title: EFFECT OF TRANEXAMIC ACID USE ON POSTOPERATIVE BLOOD LOSS IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To monitor the effect of tranexamic acid use (Exacyl) on postoperative bleeding (aspiration), autologous blood transfusion (autotransfusion), allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative anemia (difference between preoperative and immediate postoperative hemoglobin levels) in total knee arthroplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective observational study was conducted on a sample of 457 patients who underwent endoprosthetic knee arthroplasty in the interval January 1, 2008-July 3O, 2014 at the Traumatology-Orthopedics Clinic of the Iasi Rehabilitation Hospital. The mean age of the study group was 66 years (range 32-84 years), 74.4% were female, 39.8% presented varus and 6.1% valgus malalignment. The study group was subdivided into two groups: Group 1 served as controls and underwent surgery without the administration of tranexamic acid and Group 2 received tranexamic acid.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In group 1 the average amount of blood lost was significantly higher than in group 2, 1168.94 ml vs. 452.9 ml (p < 0.001). The use of a cell saver was required in 70% of group 1 patients with an average amount of auto transfused blood of 480.70 ml, significantly more frequent and in greater amounts than in group 2 (below 10%) with an average of 15.05 ml (p < 0.001). In this study tranexamic acid had not a statistically significant favorable effect on blood transfusion requirements and anemia syndrome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tranexamic acid has a favorable effect on postoperative blood loss and its associated complications, with a favorable impact on both early clinical and functional recovery.
authors.forename: Liliana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Savin
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mihăilescu
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Grierosu
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Botez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects; D060906:Coxa Valga / Q000601:surgery; D060905:Coxa Vara / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014148:Tranexamic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D014148:Tranexamic Acid