The routine use of tranexamic acid in hip and knee replacements.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to determine whether the administration of intravenous tranexamic acid is a safe and effective means of reducing blood loss associated with hip and knee replacement surgery.

METHOD: Sequential cohort study analysing hemoglobin titers, transfusion rates, and the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing hip and knee replacements with and without the administration of tranexamic acid at the time of induction. Finally, a cost benefit analysis was performed.

RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-three patients were included in our study. We demonstrated that 1 gram of tranexamic acid administered intravenously at the time of induction significantly reduces operative blood loss and transfusion rates (p < 0.05). Moreover, the use of tranexamic acid reduces the costs associated with surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: The administration of 1 gram of intravenous tranexamic acid is a safe and effective means of reducing operative blood loss and blood transfusion rates in patients undergoing hip and knee replacements.