title: Tranexamic acid for reducing blood transfusions in arthroplasty interventions: a cost-effective practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tranexamic 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 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 <euro>138 per patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 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.
authors: Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano (Torino), Italy, federica.vignataglianti@unito.it.
authors: Federica
authors: F
authors: Vigna-Taglianti
authors: Leonardo
authors: L
authors: Basso
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Rolfo
authors: Romeo
authors: R
authors: Brambilla
authors: Federica
authors: F
authors: Vaccari
authors: Gisella
authors: G
authors: Lanci
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Russo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000191:economics*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000191:economics*; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014148:Tranexamic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D014148:Tranexamic Acid
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