Does Intra-articular Tranexamic Acid Decrease Blood Loss in Total Hip Arthroplasty?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Blood is the nurturing liquid that delivers oxygen to the cells of the body and removes carbon dioxide and waste from the body. Blood is considered as liquid gold. Total hip replacement causes blood loss and in turn needs blood transfusion. The aim of the study is to find the role of intra-articular tranexamic acid (TXA) in control of blood loss in total hip replacement surgeries. Materials and methods A prospective study of 50 patients who underwent total hip replacement surgery. The study group and control group patients were selected through the card method. In the study group after the skin closure, 2 g of TXA was injected through the drain tube and drain tube was clamped for 1 hour and then released. Blood loss during the first and second postoperative periods from suction drain was calculated. Results Four hundred and fifty-five milliliters was the mean first postoperative day blood collected in the drain tube in the control group while study group had 283 mL. Similarly, the second day mean postoperative day drain was 89 mL in control group and 25 mL in study group. The mean first and second postoperative day blood loss was statistically significant between the groups. Discussion There was a considerable reduction of transfusions in postoperative period; hence, there was a reduced hospitalization cost and less risk of transmitted infections and transfusion reactions. There is a negligible risk of thrombosis in patients who had intravenous TXA not the intra-articular TXA. Conclusion Intra-articular TXA is an effective tool in controlling blood loss and reducing blood transfusions in hip replacement surgeries. How to cite this article Ram GG, Vijayaraghavan PV. Does Intra-articular Tranexamic Acid Decrease Blood Loss in Total Hip Arthroplasty? J Orth Joint Surg 2020;2(2):49–51.