Tranexamic acid reduces allogenic transfusion in revision hip arthroplasty

Revision THA is associated with high blood loss and a high probability of blood transfusion in the perioperative period. In November 2003, government legislation established the Blood Utilization Program at our center to reduce the rate and risks associated with allogenic transfusion.

The purposes of this study were to (1) determine whether the allogenic transfusion rate in patients undergoing revision THA decreased in those who were reviewed preoperatively by the Blood Utilization Program versus those who were not; (2) determine whether tranexamic acid reduced the rate of transfusion; and (3) identify potential perioperative clinical parameters that are associated with an increased risk of blood transfusion.

We included all 159 patients who underwent revision THA from January 2006 to October 2008 having either a socket and/or femoral stem revision except those having only a liner exchange. One hundred and one patients attended the Blood Utilization Program preoperatively and 58 patients did not (ie, they required urgent/emergency surgery).

The Blood Utilization Program referral made no difference in transfusion rate or transfusion amount; however, the transfusion rates and amount were decreased by 8% and one unit, respectively. In patients referred to the Blood Utilization Program, the intraoperative use of tranexamic acid (an antifibrinolytic) was associated with reduced transfusions, regardless of dosage; preoperative erythropoietin tended to reduce transfusions while preoperative oral iron supplements did not.

To further increase the relevance of the blood utilization program, the guidelines for patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty need to be redefined.

Level III, therapeutic study. See the guidelines online for a complete description of level of evidence.