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Topical tranexamic acid reduced transfusion rate, cost in primary THA, TKA
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Use of topical tranexamic acid in patients undergoing primary hip and knee arthroplasty reduced transfusion rate and cost while increasing home disposition, according to study results.
Researchers retrospectively reviewed 591 primary total joint arthroplasties performed between March 2012 and March 2013; 311 patients were assigned to an experimental group and 280 were assigned to the control group.
Study results showed a reduction in transfusion rates from 17.5% to 5.5%, as well as increased postoperative hemoglobin and decreased delta hemoglobin without an increase in adverse events. Based on transfusion costs alone, savings were $83.73 per patient after accounting for the cost of topical tranexamic acid, according to the researchers.
The researchers also found a 9.3% increase in hospital disposition to home compared with subacute nursing facility, which was considered statistically significant.
Disclosure: Froehlich is the program director for the Total Joint Center at Miriam Hospital where the study takes place and has received compensation as such.
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