Use of tranexamic acid in primary total knee replacement: effects on perioperative blood loss

Background and objectives: The use of tranexamic acid in primary total knee replacement surgeries has been the subject of constant study. The strategies to reduce bleeding are aimed at reducing the need for blood transfusion due to the risks involved. In this study we evaluated the use of tranexamic acid in reducing bleeding, need for blood transfusion, and prevalence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis in primary total knee replacement. Method: 62 patients undergoing primary total knee replacement were enrolled in the study, from June 2012 to May 2013, and randomized to receive a single dose of 2.5 g of intravenous tranexamic acid (Group TA) or saline (Group GP), 5 min before opening the pneumatic tourniquet, respectively. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and blood loss were recorded 24 h after surgery. Deep vein thrombosis was investigated during patient's hospitalization and 15 and 30 days after surgery in review visits. Results: There was no demographic difference between groups. Group TA had 13.89% decreased hematocrit (p = 0.925) compared to placebo. Group TA had a decrease of 12.28% (p = 0.898) in hemoglobin compared to Group GP. Group TA had a mean decrease of 187.35 mL in blood loss (25.32%) compared to group GP (p = 0.027). The number of blood transfusions was higher in Group GP (p = 0.078). Thromboembolic events were not seen in this study. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid reduced postoperative bleeding without promoting thromboembolic events. (C) 2015 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.