Analysis of the efficacy of prophylactic tranexamic acid in preventing postpartum bleeding: systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Abstract Background Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the main causes of maternal mortality, mainly in the poorest regions of the world, drawing attention to the need for strategies for preventing it. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic administration of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in decreasing blood loss in pregnant women in delivery, preventing PPH. Methods Systematic review of randomized clinical trials. We searched for publications in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases, with the uniterms "postpartum, puerperal hemorrhage" and "tranexamic acid", published between January of 2004 and January of 2020. The eligibility criteria were trials published in English with pregnant women assessed during and after vaginal or cesarean delivery about the effect of prophylactic use of TXA on bleeding volume. The random-effects model was applied with the DerSimonian-Laird test and the Mean Difference (MD) was calculated for continuous variables together with each 95% CI. This systematic review was previously registered in the PROSPERO platform under the registration n° CRD42020187393. Results Of the 630 results, 16 trials were selected, including one with two different doses, performing a total of 6731 patients. The intervention group received a TXA dose that varied between 10 mg.kg−1 and 1g (no weight calculation). The TXA use was considered a protective factor for bleeding (MD: -131.07; 95% CI: -170.00 to -92.78; p= 0.000) and hemoglobin variation (MD: -0.417; 95% CI: -0.633 to -0.202; p= 0.000). In the subgroup analysis related to the cesarean pathway, the effect of TXA was even greater. Conclusion The prophylactic use of tranexamic acid is effective in reducing the post-partum bleeding volume. PROSPERO registration ID CRD42020187393.

Hemostatic efficacy of tranexamic acid and ε-aminocaproic acid in hip and knee arthroplasty:a Meta-analysis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To systematically evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of tranexamic acid and ε-aminocaproic acid in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).@*METHODS@#Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and retrospective case-control studies about tranexamic acid and ε-aminocaproic acid for the comparison of THA or TKA were searched electronically in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, VIP from the time of building databases to July 2020. Two investigators carried out literature screening and data extraction according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria respectively. The methodological quality of the included randomized controlled studies was evaluated through the Cochrane Handbook, and the methodological quality of the included retrospective case-control studies was evaluated through the NOS scale. Blood loss, the incidence of thrombosis complications, per capita input of hemoglobin were Meta-analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 software.@*RESULTS@#A total of 6 articles were included, including 4 RCTs and 2 retrospective case-control studies. A total of 3 174 patients, including 1 353 in the tranexamic acid group and 1 821 in the ε-aminocaproic acid group. Meta-analysis results showed that there were no difference statistical significance in blood loss [MD=-88.60, 95%CI(-260.30, 83.10), P=0.31], blood transfusion rate [OR=1.48, 95%CI(0.96, 2.27), P=0.08], thrombotic complications [OR=0.80, 95%CI(0.07, 8.83), P=0.85], per capita hemoglobin input [MD=0.04, 95%CI(-0.02, 0.10), P=0.18] between tranexamic acid group and ε-aminocaproic acid group during THA. While in TKA, the blood loss of the tranexamic acid group was less than that of the ε-aminocaproic acid group [MD=-147.13, 95%CI(-216.52, -77.74), P<0.0001], the difference was statistically significant. The blood transfusion rate [OR=1.30, 95%CI(0.74, 2.28), P=0.37], thrombotic complications [OR=0.95, 95%CI(0.38, 2.36), P=0.92], per capita hemoglobin input [MD=-0.00, 95%CI(-0.05, 0.06), P=0.48], tourniquet time [MD=1.54, 95%CI(-2.07, 5.14), P=0.40] were similar between two groups, the difference was not statistically significant.@*CONCLUSION@#In THA, tranexamic acid and ε-aminocaproic acid have similar hemostatic effects, while in TKA, tranexamic acid can effectively reduce the patient's blood loss and has a better hemostatic effect. Tranexamic acid is recommended as one of the first choice hemostatic drugs for TKA.

