Tranexamic Acid Utilization Research Articles

Evaluation of the efficacy of perioperative tranexamic acid in patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is commonly used to reduce perioperative bleeding in various surgeries, including acetabular and pelvic fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, research on TXA's effectiveness and safety in this context is conflicting. To address this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on TXA's efficacy and safety in patients with acetabular and pelvic fractures undergoing ORIF. We systematically searched Cochrane, PubMed, and EMBASE databases until August 30, 2023. Our evaluation of TXA focused on 6 domains: estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion units, transfusion rates, thromboembolic events, other complications, and surgery duration. Data from these studies were analyzed using RevMan Manager 5.4. This study included 4 randomized controlled trials with 179 patients with acetabular and pelvic fractures treated with TXA. The analysis showed that TXA did not significantly reduce EBL, packed red blood cell transfusion units, blood transfusion rates, or surgery duration. There was no significant difference in thromboembolic events or other postoperative complications, like surgical wound issues, pneumonia, heterotopic ossification, and sciatic nerve injuries, between the TXA and control groups. TXA did not demonstrate a significant benefit in reducing perioperative bleeding or complications in patients treated with ORIF for acetabular and pelvic fractures. The utilization of TXA in such clinical scenarios remains a topic necessitating further rigorous investigation to delineate its role in this clinical setting.

A survey of practice in the anesthetic management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis spine fusion by the North American Pediatric Spine Anesthesiologists Collaborative.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) affects 2%-4% of the general pediatric population. While surgical correction remains one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed in pediatrics, limited consensus exists on the perioperative anesthetic management. To examine the current state of anesthetic management of typical AIS spine fusions at institutions which have a dedicated pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon. A web-based survey was sent to all members of the North American Pediatric Spine Anesthesiologists (NAPSA) Collaborative. This group included 34 anesthesiologists at 19 different institutions, each of whom has a Harms Study Group surgeon performing spine fusions at their hospital. Thirty-one of 34 (91.2%) anesthesiologists completed the survey, with a missing response rate from 0% to 16.1% depending on the question. Most anesthesia practices (77.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 67.7-93.4) do not have patients come for a preoperative visit prior to the day of surgery. Intravenous induction was the preferred method (74.2%; 95% CI 61.3-89.9), with the majority utilizing two peripheral IVs (93.5%; 95% CI 90.3-100) and an arterial line (100%; 95% CI 88.8-100). Paralytic administration for intubation and/or exposure was divided (51.6% rocuronium/vecuronium, 45.2% no paralytic, and 3.2% succinylcholine) amongst respondents. While tranexamic acid was consistently utilized for reducing blood loss, dosing regimens varied. When faced with neuromonitoring signal issues, 67.7% employ a formal protocol. Most anesthesiologists (93.5%; 95% CI 78.6-99.2) extubate immediately postoperatively with patients admitted to an inpatient floor bed (77.4%; 95% CI 67.7-93.3). Most anesthesiologists (87.1%; 95% CI 80.6-99.9) report the use of some form of an anesthesia-based protocol for AIS fusions, but our survey results show there is considerable variation in all aspects of perioperative care. Areas of agreement on management comprise the typical vascular access required, utilization of tranexamic acid, immediate extubation, and disposition to a floor bed. By recognizing the diversity of anesthetic care, we can develop areas of research and improve the perioperative management of AIS.

Association Between Tranexamic Acid and Decreased Periprosthetic Joint Infection Risk in Patients Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Over 2 Million Patients

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between tranexamic acid (TXA) use during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and the risk of developing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after these procedures. MethodsA systematic review was carried out from inception to October 17, 2022. There were 6 studies that were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. The association between the development of PJI and TXA was analyzed using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and estimates of risk difference (RD). Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate only studies reporting out to 90 days of follow-up versus more than 90 days of follow-up. ResultsAmong 2,098,469 arthroplasties, TXA utilization was associated with an overall lower risk of PJI (OR = 0.63 [95% CI 0.42 to 0.96], P < .001) and a 0.4% lower incidence of PJI (RD = −0.0038, 95% CI [-0.005 to −0.002], P < .001). When subgrouping the studies according to length of follow-up, TXA was associated with a lower risk of PJI (OR = 0.43 [95% CI 0.35 to 0.53], P < .001) and a 1% lower incidence of PJI (RD = −0.0095 [95% CI −0.013 to −0.005], P < .001) in patients followed for more than 90 days. ConclusionsThis meta-analysis demonstrates that TXA use is associated with a reduced risk of PJI, with our RD analysis identifying an approximately 0.4% reduction in PJI rates with TXA use. These findings provide even more data to support the routine use of TXA during primary THA and primary TKA.

