Plasma tranexamic acid concentrations during cardiopulmonary bypass

Although tranexamic acid is used to reduce bleeding after cardiac surgery, there is large variation in the recommended dose, and few studies of plasma concentrations of the drug during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) have been performed. The plasma tranexamic acid concentration reported to inhibit fibrinolysis in vitro is 10 microg/mL. Twenty-one patients received an initial dose of 10 mg/kg given over 20 min followed by an infusion of 1 mg. kg(-1). h(-1) via a central venous catheter. Two patients were removed from the study secondary to protocol violation. Perioperative plasma tranexamic acid concentrations were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. Plasma tranexamic acid concentrations (microg/mL; mean +/- SD [95% confidence interval]) were 37.4 +/- 16.9 (45.5, 29.3) after bolus, 27.6 +/- 7.9 (31.4, 23.8) after 5 min on CPB, 31.4 +/- 12.1 (37.2, 25.6) after 30 min on CPB, 29.2 +/- 9.0 (34.6, 23.8) after 60 min on CPB, 25.6 +/- 18.6 (35.1, 16.1) at discontinuation of tranexamic acid infusion, and 17.7 +/- 13.1 (24.1, 11.1) 1 h after discontinuation of tranexamic acid infusion. Four patients with renal insufficiency had increased concentrations of tranexamic acid at discontinuation of the drug. Repeated-measures analysis revealed a significant main effect of abnormal creatinine concentration (P = 0.02) and time (P < 0.001) on plasma tranexamic acid concentration and a significant time x creatinine concentration interaction (P < 0.001). IMPLICATIONS: A 10 mg/kg initial dose of tranexamic acid followed by an infusion of 1 mg.kg(-1).h(-1)produced plasma concentrations throughout the cardiopulmonary bypass period sufficient to inhibit fibrinolysis in vitro. The dosing of tranexamic acid may require adjustment for renal insufficiency.     

Comparative evaluation of the effects of tranexamic acid and low-dose aprotinin on post-valvular heart surgery bleeding and allogenic transfusion

Bleeding diathesis and allogenic transfusion after complex heart surgery, such as heart valve surgery, may result in complications such as transfusion reaction, viral infection, postoperative infection, haemodynamic disturbance, prolonged stay in the intensive care unit and hospital, renal and respiratory failure and mortality. In this prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 90 patients were randomly divided into three groups: aprotinin, tranexamic acid and control. Chest-tube drainage, transfusion requirements and renal and neurological complications were evaluated. We found that chest-tube drainage during the first (P < 0.0001) and second 24 h (P = 0.001) after admission to the intensive care unit were significantly lower in the aprotinin group. The amounts of transfused packed red blood cells (P < 0.0001) and platelets (P = 0.02) were significantly lower in the aprotinin and tranexamic acid groups. The quantity of transfused fresh frozen plasma (P = 0.034) was significantly lower in the aprotinin group only. We did not find any neurological complications or renal failure in the three groups. Our data suggest that in valvular heart surgery, low-dose aprotinin is significantly better than tranexamic acid or a placebo for reduction of postoperative bleeding and allogenic transfusion, without increasing adverse outcomes.     

Optimisation of the dosage of tranexamic acid in trauma patients with population pharmacokinetic analysis

Tranexamic acid is used both pre‐hospital and in‐hospital as an antifibrinolytic drug to treat or prevent hyperfibrinolysis in trauma patients; dosing, however, remains empirical. We aimed to measure plasma levels of tranexamic acid in patients receiving pre‐hospital anti‐hyperfibrinolytic therapy and to build a population pharmacokinetic model to propose an optimised dosing regimen. Seventy‐three trauma patients were enrolled and each received tranexamic acid 1 g intravenously pre‐hospital. A blood sample was drawn after arrival in the emergency department, and we measured the plasma tranexamic acid concentration using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and modelled the data using non‐linear mixed effect modelling. Tranexamic acid was administered at a median (IQR [range]) time of 43 (30–55 [5–135]) min after trauma. Plasma tranexamic acid levels were determined on arrival at hospital, 57 (43–70 [20–148]) min after pre‐hospital administration of the drug. The measured concentration was 28.7 (21.5–38.5 [8.7–89.0]) μg.ml^?1. Our subjects had sustained severe trauma; injury severity score 20 (16–29 [5–75]), including penetrating injury in 2.8% and isolated traumatic brain injury in 19.7%. The pharmacokinetics were ascribed a two‐compartment open model with body‐weight as the main covariate. As tranexamic acid concentrations may fall below therapeutic levels during initial hospital treatment, we propose additional dosing schemes to maintain a specific target blood concentration for as long as required. This is the first study to investigate plasma level and pharmacokinetics of tranexamic acid after pre‐hospital administration in trauma patients. Our proposed dosing regimen could be used in subsequent clinical trials to better study efficacy and tolerance profiles with controlled blood concentrations.     