Application of tranexamic acid in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of femur / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the application of tranexamic acid in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture.@*METHODS@#From January 2017 to October 2019, 100 patients with intertrochanteric fracture were randomly divided into observation group (48 cases) and control group(52 cases). All patients received the same surgical treatment. The control group was given tranexamic acid 20 minutes before operation, and 15 mg/kg diluted in 250 ml sodium chloride injection, intravenous drip;the observation group was given tranexamic acid 0.5 g dissolved in 20 ml normal saline injected into femoral bone marrow cavity for local treatment on the basis of the control group. The blood loss, operation time and postoperative hospital stay were compared between two groups. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were analyzed before and after operation, and the incidence of thrombotic complications was observed.@*RESULTS@#The total blood loss, dominant blood loss, hidden blood loss and postoperative drainage volume of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (@*CONCLUSION@#Tranexamic acid combined with systemic and local application has important clinical significance in reducing perioperative blood lossand blood cell loss in patients with intertrochanteric fracture, and has good safety.

Thrombolysis in acute pulmonary embolism

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is an important cause of cardiovascular mortality, due mainly to hemodynamic instability. In these cases, the recommendation is to perform some reperfusion procedure, with systemic thrombolysis being the main therapy used. However, national data evaluating the efficacy and safety of thrombolysis are scarce. METHODS Retrospective analysis of a case series. We included 13 patients diagnosed with high-risk APE and 4 patients with intermediate-high risk from a single-center, who were treated with alteplase 100mg. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 55 years, most of them female (76.4%). Among the risk factors for VTE were immobilization (41.17%), contraceptive use (35.29%), cancer (17.63%), and previous history of DVT (11.76%). The most frequent clinical manifestations of APE were dyspnea (88.23%), hypoxia (82.35%), hypotension (82.35%), and tachycardia (64.70%). 82.35% of the patients had echocardiographic signs of right ventricular dysfunction, and 52.94% had increased troponin and BNP. Severe bleeding associated with thrombolysis occurred in 17.54% of cases. No patient died due to bleeding. There were 8 deaths from right ventricular failure (47%), 6 in the cases of patients presenting as high-risk APE (35.3%), and 2 in the cases of intermediate-high risk (11.8%). CONCLUSION Thrombolysis in patients with high-risk APE or intermediate-high risk had a severe bleeding rate of 17.6%. However, the high mortality of this population (47%) due to right ventricular failure justifies the use of this therapeutic modality.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS A embolia pulmonar aguda (EAP) é uma causa importante de mortalidade cardiovascular ao causar instabilidade hemodinâmica. Nesses casos, a recomendação é a realização de algum procedimento de reperfusão, sendo a trombólise sistêmica a principal terapia utilizada. No entanto, dados nacionais avaliando a eficácia e a segurança da trombólise são escassos. MÉTODO Análise retrospectiva de uma série de casos. Foram incluídos 13 pacientes com o diagnóstico de EAP de alto risco e quatro pacientes de risco intermediário-alto, de um único centro, e que foram tratados com alteplase 100 mg. RESULTADOS A média de idade dos pacientes foi 55 anos, sendo a maioria do gênero feminino (76,4%). Dos fatores de risco para TEV, estavam presentes a imobilização (41,17%), o uso de anticonceptivos (35,29%), câncer (17,63%) e história prévia de TVP (11,76%). As manifestações clínicas mais frequentes da EAP foram dispneia (88,23%), hipóxia (82,35%), hipotensão (82,35%) e taquicardia (64,70%); 82,35% dos pacientes apresentaram sinais ecocardiográficos de disfunção ventricular direita e 52,94% apresentaram aumento da troponina e BNP. Sangramento grave associado à trombólise ocorreu em 17,54% dos casos. Nenhum paciente faleceu em decorrência de sangramento. Houve oito mortes por insuficiência ventricular direita (47%): seis nos casos de paciente que se apresentaram como EAP de alto risco (35,3%) e duas nos casos de risco intermediário-alto (11,8%). CONCLUSÃO A trombólise nos pacientes com EAP de alto risco ou risco intermediário-alto apresentou uma taxa de sangramento grave de 17,6%. No entanto, a alta mortalidade dessa população (47%) por insuficiência ventricular direita justifica o uso desta modalidade terapêutica.