Tranexamic Acid Is Safe in Patients with a History of Venous Thromboembolism Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is increasingly utilized during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) to decrease blood loss; however, there are concerns with regard to potential thromboembolic complications, particularly in high-risk patients. This study sought to define a subset of patients at elevated risk for thromboembolic complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and to compare postoperative outcomes between patients who received TXA and those who did not. Patients who underwent primary, elective TJA from 2015 to 2021 were identified in the Premier Healthcare Database. Patients with a history of venous thromboembolism, defined as a history of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, were identified and formed the high-risk cohort. Patient demographic characteristics, hospital factors, patient comorbidities, antithrombotic medication use, perioperative blood transfusion, and 90-day complications were assessed and compared between patients who received TXA and those who did not. Univariate regression and multivariable regression were performed to account for potential confounders. The high-risk cohort comprised 70,759 patients who underwent TJA, of whom 46,074 (65.1%) received TXA and 24,685 (34.9%) did not. After controlling for confounding factors, patients in the TXA cohort had similar risks of pulmonary embolism (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.90 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79 to 1.02]; p = 0.097), stroke (adjusted OR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.69 to 1.37]; p = 0.867), and myocardial infarction (adjusted OR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.69 to 1.24]; p = 0.614) compared with patients who did not receive TXA. Patients who received TXA demonstrated decreased risks of transfusion (adjusted OR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.38 to 0.46]; p < 0.001) and 90-day readmission (adjusted OR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.80 to 0.94]; p < 0.001). TXA utilization was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary embolism, stroke, or myocardial infarction in patients with a history of venous thromboembolism. Furthermore, patients who received TXA had a decreased risk of transfusion and readmission. This evidence suggests that TXA may be safely utilized among select high-risk patients. Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A survey of gynecologists’ utilization of tranexamic acid and factors influencing prophylactic use of tranexamic acid

A survey of gynecologists’ utilization of tranexamic acid and factors influencing prophylactic use of tranexamic acid

Topical Tranexamic Acid: Risks, Benefits and Novel Complications in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Antifibrinolytics, particularly tranexamic acid (TXA), are agents used to reduce bleeding. TXA is a synthetic reversible competitive inhibitor to the lysine receptor found on plasminogen. By reversibly binding to this site, it leads to plasminogen being unable to bind to fibrin and so prevents fibrinolysis, this stabilizes the clot and thus prevents hemorrhage. (Pekrul in Der Anaesth 70:515-521, 2021) It can be used either intravenously or topically but has never entered mainstream use in plastic surgery. (Pekrul in Der Anaesth 70:515-521, 2021) This is most likely due to understandable fears of thromboembolic events. On the other hand, the tempting benefits are reduced bleeding (perioperatively) decreased bruising and swelling, and thus increased aesthetic, important for obvious reasons. A review of the literature was done to go deeper on this issue, examining topical use in aesthetic surgery. Clear benefit was shown in the literature, it could be postulated that it would not be unwise to consider more research on topical use of TXA in certain cases, the benefits could greatly outweigh the risks. Old fears and conceptions, unsupported by the literature at the time of writing, should not hold back further research, and the benefits shown could even potentially justify the topical use of these agents in the near future. Further studies evaluating the utility of TXA in Panniculectomy and Abdominoplasty surgery should be performed especially, since only one was found which reported no significant benefit. Minor complications were present, such as minor delayed post-auricular skin healing, temporary unilateral marginal mandibular neuropraxia and increased cumulative seroma volume. These were novel findings and could warrant further investigation as well. After performing a review of the literature, it was seen that topical TXA generally adds benefit in aesthetic plastic surgery, with no particularly significant complications. We would like to bring more attention to the issue and support more studies on TXA use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Tranexamic acid as a novel adjunct in the management of vessel perforation complicating Endovascular Clot Retrieval

