Tranexamic acid use in high-risk blood transfusion patients undergoing total hip replacement: a randomised controlled trial

We hypothesised that a single preoperative intravenous dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) and are at high risk of blood transfusion (preoperative haemoglobin level <13.0 g/dL).

A prospective, randomised controlled study of 308 patients who underwent primary THA was conducted. 256 participants remained in the study and were divided into 2 major groups: high-risk group comprising 116 patients with preoperative Hb < 13.0 g/dL (57 of whom were treated with a 15 mg/kg intravenous bolus of TXA, and 59 of whom did not receive the medication) and low-risk group comprising 140 patients with Hb ⩾ 13.0 g/dL (71 of whom received the same dose of TXA, and 69 of whom did not). Participants were followed up at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.

The use of TXA in both groups of patients significantly increased the levels of postoperative Hb and Ht. TXA protected high-risk patients from blood loss and from transfusion. In low-risk patients the use of TXA reduced blood loss but did not protect from blood transfusion. The median length of stay was significantly affected for high-risk patients. No thromboembolic event was recorded in either group.

TXA reduces intra- and postoperative bleeding, transfusion rates, and the length of hospital stays in patients with low preoperative Hb. The use of TXA in patients with normal preoperative Hb reduces blood loss but does not affect the transfusion rate.