The Effect of Tranexamic Acid and Blood Loss after Primary Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty. Prospective Single-Centre Study
Abstract
Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent used in surgery to reduce intraoperative and postoperative blood loss.Our study describes the effect of tranexamic acid (Exacyl) on blood loss after elective, primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. The administration of tranexamic acid led to a reduction in postoperative blood loss in all intervals tested including total blood loss (504+-214 vs. 815+-231 ml, p<0.001) and to a reduction in transfusion requirements (1.18+-0.51 vs. 1.54+-0.84 transfusion units, p<0.05).
Similar effect was observed in subgroups of men and women. We did not observe any differences in intraoperative blood loss, levels of hemoglobin or hematocrit.
There was no severe complication such as stroke, acute myocardial infarction or thromboembolic disease. In our study, we confirmed the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid.
In this indication, it is in accordance with the literature.