AimTo assess the safety and utility of tranexamic acid (TXA) as an adjunct salvage therapy in iatrogenic vessel perforation complicating endovascular clot retrieval. Iatrogenic vessel perforation and extravasation are known and potentially fatal complications of endovascular clot retrieval (ECR). Various methods of establishing haemostasis post perforation have been reported. TXA is widely utilised intraoperatively to reduce bleeding in various surgical specialities. The use of TXA in endovascular procedures has not been previously described in the literature. MethodsRetrospective case control study of all cases that underwent ECR. Cases where arterial rupture occurred were identified. Details of management and functional status at 3 months were recorded. Modified Rankin score (mRS) 0-2 was considered a good functional outcome. Comparison of proportions analysis was performed. ResultsOf 1378 cases of ECR, rupture complicated 36 (2.6%). TXA was administered in addition to standard care in 11 cases (31%). At 3 months, 4 of 11 cases (36%) where TXA was administered had a good functional outcome compared to 3 of 22 (12%) in the standard care group (P=0.09). Mortality at 3 months occurred in 4 of 11 cases (41.7%) where TXA was administered compared to 16 of 25 (64%) where it was not (P=0.13). ConclusionTranexamic acid administration in iatrogenic vessel rupture was associated with a lower mortality rate and a larger proportion of patients achieving a good functional outcome at 3 months. This effect trended towards but was not statistically significant. TXA administration was not associated with adverse effects.

Letter Regarding: Tranexamic Acid Utilization in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Meta-analysis.

Letter Regarding: Tranexamic Acid Utilization in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Meta-analysis.

Response to "Letter Regarding: Tranexamic Acid Utilization in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Meta-analysis".

Response to "Letter Regarding: Tranexamic Acid Utilization in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Meta-analysis".

Utilization and Outcomes of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Following Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States.

Objectives: Describe contemporary ECMO utilization patterns among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and examine clinical outcomes among TBI patients requiring ECMO. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Premier Healthcare Database (PHD) between January 2016 to June 2020. Subjects: Adult patients with TBI who were mechanically ventilated and stratified by exposure to ECMO. Results: Among patients exposed to ECMO, we examined the following clinical outcomes: hospital LOS, ICU LOS, duration of mechanical ventilation, and hospital mortality. Of our initial cohort (n = 59,612), 118 patients (0.2%) were placed on ECMO during hospitalization. Most patients were placed on ECMO within the first 2 days of admission (54.3%). Factors associated with ECMO utilization included younger age (OR 0.96, 95% CI (0.95-0.97)), higher injury severity score (ISS) (OR 1.03, 95% CI (1.01-1.04)), vasopressor utilization (2.92, 95% CI (1.90-4.48)), tranexamic acid utilization (OR 1.84, 95% CI (1.12-3.04)), baseline comorbidities (OR 1.06, 95% CI (1.03-1.09)), and care in a teaching hospital (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.31-7.05). A moderate degree (ICC = 19.5%) of variation in ECMO use was explained at the individual hospital level. Patients exposed to ECMO had longer median (IQR) hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS) [26 days (11-36) versus 9 days (4-8) and 19.5 days (8-32) versus 5 days (2-11), respectively] and a longer median (IQR) duration of mechanical ventilation [18 days (8-31) versus 3 days (2-8)]. Patients exposed to ECMO experienced a hospital mortality rate of 33.9%, compared to 21.2% of TBI patients unexposed to ECMO. Conclusions: ECMO utilization in mechanically ventilated patients with TBI is rare, with significant variation across hospitals. The impact of ECMO on healthcare utilization and hospital mortality following TBI is comparable to non-TBI conditions requiring ECMO. Further research is necessary to better understand the role of ECMO following TBI and identify patients who may benefit from this therapy.

Tranexamic Acid Utilization in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Meta-analysis.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used in various orthopaedic subspecialities to decrease blood loss, transfusions, and wound complications. However, the role of TXA in foot and ankle surgery is not clearly delineated. This meta-analysis aims to report the efficacy and safety of TXA in relation to foot and ankle surgical procedures. Database searches were conducted for eligible studies from data inception through January 2022. Clinical studies on the use of TXA in foot and ankle procedures reporting the desired outcomes were included. Outcomes were estimated blood loss, change in hemoglobin, and overall complications. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 752 foot and ankle procedures were included, in which 511 (67.95%) procedures received TXA whereas 241 (32.05%) served as controls and did not receive TXA. The pooled data of change in hemoglobin and overall complications showed no difference between the TXA and control group. Estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the patients who received TXA. In conclusion, TXA use was associated with lower estimated blood loss in foot and ankle surgeries without increased risk of thromboembolic events, wound complications, or changes in hemoglobin. Level IV, meta-analysis.