Eficacia del ácido tranexámico para la disminución de la transfusión de sangre alogénica en la artroplastía total de cadera / Effectiveness of tranexamic acid for decreased allogenic blood transfusion in total hip arthroplasty

Resumen: Introducción: La artroplastía total de cadera (ATC) puede causar una pérdida considerable de sangre. Para reducir la necesidad de transfusión de sangre se utilizan diversas técnicas preoperatorias como la administración de ácido tranexámico (ATX). Objetivo: Demostrar que el uso de ATX disminuye la necesidad de transfusión de sangre alogénica en pacientes operados de ATC. Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo, utilizado para observar la tasa de transfusión de sangre alogénica en pacientes a quienes se les practicó ATC primaria unilateral de Mayo de 2016 a Diciembre de 2017. A los pacientes incluidos en el estudio se les aplicó ATX preoperatoriamente, a las 24 horas se tomó una biometría hemática y se valoró la necesidad de transfusión sanguínea. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 70 pacientes en el estudio. La Hb promedio postquirúrgica 11.7 mg/dl con un rango de 9.2 a 14.9 mg/dl y un Hto promedio de 37.1% con un rango de 30.2 a 44.2%. Ninguno de los pacientes requirió de transfusión de sangre alogénica. Conclusiones: En este estudio se demuestra cómo el ATX es una estrategia transoperatoria para reducir la necesidad de transfusión de sangre alogénica en pacientes a quienes se realiza una ATC primaria.

Abstract: Introduction: ATC can cause considerable blood loss. To reduce the need for blood transfusion, various preoperative techniques such as administration of tranexamic acid (ATX) are used. Objective: to demonstrate that the use of ATX decreases the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients operated on ATC. Material and methods: Prospective, observational, descriptive study, used to observe the allogeneic blood transfusion rate in patients who underwent unilateral primary ATC from May 2016 to December 2017. ATX was applied preoperatively and after 24 hours a blood count was taken and the need for blood transfusion was assessed. Results: A total of 70 patients were included in the study. The average postoperative Hb 11.7 mg/dl with a range of 9.2 to 14.9 mg/dl and an average Ht of 37.1% with a range of 30.2 to 44.2%. None of the patients required allogeneic blood transfusión. Conclusions: This study demonstrates how ATX is a transoperative strategy to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing primary ATC.

Analysis of hemostatic effect of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid after minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid on blood loss and blood transfusion rate after minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.@*METHODS@#From January 2015 to September 2017, 90 patients underwent minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty were divided into tranexamic acid group and control group, 45 cases in each group. In the tranexamic acid group, there were 22 males and 23 females, aged 62 to 69 (66.1±2.4) years;in the control group, 20 males and 25 females, aged 63 to 71(68.5±5.2) years. The amount of bleeding in the drainage ball at 48 hours after operation was recorded, and the blood transfusion rate and hematocrit level duringthe perioperative period were recorded. The factors influencing perioperative blood loss included gender, age and body mass index (BMI).@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 12.5 to 28.3 (22.8±7.9) months. During the follow-up, the wounds of the two groups healed well, and no deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occurred. There was no significant difference in postoperative blood loss between the tranexamic acid group and the control group. The postoperative bleeding volume in the tranexamic acid group was (110.0±52.1) ml, and that in the control group was (123.0±64.5) ml (P=0.39). There was no blood transfusion in the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Intra articular injection of tranexamic acid can not significantly reduce the postoperative blood loss in patients with minimally invasive unicompartment.

Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty via direct anterior approach / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of local application of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing perioperative blood loss in total hip arthroplasty via direct anterior approach (DAA).@*METHODS@#From July 2013 to September 2018, 46 patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head were divided into tranexamic acid group (@*RESULTS@#The incision healed well and no obvious complications occurred in the two groups. All patients were followed up for 12 to 59 months(averaged 31.11 months). No hip pain was found in the follow-up patients. Hip joint function was improved effectively and no prosthesis loosening occurred. The total perioperative blood loss in tranexamic acid group and normal saline group was(740.09±77.14) ml and (1 069.07±113.53) ml respectively, 24 hours after operation, the drainage volume was (87.61±9.28) ml, (233.83±25.62) ml, the hidden blood loss was (409.65±38.01) ml and (588.33±57.16) ml. the difference of hemoglobin before and after operation was (24.78±2.19) g / L and (33.57±2.95) g / L, the difference was statistically significant (@*CONCLUSION@#local application of tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty through direct anterior approach can safely and effectively reduce perioperative blood loss, and does not increase the risk of thrombosis, and does not affect the normal recovery of joint function.

Efficacy and safety of antifibrinolytics in oncological surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Eficácia e segurança de antifibrinolíticos em cirurgia oncológica: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise

Abstract Background and objectives: The administration of antifibrinolytics has been shown to be effective in reducing blood loss and the need for transfusions in surgeries. However, few studies have evaluated these drugs in cancer surgery. The objective was to review the efficacy and safety of the treatment with antifibrinolytics in patients who underwent oncologic surgeries. Contents: An electronic bibliographic research was conducted in PubMed, OVID, MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO and in the Cochrane Library data basis in order to identify randomized clinical trials performed in any type of oncologic surgery. The data evaluated were blood loss, need for transfusion and incidence of arteriovenous thromboembolism. Five randomized controlled trials evaluating 838 patients met the inclusion requirements. In the analysis of the incidence of thromboembolic events in the five RCTs, there was no statistically significant difference between the administration of tranexamic acid when compared with the placebo (OR = 0.36, 95% IC: 0.11‒1.19, p= 0.09, I2 = 0%). However, when total estimated blood loss and need for blood transfusion are analyzed, the use of tranexamic acid was associated with a significant reduction over placebo (MD = −135.79, 95% CI: −179.50 to −92.08, p< 0.00001, I2= 68%) and (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.32‒0.65, p< 0.00001, I2= 60%), respectively. Conclusions: This meta-analysis found no evidence that the administration of antifibrinolytics increases the risk of thromboembolic complications in patients submitted to oncologic surgery, and has shown evidence that it is effective in reducing total perioperative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A administração de agentes antifibrinolíticos mostrou ser eficaz para reduzir a perda sanguínea e a necessidade de transfusões em cirurgias. No entanto, poucos estudos avaliaram esses agentes em cirurgias oncológicas. O objetivo foi revisar a eficácia e segurança do tratamento com antifibrinolíticos em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias oncológicas. Conteúdo: Uma pesquisa bibliográfica foi conduzida nos bancos de dados eletrônicos PubMed, OVID, MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO e na Biblioteca Cochrane para identificar ensaios clínicos randomizados feitos em qualquer tipo de cirurgia oncológica. Os dados analisados foram perda sanguínea, necessidade de transfusão e incidência de tromboembolismo arteriovenoso. Cinco ensaios clínicos randomizados que avaliaram 838 pacientes atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Na análise da incidência de eventos tromboembólicos em cinco ECR, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a administração do ácido tranexâmico, comparado ao placebo (OR = 0,36, IC 95%: 0,11-1,19, p = 0,09; I2 = 0%). No entanto, quando a perda sanguínea total estimada e a necessidade de transfusão de sangue foram analisadas, o uso do ácido tranexâmico foi associado a uma redução significativa, comparado ao placebo. (DM: -135,79, IC 95%: -179,50 a -92,08, p < 0,00001, I2 = 68%) e (OR = 0,45, IC 95%: 0,32-0,65, p < 0,00001, I2 = 60%), respectivamente. Conclusões: Esta metanálise não encontrou evidências de que a administração de antifibrinolíticos aumente o risco de complicações tromboembólicas em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia oncológica e apresentou evidências de que é eficaz para reduzir a perda sanguínea total no perioperatório e a necessidade de transfusão de sangue.

