, with or without carbazochrome sodium sulfate). Overall, use of topical tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid reduced postoperative blood loss; however, few studies reported a significant reduction in the number of packed red blood cell transfusions or units given, intensive care unit stay, or length of hospitalization. Topical application of tranexamic acid and aminocaproic acid to decrease postsurgical bleeding after major surgical procedures is a promising strategy. Further data are needed regarding the safety of this hemostatic approach.

Bleeding in Congenital Hemangiomas: Crusting as a Clinical Predictive Sign and Usefulness of Tranexamic Acid

We present two case reports of CH in which severe bleeding episodes occurred during the first weeks of life and report the use of topical tranexamic acid to control bleeding in this setting. Patient 1 was a full-term female infant who presented at birth with a large 7- by 6-cm CH of the forehead showing a few millimeter-sized crusts. No active treatment except close follow-up was advised. At 10 weeks of age, the size of the lesion having spontaneously decreased more than 50%, she presented with severe bleeding from a small crusted area. The bleeding was controlled using topical tranexamic acid, and except for a few minor, easily controlled bleeding episodes in the following weeks, the lesion regressed more than 80%. Patient 2 was a full-term male infant seen at 1 day of life for a 14- by 10-cm CH of the right knee with a few small, dark, superficial crusts. At 3 weeks of age, he was hospitalized after severe bleeding from one of the crusted areas, with a drop in hemoglobin from 131 to 114 g/L. Bleeding was controlled using topical tranexamic acid, and compressive dressing. Because the lesion was clinically a rapidly involuting CH, there was no need for embolization or surgery. The presence of crusting in CH, even in the absence of frank ulceration, is an ominous sign and can precede serious bleeding. Tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic agent that helps stabilize the clot, has proved useful topically in controlling bleeding in CH.

Use of tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding in burns surgery

We describe, for the first time, the use of topical tranexamic acid as an adjunct to traditional methods in the control of bleeding in burns surgery. We illustrate our use with a case example and continue to discuss the reasons we believe it is a useful, effective and safe means of achieving haemostasis.

Topical use of tranexamic acid to control perioperative local bleeding in gynaecology patients with clotting disorders: two cases

Operating on patients with abnormal coagulation is a challenge frequently faced by surgeons. Achieving haemostasis perioperatively can involve bleeding points that would not ordinarily present a problem with intact clotting function. Here we present two women with localised wound bleeding following a gynaecological surgery in the presence of a clotting disorder. Haemostasis was successfully achieved with tropical use of tranexamic acid. These two cases illustrate a novel use for this antifibrinolytic agent. We suggest that there is a role for topical use of tranexamic acid in perioperative haemostasis in patients with clotting disorders.

Effect of topical tranexamic acid in open heart surgery

Cardiopulmonary bypass is known to induce postoperative coagulopathy including fibrinolysis. We have evaluated the effect of the topical use of tranexamic acid in the pericardial cavity on postoperative bleeding following open heart surgery. One hundred patients, scheduled for elective open heart surgery, were included in this double-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled study. They were allocated to a treatment group (Group I), or placebo group (Group II). Patients with coagulopathies, renal failure, re-do surgery, or recent anti-platelet treatment were excluded. In Group I, tranexamic acid (2 g in 100 mL of saline solution) was poured into the pericardial cavity before sternal closure. Placebo patients received 100 mL of saline. Postoperative blood loss, need for transfusion of blood products and the rate of re-sternotomy for bleeding were documented. During the first postoperative 24 h, cumulative blood loss was significantly higher in Group II compared to Group I (1208 +/- 121 mL vs. 733 +/- 93 mL, respectively) (P < 0.001). More blood transfusions were administered to Group II patients (4.54 +/- 1.4 units) as compared to Group I patients (2.64 +/- 1.5 units) (P < 0.01). Topical application of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing primary open heart surgery led to a significant reduction of both postoperative mediastinal bleeding, and rate of re-exploration for haemostasis.

Does the use of topical tranexamic acid in cardiac surgery reduce the incidence of post-operative mediastinal bleeding?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether the use of topical tranexamic acid reduces the incidence of post-operative mediastinal bleeding. Altogether 511 papers were identified using the below mentioned search, of which only one paper presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of the paper are tabulated. We conclude that, only 1 RCT exists to answer this question, which demonstrated a clinically small benefit in favour of topical tranexamic acid in low risk patients. Further RCTs should be performed prior to any further use of topical tranexamic acid as a strategy to reduce post-operative bleeding.

Topical use of tranexamic acid in coronary artery bypass operations: A double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Objectives: We sought to investigate the effect of topical application of tranexamic acid into the pericardial cavity in reducing postoperative blood loss in coronary artery surgery. Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind investigation with parallel groups was performed. Forty consecutive patients undergoing primary coronary surgery were randomly assigned to group 1 (tranexamic acid group) or group 2 (placebo group). Tranexamic acid (1 g in 100 mL of saline solution) or placebo was poured into the pericardial cavity and over the mediastinal tissues before sternal closure. The drainage of mediastinal blood was measured hourly. Results: Chest tube drainage in the first 24 hours was 485 ± 166 mL in the tranexamic acid group and 641 ± 184 mL in the placebo group (P = .01). Total postoperative blood loss was 573 ± 164 mL and 739 ± 228 mL, respectively (P = .01). The use of banked donor blood products was not significantly different between the two groups. Tranexamic acid could not be detected in any of the blood samples blindly collected from 24 patients to verify whether any systemic absorption of the drug occurred. There were no deaths in either group. None of the patients required reoperation for bleeding. Conclusions: Topical application of tranexamic acid into the pericardial cavity after cardiopulmonary bypass in patients undergoing primary coronary bypass operations significantly reduces postoperative bleeding. Further studies must be carried out to clarify whether a more pronounced effect on both bleeding and blood products requirement might be seen in procedures with a higher risk of bleeding. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;119:575-80)