6533b859fe1ef96bd12b7805

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Use of topical tranexamic acid in primary total hip arthroplasty. Efficiency and safety. Our experience.

subject

description

Abstract Background and aim Intravenous tranexamic acid has been shown to reduce bleeding and the need for transfusions in total hip arthroplasty, although it has a theoretical risk of producing thromboembolic phenomena. Recently some papers have been published using the topical application of tranexamic acid, but the ideal administration protocol has not yet been clearly defined. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate that our protocol of topical tranexamic acid is effective and safe. Methods Prospective data collection from a case series of 80 primary hip arthroplasties, in which the following topical tranexamic acid protocol is used: 1.5 g diluted to a total volume of 60 ml were administered, applying 20 ml in the acetabular bed, 20 ml in the femoral canal and 20 ml through the Redon drain, keeping it closed for 20 min. Results Eighty patients were operated. Preoperative haemoglobin 14.26 g/dL; preoperative haematocrit 42.39%. An average loss of 2.74 g/dL of haemoglobin and 8% of haematocrit was obtained. Eleven percent of the patients required transfusion, of whom 67% had known previous anaemia; only 3 patients without prior anaemia required transfusion (4%). There were no thromboembolic complications in our series. Conclusion The use of topical tranexamic acid was safe and effective in primary total hip arthroplasty, reducing the need for blood transfusion compared to that described in the literature in untreated patients.