Hipema traumático en paciente con hemoglobinopatía / Trauma hyphema in a patient with hemoglobinopathy

El hipema traumático es la presencia de sangre en la cámara anterior y puede presentarse en traumas oculares a globo abierto o cerrado, así como coexistir con otras lesiones. Se presenta un paciente masculino de 52 años de edad, coloración de la piel negra, quien sufrió un trauma contuso del ojo derecho que le provocó hipema y requirió ingreso hospitalario. A pesar del tratamiento médico convencional, evolucionó desfavorablemente, ya que presentó resangrado tardío. motivados por esto le indicamos un estudio de electroforesis de hemoglobina e incorporamos un tratamiento sistémico con antifibrinolíticos. Se obtuvo resolución de la hemorragia en las primeras 48 horas de iniciar el tratamiento. Se concluye que el uso de antifibrinolíticos resulta efectivo para el tratamiento del hipema postraumático en pacientes con hemoglobinopatías(AU)

Trauma hyphema is the presence of blood in the anterior chamber and may occur in open or closed eyeball traumas as well as coexist in other lesions. This is the case of a Black male patient aged 52 years, who suffered a blunt trauma in his right eye causing hyphema and requiring hospitalization. Despite the conventional medical treatment, the recovery was unfavorable since he presented with late rebleeding. Due to the above-mentioned condition, he was performed a hemoglobin electrophoresis study and he received a systemic treatment with antifibrinolytics. Hemorrhage disappeared after 48 hours of treatment. It was concluded that the use of antifibrinolytics is effective for the treatment of post-trauma hyphema in patients with hemoglobinopathy. Key words: Hyphema; antifibrinolytics; hemoglobinopathy(AU)

Hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficit: the strength of recognition (51 cases)

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disease due to C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH). The disease is characterized by subcutaneous and submucosal edema in the absence of urticaria due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This descriptive study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HAE referred to our Outpatient Clinic between December 2009 and November 2017. Fifty-one patients (38 F, 13 M) with a mean age of 32 years (range: 7-70 y) were included. Family history of HAE was reported in 70% (36/51) of the cases; 33/46 patients became symptomatic by 18 years of age. The median time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 13 years (3 mo-50 y). The most frequent triggering factors for attacks were stress (74.4%), trauma (56.4%), and hormonal variations (56%). The main symptoms were subcutaneous edema in 93.5% (43/46) of patients, gastrointestinal symptoms in 84.8% (39/46), and obstruction in the upper airways in 34.8% (16/46). Hospitalization occurred in 65.2%, of whom 13.3% had to be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. Prophylactic treatment was instituted in 87% (40/46) of patients, and 56.5% (26/46) required additional treatment to control attacks. Owing to our data collection over a period of 8 years, a significant number of patients were identified by this HAE reference center. Despite early recognition and prophylactic treatment, a high percentage of patients were hospitalized. HAE is still diagnosed late, reinforcing the need for more reference centers specialized in diagnosis and educational projects for health professionals.