The safety of tranexamic acid administration in total knee arthroplasty: a population-based study from Taiwan

Tranexamic acid is an effective treatment to reduce blood loss. We performed a retrospective observational study to evaluate safety in unilateral total knee arthroplasty. We utilised Taiwan's national health insurance database to identify relevant patients and to retrieve information on peri-operative blood transfusions and tranexamic acid administration within 60 days of follow-up. We examined changes in the rate of transfusions and adverse events with respect to tranexamic acid administration using logistic regression. We observed a total of 226,719 knee arthroplasty cases during 2010–2019. Transfusion and tranexamic acid administration rates were 38.9% (88,258) and 42.9% (97,237), respectively. Tranexamic acid was associated with a 50% decrease in blood transfusions (RR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.48–0.51). After propensity-score matching, tranexamic acid was not associated with pulmonary embolism; deep vein thromboembolism; artery vein thromboembolism; acute myocardial infarction; ischaemic stroke; or in-hospital mortality, but was significantly associated with acute kidney injury. Patients with existing chronic kidney disease suffered a high absolute risk of kidney injury irrespective of tranexamic acid administration (832 per 10,000, 95%CI 797–869). Tranexamic acid was also associated with surgical site infection. There was strong interaction between blood transfusion; tranexamic aid administration; and development of surgical site infection. In conclusion, tranexamic acid use was associated with decreased blood transfusion and was not associated with thromboembolic events. However, careful consideration is required before use in patients with pre-existing renal disease. Further, our observed interaction between patients given tranexamic acid who subsequently require transfusion requires careful consideration with respect to enhanced prophylaxis against surgical site infection.     

Comparison Between Intravenous and Intra-articular Regimens of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Blood Loss During Total Knee Arthroplasty

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic drug used widely to prevent bleeding. Its use in reducing bleeding during total knee arthroplasty surgery is well proven but there is no final consensus regarding the regimen. The purpose of our study was to compare the effectiveness of intravenous and intra-articular regimen of tranexamic acid during the total knee arthroplasty surgery. A total of 40 patients were received three doses of intravenous tranexamic acid during total knee arthroplasty surgery. Intra-articular tranexamic acid was used in 40 patients during the surgery. We concluded that intra-articular tranexamic acid is equally effective as three dose intravenous regimen in reducing blood loss during total knee arthroplasty surgery.     

Pharmacokinetics of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with use of cardiopulmonary bypass*

We conducted a study to assess pharmacokinetics of high‐dose tranexamic acid for 24 h after administration of the drug in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. High‐dose tranexamic acid involved a bolus of 30 mg.kg^?1 infused over 15 min followed by a 16 mg.kg^?1.h^?1 infusion until chest closure with a 2 mg.kg^?1 load within the pump prime. Tranexamic acid followed first‐order kinetics best described using a two‐compartment model, with a total body clearance that approximated the glomerular filtration rate. Mean plasma tranexamic acid concentrations during the intra‐operative period and in the first 6 postoperative hours were consistently higher than the suggested threshold to achieve 100% inhibition and 80% inhibition of tissue plasminogen activator. With recent studies implicating high‐dose tranexamic acid as a possible aetiology of postoperative seizures following cardiac surgery, the minimum effective yet safe dose of tranexamic acid in high‐risk cardiac surgery needs to be refined.     

The effect of warm heart surgery on postoperative bleeding.

