EFFICACY OF TRANEXAMIC ACID IN TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENTS IN INDIAN POPULATION 

ABSTRACT

To study the role of tranexamic acid in control of blood loss in total knee replacement surgeries. Prospective study of 180 patients who underwent total knee replacement in Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre from June 2010 to june2013. Patients were divided into two group’s study and control groups. 1 gram of tranexamic acid in 200 ml of saline is given 20 minutes before release of tourniquet. Second dose and third dose were given at 3hrs and 6 hrs after the initial dose, irrespective of timing of surgery. Intra op blood loss was calculated by two methods, one was from haematocrit values and other was by observation of mops, drain and field loss. The average intra op blood loss in patients in study group was 627.71 ml and in control group was 726.98 ml. In bilateral total knee replacement cases the blood loss in study group was 792.50 ml and in control group was 610.20 ml. The study group patients needed 30 transfusions while patients in control group had 90 blood transfusions. Tranexamic acid given intravenously at the beginning of the operation was an efficient and cost-effective way to reduce blood loss in total knee replacement surgeries. Tranexamic acid also significantly reduces the need for allogeneic blood transfusions.

Key words: Total knee replacement, Tranexamic acid, Blood loss.