Does tranexamic acid reduce blood loss in knee arthroplasty?

In a retrospective study of 179 total knee arthroplasties, 70 patients received tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron, Kabi Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden) before the tourniquet was released to reduce postoperative blood loss. A group of 109 patients who underwent surgery before this treatment was introduced served as controls. Multiple regression analysis showed that the average postoperative blood loss was 340 mL less in treated patients compared with controls. Blood transfusions were reduced from 2 to 0 units (median values). Complications did not differ between the two groups apart from the number of postoperative hematomas.