Use of Topical Tranexamic Acid Reduces Direct and Indirect Blood Loss and Transfusion Rates in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

In primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), evidence supports the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) as an effective strategy for reducing blood loss, but scant evidence supports its use in revision THA.

Questions/Purposes

We aimed to evaluate whether the use of topical TXA in revision THA is associated with less blood loss and lower transfusion rates and to assess its safety, specifically as it relates to thromboembolic complications.

Methods

In this retrospective comparative study, two groups who underwent revision THA between 2005 and 2017 were defined: 98 patients who received 3 g of topical TXA (study group) and 475 patients who did not receive TXA (control group). Subjects were divided into subgroups according to the type of revision. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, blood loss, and transfusions were recorded. The follow-up period was 6 weeks.

Results

Median estimated blood loss, hidden blood loss, hemoglobin drop, and transfusion rates were significantly lower in the study group. The rates of post-operative thromboembolism were similar in the two groups. According to subgroup analysis, patients with revision of the femoral component, both components, and staged exchange revisions showed significantly lower rates of transfusion.

Conclusion

Topical TXA administration during revision THA effectively reduced direct and indirect blood loss, including hidden losses, without increasing the rates of thromboembolic events. This effect appeared to be enhanced when the femoral component was revised.