The effects of normothermic systemic perfusion (35 degrees to 37 degrees C; n = 73) were compared with those of moderately hypothermic systemic perfusion (25 degrees to 29 degrees C; n = 73) with respect to blood loss, transfusion requirements, and platelet levels in 146 patients undergoing isolated, primary coronary artery bypass grafting. In addition, most patients were given an antifibrinolytic medication during operation as follows: tranexamic acid (10 gm intravenously; n = 63), epsilon-aminocaproic acid (15 gm intravenously; n = 63), or no drug as a control. (n = 20). Normothermic patients tended to bleed less at 24 hours (warm, 864 +/- 42 ml and cold, 918 +/- 68 ml), but these differences were not statistically significant. Patients receiving either tranexamic acid or epsilon-aminocaproic acid, regardless of perfusion temperature, bled less after 6, 12, and 24 hours than did cold control patients (p less than 0.05). Warm control patients also bled less than did cold control patients after 6 or 12 hours (p less than 0.05), and neither drug further reduced blood loss in these patients. Circulating platelet levels were better preserved in patients receiving either tranexamic acid or epsilon-aminocaproic acid and in patients with warm perfusion and no drug than in cold control patients. Normothermic systemic perfusion, tranexamic acid, and epsilon-aminocaproic acid each reduced postoperative blood loss and preserved platelets.     

Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in cemented hip arthroplasty: A randomized,double-blind study of 39 patients with osteoarthritis

Background?Tranexamic acid has been found to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusions in knee arthroplasty. In hip arthroplasty, the benefit of tranexamic acid is not as clear.

Patients and methods?In a randomized, double-blind study, 39 patients with primary cemented hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were divided into two groups; one receiving tranexamic acid and the other not receiving it. Tranexamic acid was given in a dose of 10?mg/kg before the operation and twice thereafter, at 8-hour intervals.

Results?and interpretation?Total blood loss was smaller in the tranexamic acid group than in the control group. No thromboembolic complications were noticed. Tranexamic acid appears to be an effective and economic drug for reduction of blood loss in cemented primary hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.

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Transfusion requirements, morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery and the use of antifibrinolytic agents: a comparison of aprotinin and tranexamic acid

ObjectiveTo evaluate transfusion requirements, morbidity and mortality when 2 antifibrinolytic agents (aprotinin and tranexamic acid) were used in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Patients and methodsComparison of the effects of 2 antifibrinolytic agents in 243 patients undergoing cardiac surgery between December 2006 and June 2008. We recorded the surgical procedures used, blood product transfusions required, complications (particularly renal), mortality, and length of hospital stay.ResultsThe patients were distributed into 2 groups to receive tranexamic acid (n = 144) or aprotinin (n = 99). The incidence of transfusion in the tranexamic acid group (31.94%) was nonsignificantly lower than in the aprotinin group (38.38%) (P = .31). The mean (SD) number of units of packed red blood cells transfused was 0.67 (1.18) in the tranexamic acid group and 1.01 (1.54) in the aprotinin group (P = .07). The mean preoperative hemoglobin concentration in the tranexamic acid group (11.79 [1.71]  mg/ dL) was significantly lower than in the aprotinin group (12.35 [1.70]  mg/ dL) (P < .01). Incipient postoperative renal failure tended to occur more frequently in the aprotinin group (19.6% compared to 16%; P = .47). Mortality at 1 year was 9.02% in the tranexamic acid group (compared to 14.14% in the aprotinin group; P = .21); the trend for mortality related to postoperative renal failure was similar (7.6% in the tranexamic acid group compared to 12.4% in the aprotinin group; P = .22). No significant differences were observed in postoperative complications or length of hospital stay. However, the lack of randomization and the small sample size do not allow for definitive conclusions.ConclusionsThis study, subject to the aforementioned limitations, shows that tranexamic acid is as effective as aprotinin for reducing transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery in Spain     

Tranexamic acid compared with high-dose aprotinin in primary elective heart operations: effects on perioperative bleeding and allogeneic transfusions

OBJECTIVE: Since excessive fibrinolysis during cardiac surgery is frequently associated with abnormal perioperative bleeding, many authors have advocated prophylactic use of antifibrinolytic drugs to prevent hemorrhagic disorders. We compared the effects of tranexamic acid (a synthetic antifibrinolytic drug) with aprotinin (a natural derivative product with antifibrinolytic properties) on perioperative bleeding and the need for allogeneic transfusions. METHODS: In a single-center prospective randomized unblinded trial, 1040 consecutive patients undergoing primary, elective cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass received either high-dose aprotinin or tranexamic acid. The aprotinin group (518 patients) received 280 mg in 20 minutes before the skin incision, 280 mg in the priming solution of the extracorporeal circuit, and a continuous infusion of 70 mg/h throughout the operation. The tranexamic acid group (522 patients) received 1 g in 20 minutes before the skin incision, 500 mg in the priming solution of the extracorporeal circuit, and a continuous infusion of 400 mg/h during the operation. Postoperative bleeding, perioperative transfusions, and hematologic variables were evaluated at fixed times. Postoperative thrombotic complications, intubation time, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding was similar in the 2 groups: aprotinin 250 mL (150-400 mL) versus tranexamic acid 300 mL (200-450 mL) (median and 25th-75th quartiles), median difference of 50 mL (95% confidence intervals, 0-50 mL). The number of transfusions and the outcome did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Tranexamic acid and aprotinin show similar clinical effects on bleeding and allogeneic transfusion in patients undergoing primary elective heart operations. Since tranexamic acid is about 100 times cheaper than aprotinin, its use is preferable in this type of patient.     

Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in cemented hip arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind study of 39 patients with osteoarthritis

Background Tranexamic acid has been found to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusions in knee arthroplasty. In hip arthroplasty, the benefit of tranexamic acid is not as clear.

Patients and methods In a randomized, double-blind study, 39 patients with primary cemented hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were divided into two groups; one receiving tranexamic acid and the other not receiving it. Tranexamic acid was given in a dose of 10 mg/kg before the operation and twice thereafter, at 8-hour intervals.

Results and interpretation Total blood loss was smaller in the tranexamic acid group than in the control group. No thromboembolic complications were noticed. Tranexamic acid appears to be an effective and economic drug for reduction of blood loss in cemented primary hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.

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Prophylactic tranexamic acid decreases bleeding after cardiac operations

Thirty-eight patients undergoing a cardiac operation randomly received either tranexamic acid, a potent inhibitor of plasminogen, or placebo in an effort to determine whether prophylactic antifibrinolytic therapy reduces chest tube drainage. Twelve-hour blood loss was 750 +/- 314 (standard deviation) ml in the placebo group and 496 +/- 228 ml in the drug group (p = 0.0057). Fibrin split products were present more frequently in patients in the placebo group (17 of 20 compared with four of 18 in the drug group; p = 0.0002). Tranexamic acid markedly decreased plasminogen availability (112 +/- 104 units in the placebo group versus 36 +/- 18 units in the drug group, p = 0.0058). Plasma fibrinogen concentrations were similar in the placebo and drug groups. Patients in the placebo group received more fresh-frozen plasma and more mediastinal shed blood than those in the drug group. No coagulation-related complication occurred in the group receiving tranexamic acid. We conclude that prophylactic tranexamic acid can be administered safely to inhibit fibrinolysis during cardiac operations, decrease postoperative bleeding, and possibly decrease the frequency of blood product transfusion.     

A randomized trial of tranexamic acid to reduce blood transfusion for scoliosis surgery.

Pediatric patients who undergo posterior spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis often require multiple blood transfusions. Tranexamic acid is a synthetic antifibrinolytic drug that reduces transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery and total knee arthroplasty. We evaluated the efficacy of prophylactic tranexamic acid to reduce perioperative blood transfusion requirements in a prospective, double-blinded, placebo control study. Forty patients, 9-18 yr of age, were randomized to either tranexamic acid (initial dose of 10 mg/kg and infusion of 1 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)) or placebo (isotonic saline). Perioperative management was standardized. A uniform transfusion threshold for noncell saved red blood cells was 7.0 g/dL. The total amount of blood transfused in the perioperative period was significantly reduced in the Tranexamic group (P = 0.045). No thrombotic complications were detected in either group. The administration of prophylactic tranexamic acid in patients with scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery has the potential to reduce perioperative blood transfusion requirements. Implications: The administration of prophylactic tranexamic acid in patients with scoliosis who are undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery has the potential to reduce perioperative blood transfusion requirements.     

