The Effect of Bolus Administration of Tranexamic Acid in Revision Hip Arthroplasty

We assessed the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing transfusion requirements in patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty. A prospective cohort study was designed comparing Tranexamic acid administration in 30 patients compared to 30 patients in a control group. Blood loss was measured in theatre, pre- and postoperative haemoglobin measurements were recorded and postoperative haemodynamic parameters were evaluated.

The mean postoperative haemoglobin was 9.5 g/dl in the tranexamic acid group and 8.2 g/dl in the control group (p<0.01). The mean haemoglobin reduction was 2.7 g/dl in the tranexamic acid group and 3.4 g/dl in the control group (p = 0.47). Mean transfusion requirements were 2.76 units in the study group and 4.0 units in the control group (p = 0.49) and the frequency of transfusion was reduced (p = 0.032). Infected revisions showed no reduction in transfusion requirements with tranexamic acid administration (p = 0.25). There was a reduced frequency of transfusion in patients when revision was performed for aseptic loosening (p = 0.027). This group of patients may benefit from tranexamic acid administration.