The effect of tranexamic acid on hidden blood loss in total hip arthroplasty
Abstract
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to examine the effect
of tranexamic acid (TXA) on hidden blood loss in total hip
arthroplasty (THA) patients.
Patients and methods: Between June 2015 and June 2021, a total
of 120 patients (45 males, 75 females; mean age 57.2±4.9 years;
range, 45 to 67 years) with primary osteoarthritis who underwent
THA without the use of TXA and 53 patients who received TXA
were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, amount of
transfusion, early complications, preoperative and postoperative
hemoglobin and hematocrit values, total blood loss, visible blood
loss, and hidden blood loss values were compared.
Results: There was a significant difference between the groups
with and without the use of TXA in terms of intraoperative
bleeding, amount of blood in the drain, total blood loss,
hidden blood loss, and blood transfusion (p<0.05). A significant
positive correlation was found between intraoperative blood loss
and hidden blood loss (r=0.325 p<0.01), while no significant
correlation was found between postoperative drainage volume
and hidden blood loss (r=-0.006 p=0.946).
Conclusion: The use of TXA in patients undergoing THA
reduces blood loss, including hidden blood loss, thereby reducing
the need for blood transfusion after hip arthroplasty. However,
there seems to be no linear relationship between postoperative
blood loss and hidden blood loss. Considering these results, the
routine use of TXA can be recommended in THA, unless there
is a contraindication