Tranexamic acid administration after cardiac surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND: Many different doses and administration schemes have been proposed for the use of the antifibrinolytic drug tranexamic acid during cardiac surgery. This study evaluated the effects of the treatment using tranexamic acid during the intraoperative period only and compared the results with the effects of the treatment continued into the postoperative period. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with use of cardiopulmonary bypass (N = 510) were treated intraoperatively with tranexamic acid and then were randomized in a double-blind fashion to one of three postoperative treatment groups: group A: 169 patients, infusion of saline for 12 h; group B: 171 patients, infusion of tranexamic acid, 1 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) for 12 h; group C: 170 patients, infusion of tranexamic acid, 2 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) for 12 h. Bleeding was considered to be a primary outcome variable. Hematologic data, allogeneic transfusions, thrombotic complications, intubation time, and intensive care unit and hospital stay duration also were evaluated. RESULTS: No differences were found among groups regarding postoperative bleeding and outcomes; however, the group treated with 1 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) tranexamic acid required more units of packed red blood cells because of a significantly lower basal value of hematocrit, as shown by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Prolongation of treatment with tranexamic acid after cardiac surgery is not advantageous with respect to intraoperative administration alone in reducing bleeding and number of allogeneic transfusions. Although the prevalence of postoperative complications was similar among groups, there is an increased risk of procoagulant response because of antifibrinolytic treatment. Therefore, the use of tranexamic acid during the postoperative period should be limited to patients with excessive bleeding as a result of primary fibrinolysis.     

Nephrotoxicity induced by cancer chemotherapy with special emphasis on cisplatin toxicity

Renal failure in cancer patients is a common problem in oncology; this complication is frequently multifactorial in origin. Several antineoplastic agents are potentially nephrotoxic; previous renal impairment as well as combinations with other nephrotoxic drugs may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity during administration of chemotherapy. Methotrexate-related renal damage most frequently occurs with high-dose therapy and can be avoided by forced alkaline diuresis and administration of folinic acid. Renal dysfunction secondary to semustine (CH3-CCNU) is clearly related to cumulative doses in excess to 1,200 mg/m2; the onset may be delayed and renal failure progress despite drug discontinuation. Streptozotocin is also nephrotoxic and may cause proteinuria and renal tubular acidosis; progressive renal failure can be predicted by a close monitoring of proteinuria and prevented by drug discontinuance. Mitomycin-associated renal failure frequently presents with signs of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia; renal failure is usually delayed but occasionally, it may be rapidly progressive despite drug discontinuance. Cisplatin nephrotoxicity is clearly dose-related and used to be considered dose limiting. Renal insufficiency can be prevented by hydration and forced diuresis; in addition, hyperhydration with mannitol-induced saline diuresis may allow administration of high doses and thus circumvent the dose-limiting effect of cisplatin-induced renal toxicity. Cisplatin-induced renal magnesium wasting occurs frequently and should be supplemented. Other approaches to reduce cisplatin nephrotoxicity are currently under investigation and are discussed.     

Effect of topical tranexamic acid in open heart surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cardiopulmonary bypass is known to induce postoperative coagulopathy including fibrinolysis. We have evaluated the effect of the topical use of tranexamic acid in the pericardial cavity on postoperative bleeding following open heart surgery. METHODS: One hundred patients, scheduled for elective open heart surgery, were included in this double-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled study. They were allocated to a treatment group (Group I), or placebo group (Group II). Patients with coagulopathies, renal failure, re-do surgery, or recent anti-platelet treatment were excluded. In Group I, tranexamic acid (2 g in 100 mL of saline solution) was poured into the pericardial cavity before sternal closure. Placebo patients received 100 mL of saline. Postoperative blood loss, need for transfusion of blood products and the rate of re-sternotomy for bleeding were documented. RESULTS: During the first postoperative 24 h, cumulative blood loss was significantly higher in Group II compared to Group I (1208 +/- 121 mL vs. 733 +/- 93 mL, respectively) (P < 0.001). More blood transfusions were administered to Group II patients (4.54 +/- 1.4 units) as compared to Group I patients (2.64 +/- 1.5 units) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Topical application of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing primary open heart surgery led to a significant reduction of both postoperative mediastinal bleeding, and rate of re-exploration for haemostasis.     

体外循环心瓣膜置换术中止血环酸的应用

目的　体外循环心瓣膜置换术中应用止血环酸（ｔｒａｎｅｘａｍ ｉｃ ａｃｉｄ）,观察其对血小板的保护作用。　方法５０ 例心瓣膜置换术的患者随机分为止血环酸组和对照组,用双盲法进行实验。止血环酸组术前静脉注射止血环酸１０ｍ ｇ／ｋｇ,预充液中加５ｍ ｇ／ｋｇ（总量累计超过１ｇ 者,按１ｇ 计算,２／３ ｇ 静脉注射,１／３ ｇ 加入预充液中）;对照组分别加等量生理盐水。测定两组转流前、后血小板粘附率、血小板聚集率、血小板计数,观察术后 ２４ 小时出血量和输血量。结果　转流后两组血小板功能均有下降,但对照组明显低于止血环酸组（ Ｐ＜ ００５）;转流后止血环酸组血小板计数无明显变化（ Ｐ＞ ００５）;转流后对照组血小板计数明显低于转流前（ Ｐ＜ ００１）,且明显低于止血环酸组（ Ｐ＜ ００５）;出血量和输血量止血环酸组均低于对照组（ Ｐ＜ ００５）。　结论　止血环酸能有效保护血小板,明显减少术后出血及输血量。     

