The use of topical tranexamic acid in geriatric fractured hip

Abstract

Background: Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) is used preoperatively to reduce blood loss. This study evaluated the effect of topical TXA on post-operative transfusion rate and haemoglobin level in geriatric patients with hip fractures. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 135 patients over 65 years old with hip fractures from June 2020 to June 2023. Their total haemoglobin mass loss, transfusion rate and thromboembolic events were compared based on the fracture type and intervention (10–15 mg/kg of topical TXA). Results: No significant differences were found in total haemoglobin mass, transfusion rate or thromboembolic events. There was no evidence of an association between the use of TXA and post-operative blood transfusion (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.27–2.52, p = 0.734) or thromboembolic events (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.07–9.49, p = 0.866). Conclusion: A 10–15 mg/kg topical TXA did not reduce total haemoglobin mass loss, influence transfusion needs or increase thromboembolic events or 30-day mortality.