Use of tranexamic acid in trauma patients: an analysis of cost-effectiveness for use in Brazil / Uso de ácido tranexâmico no trauma: uma análise de custo-efetividade para o uso no Brasil

ABSTRACT Introduction: Use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in trauma has been the subject of growing interest by researchers and health professionals. However, there are still several open questions regarding its use. In some aspects medical literature is controversial. The points of disagreement among experts include questions such as: Which patients should receive TXA in trauma? Should treatment be performed in the pre-hospital environment? Is there any need for laboratory parameters before starting TXA treatment? What is the drug safety profile? The main issue on which there is still no basis in literature is: What is the indication for treatment within massive transfusion protocols? Objective: Answer the questions proposed based on critical evaluation of the evidence gathered so far and carry out a study of cost-effectiveness of TXA use in trauma adapted to the Brazilian reality. Methods: A literature review was performed through searching Pubmed.com, Embase and Cab Abstract by headings "tranexamic AND trauma", in all languages, yielding 426 articles. Manuscripts reporting on TXA utilization for elective procedures were excluded, remaining 79 articles. Fifty-five articles were selected, and critically evaluated in order to answer study questions. The evaluation of cost effectiveness was performed using CRASH-2 trial data and Brazilian official population data. Results: TXA is effective and efficient, and should be administered to a wide range of patients, including those with indication evaluated in research protocols and current indication criteria for TXA should be expanded. As for the cost-effectiveness, the TXA proved to be cost-effective with an average cost of R$ 61.35 (currently US$16) per year of life saved. Conclusion: The use of TXA in trauma setting seems to be effective, efficient and cost-effective in the various groups of polytrauma patients. Its use in massive transfusion protocols should be the subject of further investigations.

RESUMO Introdução: O uso do ácido tranexâmico (TXA) no trauma tem sido alvo de interesse crescente por parte de pesquisadores e profissionais de saúde. No entanto, seus benefícios ainda não foram completamente definidos. Os pontos de divergência entre especialistas incluem questões como: quais pacientes devem receber TXA no trauma? O tratamento deve ser realizado em ambiente pré-hospitalar? Há necessidade de exames laboratoriais para indicar o tratamento? Qual o perfil de segurança da droga? A principal questão para a qual ainda não existe qualquer embasamento na literatura é: qual a indicação do tratamento dentro de protocolos de transfusão maciça? Objetivo: Responder às questões propostas, com base em avaliação crítica da evidência reunida até o momento e realizar estudo de custo-efetividade do uso do TXA no trauma adaptado à realidade brasileira. Métodos: Foi realizada revisão da literatura através de estratégia de busca: PubMed.com, Embase e no Cab Abstract pelos descritores "tranexamic AND trauma", em todos idiomas, resultando em 426 artigos. Foram excluídos aqueles relativos às operações eletivas, restando 79 artigos. Cinquenta e cinco foram selecionados e avaliados criticamente com vistas a responder às questões em estudo. A avaliação de custo-efetividade foi realizada utilizando dados do estudo CRASH-2 e populacionais oficiais brasileiros. Resultados: Através da análise da evidência disponível chegou-se à conclusão de que o ácido tranexâmico é tratamento eficaz e efetivo, devendo ser administrado à ampla gama de pacientes, incluindo todos aqueles com indicação já avaliada nos protocolos de pesquisa publicados e provavelmente devam-se expandir os critérios de indicação. Quanto à avaliação de custo-efetividade, o TXA mostrou-se bastante custo-eficaz com gasto médio de R$ 61,35 por ano de vida salvo. Conclusão: O uso do ácido tranexâmico no trauma parece ser eficaz, efetivo e custo-eficaz nos diversos grupos de pacientes politraumatizados. Seu uso em protocolos de transfusão maciça ainda deve ser objeto de futuras investigações.

Use of tranexamic acid in primary total knee replacement: effects on perioperative blood loss / Uso do ácido tranexâmico em artroplastia total primária de joelho: repercussões na perda sanguínea perioperatória