Tranexamic acid-associated necrosis and intralesional thrombosis of uterine leiomyomas: a clinicopathologic study of 147 cases emphasizing the importance of drug-induced necrosis and early infarcts in leiomyomas

INTRODUCTION: Women with menorrhagia have increased levels of plasminogen activators in the endometrium. Tranexamic acid (cyklokapron), an antifibrinolytic agent, is commonly prescribed worldwide to women with menorrhagia, including those with fibroids. Necrosis in uterine leiomyomas may be associated with pregnancy, and progestogen or oral contraceptive use but its association with tranexamic acid has not been investigated. Four hundred ninety patients with uterine leiomyomas in 2004 and 2005 were reviewed. Their ages ranged from 22 to 86 (mean 47.2). One hundred forty-seven (30%) were treated with tranexamic acid. RESULTS: Infarct-type necrosis was observed in the leiomyomas of 38 patients, 22 of whom had tranexamic acid (15%) whereas the remaining 16 had no drug exposure (4.7%) (odds ratio=3.60; 95% confidence interval: 1.83-6.07; P=0.0003). Two patients who took the drug less than 2 weeks before surgery had early infarcts with appearance resembled coagulative type necrosis. Eleven of the 22 cases of drug-induced necrotic leiomyoma (50%) also showed intralesional thrombus formation, and 4 showed organization of the thrombi. CONCLUSIONS: Infarct-type necrosis and thrombosis of leiomyoma was more commonly observed in patients treated with tranexamic acid. Although the drug is effective for menorrhagia, clinicians should be aware of the possible complications associated with leiomyoma necrosis such as pain and fever. Distinguishing between types of necrosis may not always be straightforward particularly in early infarcts when the reparative connective tissue reaction between the viable and necrotic cells is not well-developed, resulting in an appearance similar to coagulative necrosis. When the overall gross and microscopic features of a leiomyoma with coagulative necrosis favor a benign lesion, the drug history should be reviewed so that this type of early and healing infarct-type necrosis is considered as the underlying cause of the apparent coagulative necrosis. This may otherwise result in a diagnosis of smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential, leading to prolonged follow-up and unnecessary further surgical intervention.     

Tranexamic acid,given at the end of the operation,does not reduce postoperative blood loss in hip arthroplasty

We performed a randomized double-blind study on the effect of tranexamic acid on postoperative blood loss and blood transfusions in 39 primary THR operations. Tranexamic acid was given at the end of the operation and 3 hours later. Ultrasound examination 1 week later was performed to measure the occurrence of deep hematomas. In contrast to previous findings in knee arthroplasty, the administration of tranexamic acid failed to give a significant reduction in the postoperative blood loss. This lack of effect was possibly related to the fact that the drug was administered too late. In 11 of the 20 patients receiving tranexamic acid, blood transfusion was not necessary, this being the case in 4/19 in the placebo group (p = 0.05). The occurrence of postoperative deep venous thromboses was similar in the tranexamic acid and placebo groups.     

Tranexamic acid, given at the end of the operation, does not reduce postoperative blood loss in hip arthroplasty

We performed a randomized double-blind study on the effect of tranexamic acid on postoperative blood loss and blood transfusions in 39 primary THR operations. Tranexamic acid was given at the end of the operation and 3 hours later. Ultrasound examination 1 week later was performed to measure the occurrence of deep hematomas. In contrast to previous findings in knee arthroplasty, the administration of tranexamic acid failed to give a significant reduction in the postoperative blood loss. This lack of effect was possibly related to the fact that the drug was administered too late. In 11 of the 20 patients receiving tranexamic acid, blood transfusion was not necessary, this being the case in 4/19 in the placebo group (p = 0.05). The occurrence of postoperative deep venous thromboses was similar in the tranexamic acid and placebo groups.