• Federica Vigna-Taglianti, Leonardo Basso, Paola Rolfo, Romeo Brambilla, Federica Vaccari, Gisella Lanci, and Roberto Russo.
• Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano (Torino), Italy, federica.vignataglianti@unito.it.
• Eur J Orthop Surg Tr. 2014 May 1;24(4):545-51.

BackgroundTranexamic acid (TXA) administered during arthroplasty intervention can prevent blood loss and blood transfusions. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the benefit of TXA administration on blood transfusion rates in patients undergoing joint arthroplasty, and to perform cost-benefit analysis.MethodsThe study population included 100 patients admitted for arthroplasty intervention between 1st June 2008 and 31st October 2008 who did not receive TXA, and 98 patients admitted between 1st June 2009 and 31st October 2009 receiving TXA during the intervention. Blood transfusion was the main outcome. Risk factors for transfusion were evaluated in logistic regression models. Costs of autologous blood donation, TXA administration, autotransfusion and homologous blood transfusion were used to perform a cost-benefit evaluation.ResultsIn the multivariate adjusted analysis, high preoperative haemoglobin level and TXA administration were significantly associated with a reduced risk of transfusion. Seventy-five percent of patients not receiving TXA required at least one transfusion versus 40.8% of patients receiving TXA, with a reduction of 45.6%. The mean number of blood units transfused was reduced of 26%. The reduction in transfusions was higher in hip arthroplasty. Among patients receiving TXA, the reduction in Hb level was lower both at days 1 and 2 after the intervention. The mean saving related to TXA administration was of 138 per patient.ConclusionsThe administration of TXA during arthroplasty intervention reduces the need of transfusion among patients undertaking arthroplasty interventions and can be considered a cost-effective practice for the National Health System.

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