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Study indicates transfusion risks for TKA procedures likely increase hospitalization costs
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Patients who had increased comorbidities or who underwent simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty or revision surgery had an increased risk for transfusion compared with healthy patients who underwent primary procedures, and this need correlated with higher hospitalization costs, according to study results.
Researchers reviewed data from the Premier Perspective database for patients who underwent either primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA), simultaneous bilateral TKA or revision TKA. Investigators assessed patient demographics, clinical characteristics, tranexamic acid use, length of stay and hospitalization.
Results showed transfusions were needed for 14.1% of patients who underwent unilateral TKA, for 36.3% of patients who underwent bilateral TKA and for 20% of patients who needed revision surgery. Logistic regression analyses showed risk factors for autologous and allogenic transfusion were patient age older than 65 years, female gender, care at a Northeastern hospital in the United States, care at a large hospital, noncommercial payer type and increased Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score.
According to researchers, the risk of transfusion declined during the study period; however, patients with a higher CCI still had greater odds for transfusion compared with healthy patients. Results from the generalized linear model showed incremental total hospitalization cost was highest among patients who underwent revision TKA and had a transfusion compared with patients who did not need a transfusion. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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