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of tranexamic acid in primary total knee replacement surgeries has been the subject of constant study. The strategies to reduce bleeding are aimed at reducing the need for blood transfusion due to the risks involved. In this study we evaluated the use of tranexamic acid in reducing bleeding, need for blood transfusion, and prevalence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis in primary total knee replacement. METHOD: 62 patients undergoing primary total knee replacement were enrolled in the study, from June 2012 to May 2013, and randomized to receive a single dose of 2.5 g of intravenous tranexamic acid (Group TA) or saline (Group GP), 5 min before opening the pneumatic tourniquet, respectively. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and blood loss were recorded 24 h after surgery. Deep vein thrombosis was investigated during patient's hospitalization and 15 and 30 days after surgery in review visits. RESULTS: There was no demographic difference between groups. Group TA had 13.89% decreased hematocrit (p = 0.925) compared to placebo. Group TA had a decrease of 12.28% (p = 0.898) in hemoglobin compared to Group GP. Group TA had a mean decrease of 187.35 mL in blood loss (25.32%) compared to group GP (p = 0.027). The number of blood transfusions was higher in Group GP (p = 0.078). Thromboembolic events were not seen in this study. CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid reduced postoperative bleeding without promoting thromboembolic events.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O uso do ácido tranexâmico, em cirurgias de artroplastia total primária de joelho, tem sido objeto de constante estudo. As estratégias para redução de sangramento visam à redução da necessidade de transfusão de sangue devido aos riscos que apresentam. Neste estudo, propomos a avaliação do uso do ácido tranexâmico na redução do sangramento, na necessidade de transfusão de sangue e na prevalência de trombose venosa profunda (TVP) pós-operatória em artroplastia total primária de joelho. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 62 pacientes submetidos à artroplastia primária total de joelho, de junho de 2012 a maio de 2013, randomizados para receber ácido tranexâmico 2,5 g endovenoso (grupo AT), em dose única, ou soro fisiológico (grupo GP), cinco minutos antes da abertura do torniquete pneumático, respectivamente. Foram feitas dosagens de hemoglobina e hematócrito e medida a perda sanguínea 24 horas após a cirurgia. A TVP foi pesquisada durante a internação do paciente, 15 e 30 dias após a cirurgia nas consultas de revisão. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças demográficas entre os grupos estudados. O grupo GT apresentou queda do hematócrito 13,89% (p = 0,925) comparado com o grupo placebo. O grupo GT apresentou diminuição de 12,28% (p = 0,898) da hemoglobina comparado com o grupo GP. O grupo GT apresentou uma diminuição média de 187,35 ml nas perdas sanguíneas (25,32%) quando comparado com o grupo GP (p = 0,027). O número de transfusões sanguíneas foi maior no grupo GP (p = 0,078). Eventos tromboembólicos não foram evidenciados neste estudo. CONCLUSÕES: O ácido tranexâmico diminuiu o sangramento pós-operatório sem promover eventos tromboembólicos.

Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Lower Extremities in Comatose Elderly Patients with Acute Neurological Diseases

PURPOSE: Comatose elderly patients with acute neurological illness have a great risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In this study, the incidence of DVT and the effectiveness of early initiation of treatment were evaluated in those patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 323 patients were admitted to our ward due to neurological diseases in one year, and 43 patients, whose Glasgow Coma Scale was or =60 years, were included in this study. D-dimer was measured on admission and day 7, and lower-extremity ultrasonography was performed on day 7. When DVT was positive, heparin treatment was initiated, and further evaluation of pulmonary embolism (PE) was conducted. Vena cava filter protection was inserted in PE-positive patients. Incidence of DVT and PE, alteration of D-dimer value, and effect of heparin treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: DVT was positive in 19 (44.2%) patients, and PE was in 4 (9.3%). D-dimer was significantly higher in DVT-positive group on day 7 (p<0.01). No DVT were identified in patients with ischemic disease, while 66.7% of intracerebral hemorrhage and 53.3% of brain contusion patients were DVT positive. Surgery was a definite risk factor for DVT, with an odds ratio of 5.25. DVT and PE disappeared by treatment in all cases, and no patients were succumbed to the thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Patients with hemorrhagic diseases or who undergo operation possess high risk of DVT, and initiation of heparin treatment in 7 days after admission is an effective prophylaxis for DVT in comatose elderly patients without causing bleeding.

