The Journal of arthroplasty
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Tranexamic acid (TA) has been shown to reduce perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion. While concern remains about the cost of antifibrinolytic medication, we hypothesized that routine use of tranexamic acid would result in lower direct hospital total cost by decreasing costs associated with blood transfusion, laboratory testing, and room & board. Patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class II or less undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty at a single institution during 2007-2008 were retrospectively reviewed. ⋯ The mean direct total cost of hospitalization with and without TA was $15,099 and $15,978 (P<.0002) respectively, a difference of $879. The only increased cost associated with TA was the pharmacy cost which was $921 versus $781 (P<.0001). The routine use of tranexamic acid TA was associated with lower mean direct hospital total costs after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty as the increase in pharmacy costs was more than offset by cost savings in other categories.
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The morbidity associated with elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) may result in intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A total of 175 consecutive THA patients were prospectively triaged to either an ICU bed or routine post-operative floor according to admission criteria based on a prior published study of 1259 THA patients. Primary end points were a reduction in unplanned ICU admission, as well as major complications. ⋯ The as-treated odds of unplanned admission pre- versus post-intervention were 3.2 (1.2, 10.6). The complication rate fell from 12.5% to 2%, and the mortality index decreased from 4.77 to 1.62. Triage according to selected risk factors affects a reduction in unplanned ICU admissions and major complications after THA.
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Despite attempts to minimize exposure to allogeneic blood, there are little data on recent nationwide trends in transfusion following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and no consensus on indications. The purpose of this study was to examine the rate, predictors, and inpatient outcomes associated with transfusion after primary THA. This retrospective cohort study analyzed the data collected from US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for each year during the period 2005-2008 to assess the trends in transfusion in patients who underwent elective primary THA. ⋯ The incidence of blood transfusion has recently increased following total hip arthroplasty and there is great variability in practice. We identified several patient risk factors along with the morbidity and mortality independently associated with transfusion following THA. Further work is needed to standardize the approach to blood conservation and minimize exposure to allogenic blood.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of multimodal perioperative analgesia protocol with periarticular medication injection in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blinded study.
Pain control is necessary for successful rehabilitation and outcome after total knee arthroplasty. Our goal was to compare the clinical efficacy of periarticular injections consisting of a long-acting local anesthetic (ropivacaine) and epinephrine with and without combinations of an α2-adrenergic agonist (clonidine) and/or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (ketorolac). ⋯ Compared with Group D, Group A and B patients had significantly lower postoperative visual analog pain scores and nurse pain assessment and Group C patients had a significantly greater reduction in physical therapist pain assessment. We found no differences in other parameters analyzed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A prospective double-blind placebo controlled trial of topical tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty.
Tranexamic acid (TNA) reduces postoperative blood loss in general and obstetrical surgery but there is limited orthopaedic literature regarding its use in the topical setting. To study the effect of topical TNA after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), 101 patients were randomized to topical administration of 2.0g TNA in 75mL of normal saline (50 patients) or placebo (51 patients). ⋯ Total blood loss was lower in the TNA group (940.2±327.1mL) than the placebo group (1293.1±532.7mL)(P<0.001), and four patients in the placebo group and none in the TNA group received postoperative transfusion (P=0.118). We recommend administration of topical TNA in primary TKA in healthy patients to decrease perioperative blood loss.