Transfusion rate using intravenous tranexamic acid in hip revision surgery

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Anesthesiology
• Hematology

Background:

• Hip revision surgery frequently requires blood transfusions.
• Tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective in primary hip surgery but less established in revision procedures.
• This study aimed to evaluate TXA's efficacy in reducing transfusions during hip revision surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the rate of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in hip revision surgery with and without tranexamic acid (TXA).
• To assess the safety and efficacy of TXA in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 125 hip revision surgery patients (2011-2014).
• Two groups: TXA group (61 patients) received 1000 mg TXA before incision and after closure; Control group (64 patients) received no TXA.
• Analysis of RBC transfusion rates, odds risk, and complications.

Main Results:

• Average RBC transfusion was 1.6 units/patient in the TXA group versus 2.7 units/patient in the control group.
• TXA group showed a 90.11% reduction in the odds risk of requiring at least one RBC unit (OR 0.098, p<0.0029).
• Complication rates were similar between the TXA and control groups.

Conclusions:

• Tranexamic acid (TXA) is safe and effective in reducing blood transfusions after revision total hip arthroplasty.
• The findings support the use of TXA in hip revision surgery, building on evidence from primary hip replacement procedures.