Update on Applications and Limitations of Perioperative Tranexamic Acid.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a potent antifibrinolytic with documented efficacy in reducing blood loss and allogeneic red blood cell transfusion in several clinical settings. With a growing emphasis on patient blood management, TXA has become an integral aspect of perioperative blood conservation strategies. While clinical applications of TXA in the perioperative period are expanding, routine use in select clinical scenarios should be supported by evidence for efficacy. Furthermore, questions regarding optimal dosing without increased risk of adverse events such as thrombosis or seizures should be answered. Therefore, ongoing investigations into TXA utilization in cardiac surgery, obstetrics, acute trauma, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, and other perioperative settings continue. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current applications and limitations of TXA use in the perioperative period.

The effectiveness of a multifaceted, group-facilitated audit and feedback intervention to increase tranexamic acid use during total joint arthroplasty.

Intraoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) is used to reduce blood loss and the need for transfusions following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite evidence in literature and local practice protocols supporting TXA as a part of standard of care for joint arthroplasty, TXA administration is underutilized. We aimed to use group-facilitated audit and feedback as the foundation of a knowledge translation strategy to increase TXA use for THA and TKA procedures. Anesthesiologists consented to receive two data reports summarizing their individual rates of TXA use and postoperative blood transfusions compared with site peers. Variables collected included patient demographics, TXA usage, and the frequency and volume of red blood cell transfusions administered in the 72-hr postoperative period. The facilitated feedback session discussed report findings and focused on factors contributing to local practice patterns and opportunities for change. Tranexamic acid use increased for THA procedures at the intervention site from 66.6 to 74.4% (absolute change, 7.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4 to 13.3). Likewise, TXA use for TKA procedures increased from 62.4 to 82.3% (absolute change, 19.9%; 95% CI 15.0 to 25.0). Physicians and their teams were able to review their practice data on TXA utilization, reflect on differences compared with evidence-based guidelines, discuss findings with peers, and identify opportunities for improvement. The intervention increased the use of TXA for both TKA and THA and shifted the dosage to better align with evidence-based practice guidelines.

The utilization of tranexamic acid in orthopaedic procedures and gap in research for its benefits conferred in hip arthroscopy: a literature review

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a commonly used drug that has many uses within multiple medical fields. Within orthopedics, TXA has been used heavily because of the benefits it confers for reducing perioperative bleeding and preventing reductions in hemoglobin/hematocrit. However, despite these advantages, no set indications for the use of TXA have been defined. The authors performed a literature review assessing current literature for TXA use in knee arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy, and hip arthroscopy. Articles were searched in Google Scholar using a combination of keywords including, “tranexamic acid,” “arthroscopy,” “arthroplasty,” “hip,” “knee,” and “shoulder.” The authors reviewed 17 articles that were current and relevant to the use of TXA in arthroscopic procedures based on a focus-grouped discussion. The use of TXA for arthroscopic procedures is growing in both clinical orthopaedic practice and the literature. Although numerous benefits have been noted in knee arthroscopy and shoulder arthroscopy, a paucity of literature on TXA effects in hip arthroscopy still exists, and the topic warrants exploration.

Effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid in pediatric trauma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTrauma is the leading cause of childhood death in the United States. Our goal was to determine the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) in improving survival in pediatric trauma. MethodsMEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID), Cochrane Central Register databases, CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), and grey literature sources were searched for publications reporting survival and safety outcomes in children receiving TXA in acute trauma, with no language restrictions, published until February 11, 2021. Two independent researchers assessed studies for eligibility, bias, and quality. Data on the study setting, injury type, participants, design, interventions, TXA dosing and outcomes were extracted. The primary outcome was survival in children who received TXA following trauma. Forest plots of effect estimates were constructed for each study. Heterogeneity was assessed and data were pooled by meta-analysis using a random-effects model. ResultsFourteen articles met inclusion criteria - six single-institution and eight multicentre retrospective cohort studies. Overall, TXA use was not associated with increased survival in pediatric trauma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.30–1.22) after adjustment for patient-level variables, such as injury severity. Increased survival was documented in the subset of children experiencing trauma in combat settings (aOR for mortality: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.14–0.68). There were no differences in the odds of thromboembolic events (OR 1.15, 95% CI: 0.46–2.87) in children who received TXA versus not. ConclusionsThe utility of TXA in children with trauma is unclear. Guidelines supporting TXA use in pediatric trauma may not be based on the available evidence of its use in this context. Rigorous trials measuring survival and other meaningful outcomes and exploring optimal TXA dosing are urgently needed.Study Registration (PROSPERO): CRD42020157683.

Marijuana Use is Not a Contraindication for Tranexamic Acid Utilization in Lumbar Spine Surgery.

Retrospective cohort study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate safety in lumbar spinal fusion with tranexamic acid (TXA) utilization in patients using marijuana. This was a retrospective cohort study involving a single surgeon's cases of 1 to 4 level lumbar fusion procedures. Two hundred and ninety-four patients were followed for ninety days post-operatively. Consecutive patients were self-reported for daily marijuana use (n = 146) and compared to a similar cohort of patients who denied usage of marijuana (n = 146). Outcomes were collected, which included length of stay (LOS), estimated blood loss (EBL), post-operative myocardial infarction, seizures, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, death, readmission, need for further surgery, infection, anaphylaxis, acute renal injury, and need for blood product transfusion. Patients in the marijuana usage cohort had similar age (58.9years ±12.9 vs 58.7years ±14.8, P = .903) and distribution of levels fused (P = .431) compared to the non-usage cohort. Thromboembolic events were rare in both groups (marijuana usage: 1 vs non-usage: 2). Compared to the non-usage cohort, the marijuana usage cohort had a similar average EBL (329.9 ± 298.5mL vs 374.5 ± 363.8mL; P = .254). Multivariate regression modeling demonstrated that neither EBL (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.64-2.49) nor need for transfusion (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.43-5.72) varied between cohorts. The non-usage cohort had twice the risk of prolonged LOS compared to the marijuana usage cohort (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.15-3.63). Marijuana use should not be considered a contraindication for TXA utilization in lumbar spine surgery.

Defining the Role for Topically Administered Tranexamic Acid in Panniculectomy Surgery.

BackgroundAbdominal panniculectomy after weight loss is a commonly performed procedure with high patient satisfaction yet continues to have a high post-operative complication profile. Several risk-reducing surgical approaches, such as preservation of Scarpa’s fascia, use of tissue adhesives, and progressive tension suture techniques have been described. However, the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has not been previously reported in panniculectomy surgery. ObjectivesTo improve the safety and predictability of this procedure, the authors investigate whether the use of topically administered TXA during panniculectomy surgery reduces seroma, hematoma, and drain duration.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent panniculectomy (January 2010 to January 2022) were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measures included hematoma requiring surgical evacuation, seroma requiring percutaneous aspiration, and drain duration. Patients with thromboembolic diseases and those taking anticoagulation/antiplatelet medications were excluded. Patients who had received TXA were compared with a historical control group who had not received TXA.ResultsA total of 288 consecutive patients were included. Topical TXA was administered in 56 (19.4%) cases. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) follow-up was 43.9 (37.4) months (3.7 years). The median (range) resection weight was 2.6 kg (0.15-19.96 kg). Regarding seroma and hematoma formation, the use of TXA did not reduce the likelihood of developing seroma or hematoma (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, 95% CI [0.56- 4.8], P = 0.38 and OR = 2.1, 95% CI [0.4-11.8], P = 0.42), respectively. The mean (SD) duration of drains was slightly lower in the TXA group (18.1 [12.1] days vs 19.8 [13.9] days); however, this difference was not statistically significant, albeit clinically significant.ConclusionsAs the use of TXA in plastic surgical procedures continues to expand, the utility of TXA in panniculectomy and abdominoplasty has not been elucidated. Although previous studies report hematoma and seroma risk reduction, the use of TXA was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in seroma, hematoma, or drain duration following panniculectomy surgery. Prospective, randomized controlled studies on the use of TXA in body contouring are needed. Level of Evidence: 3

Different Doses of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study.