Cardiac surgery in a patient with severe thrombocytopenia: How low is too low.

Platelets play a very important role in hemostasis, especially after cardiac surgery. Excessive bleeding after such surgery may lead to increased need for transfusion and its incumbent increase in post-operative morbidity and mortality. Although most cardiac surgeons will offer a surgical option to a patient with moderate thrombocytopenia (platelet count around 70 × 10 9 /L), successful cardiac surgery has not been reported in patients with significantly lower platelets counts (less than 40 × 10 9 /L). We report a case of severe thrombocytopenia (19 × 10 9 /L) where coronary artery bypass grafting was performed with minimal blood loss post-operatively, discuss the patient's management and provide insights while dealing with such patients.

Antifibrinolytics in cardiac surgery.

Cardiac surgery exerts a significant strain on the blood bank services and is a model example in which a multi-modal blood-conservation strategy is recommended. Significant bleeding during cardiac surgery, enough to cause re-exploration and/or blood transfusion, increases morbidity and mortality. Hyper-fibrinolysis is one of the important contributors to increased bleeding. This knowledge has led to the use of anti-fibrinolytic agents especially in procedures performed under cardiopulmonary bypass. Nothing has been more controversial in recent times than the aprotinin controversy. Since the withdrawal of aprotinin from the world market, the choice of antifibrinolytic agents has been limited to lysine analogues either tranexamic acid (TA) or epsilon amino caproic acid (EACA). While proponents of aprotinin still argue against its non-availability. Health Canada has approved its use, albeit under very strict regulations. Antifibrinolytic agents are not without side effects and act like double-edged swords, the stronger the anti-fibrinolytic activity, the more serious the side effects. Aprotinin is the strongest in reducing blood loss, blood transfusion, and possibly, return to the operating room after cardiac surgery. EACA is the least effective, while TA is somewhere in between. Additionally, aprotinin has been implicated in increased mortality and maximum side effects. TA has been shown to increase seizure activity, whereas, EACA seems to have the least side effects. Apparently, these agents do not differentiate between pathological and physiological fibrinolysis and prevent all forms of fibrinolysis leading to possible thrombotic side effects. It would seem prudent to select the right agent knowing its risk-benefit profile for a given patient, under the given circumstances.

Utility of Sonoclot analysis and tranexamic acid in tetralogy of Fallot patients undergoing intracardiac repair.

Sonoclot analysis is a point of care test to monitor the coagulation process, presenting a comprehensive evaluation of the clot formation and retraction as well as platelet function. This randomized double-blinded study was designed to investigate the utility of Sonoclot analysis in monitoring the coagulation profile as also the antifibrinolytic effects of tranexamic acid administered in patients with tetralogy of Fallot undergoing intracardiac repair. Eighty of a total 94 patients were randomly divided into two groups of 40 each. In the study group, TA was administered thrice at a dosage of 10 mg/kg, i.e. before CPB, on CPB and after CPB, whereas in the control group, placebo was administered at the same time intervals. Sonoclot analysis and D-dimer measurement were performed at baseline and following heparin neutralisation. An additional variable, DR 15 (diminishing rate of clot strength at 15 min postmaximal clot strength), was calculated from the Sonoclot graph and was compared with d-dimer levels as a measure of fibrinolysis. The three Sonoclot variables, i.e. activated clotting time, clot rate and platelet function, were deranged at baseline in all the patients. Post-CPB, the change in these variables was not significant. ACT, clot rate and platelet function showed no significant (P > 0.05) difference in both the groups at both the time intervals. DR 15 and d-dimer values were comparable at baseline in both the groups. However, a significant (P < 0.05) difference was seen in these variables in the control group as compared with the TA group following heparin neutralisation. To conclude, Sonoclot analysis is a useful, point of care method for the monitoring of coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with tetralogy of Fallot undergoing intracardiac repair.