This article assessed the efficacy and safety of different doses of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We retrospectively identified 122 patients in our institution who underwent revision TKA with a history of perioperative intravenous TXA utilization. According to the sum of intravenous TXA documented, all patients were divided into three groups: 1 g intravenous TXA, 2 g intravenous TXA, and equal or greater than 3 g intravenous TXA. The primary outcomes included total blood loss (TBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), transfusion rate, and the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism among the three groups. A correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between the dose of TXA and the blood loss. In total, there was no significance difference in TBL and revised HBL (rHBL) between the first two groups (1 g/dL for intravenous TXA, 2 g/dL for intravenous TXA; p = 0.486; p = 0.525). Equal or greater than 3 g intravenous TXA (≥3 g/dL for intravenous TXA) reached a significant reduction in TBL, rHBL, and length of stay compared with the first two groups (p = 0.01; p = 0.01; p = 0.01). The rate of transfusion between the three groups did not differ significantly (p = 0.21). Due to the limitations in sample size, only one symptomatic venous thromboembolism was reported in the 1 g intravenous TXA group. Applying the dose of intravenous TXA equal or greater than 3 g in revision TKA might further reduce the blood loss and shorten the length of stay.

Effectiveness of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Hemorrhage in Isolated Blunt Solid Organ Injury.

Introduction: There is considerable interest in the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) for the control of hemorrhages in trauma patients. Multiple recent studies found that TXA used in the setting of a suspected significant hemorrhage in trauma patients significantly reduced mortality. To date, there are no cited studies that specifically address hemorrhage due to solid organ injury (i.e., kidneys, liver, and spleen) and TXA use in humans. Our current research addresses whether TXA is effective in reducing complications and mortality from traumatic hemorrhage in the setting of a specific solid organ injury.Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study utilizing propensity score matching at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) from February 1, 2009 to February 1, 2019. This study period marks five years prior to and five years after February 1, 2004, which is the date when TXA first started to be used at ARMC in the management of traumatic hemorrhage. We compared for statistical difference between corresponding injury types in the TXA and non-TXA groups.Results: Before the propensity matching, there were 123 patients who received TXA and 118 patients who did not. After propensity match for age and injury severity score (ISS), 35 patients were included in each group. We found no statistically significant difference between TXA and non-TXA treatment groups in terms of mortality at 24 hours (p-value=0.4945), mortality at 48 hours (p-value=0.4945), and mortality at 28 days (p-value=0.7426). We found no statistically significant difference between the need for interventional radiology intervention at 72 hours (p-value=0.3932), surgical intervention at 72 hours (p-value=0.2123) and possible TXA related complications (p-value=1).Conclusion: Although prior studies showed that TXA use in the setting of trauma may be beneficial, the specific candidate-selection criteria remain unclear. The results of our study suggest that the benefit from TXA in the setting of the isolated splenic, liver, and or renal injury may be negligible. We believe that this first-of-its-kind study adds to the growing body of knowledge about the utility of TXA and helps guide patient-selection criteria.

Risk factors of opioid use associated with an enhanced-recovery programme after total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundCharacterizing the impacts of postoperative opioid use on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients may help optimize the pain management after TKA. The aim of the study is to examine the prevalence and risk factors for opioid use with an enhanced-recovery programme after primary TKA.MethodsWe identified 361 patients undergoing TKA, and separated those on the basis of whether to receive opioid use after surgery. Themultivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for opioid use after primary TKA. Length of stay (LOS) and postoperative complications were also recorded and compared.ResultsThe prevalence of opioid use after primary TKA was 23.0%. The significant risk factor was the longer operative time (OR [odds ratio] = 1.017, 95% CI [confidence interval] = 1.001 to 1.032, p = 0.034) and the protective factor was the utilization of tranexamic acid(OR= 0.355, 95% CI = 0.161 to 0.780, p = 0.010). In addition, the LOS was longer in opioid group (p < 0.05).ConclusionConsidering the adverse health effects of opioid use, strategies need to be developed to prevent persistent opioid use after TKA. Reducing operative time and the application of tranexamic acid could lower the risk of opioid use with an enhanced-recovery programme after primary TKA.