Comparison of intravenous versus topical tranexamic acid in primary total hip and knee arthroplasty: An updated meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The appropriate route for administering tranexamic acid in primary total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of topical or intravenous tranexamic acid.


METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing topical and intravenous tranexamic acid following primary THA or TKA. Primary outcomes were transfusion frequency and maximum drop in hemoglobin. Other parameters included total blood loss (TBL), hidden blood loss, drainage volume, hemoglobin level on postoperative day 1 (POD 1), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), wound complications and other adverse events. Data were analyzed using Rev Man 5.2.


RESULTS
A total of 18 RCTs involving TKA and 4 RCTs involving THA, corresponding to approximately 2260 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. No significant difference between topical and intravenous tranexamic acid was found in transfusion requirement (RR 1.14, 95%CI 0.87 to 1.50, p=0.35). The maximum drop in hemoglobin was significantly smaller in the intravenous group than in the topical group (MD 0.33g/dL, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.58, p=0.01); similar results were observed for the subset of studies involving THA (MD 0.49g/dL, 95%CI 0.28 to 0.70, p<0.001) and the subset involving TKA (MD 0.30g/dL, 95%CI 0.02 to 0.59, p=0.04). The topical and intravenous groups did not differ significantly in TBL, drainage volume, hemoglobin level on POD 1, DVT, PE, wound complications or other adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
The available evidence indicates similar transfusion requirements and safety for topical and intravenous tranexamic acid in THA and TKA. However, intravenous injection seems to be associated with a smaller maximum drop in hemoglobin.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, PR China.
Jinwei
J
Xie
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, PR China.
Qinsheng
Q
Hu
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, PR China.
Qiang
Q
Huang
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, PR China.
Jun
J
Ma
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, PR China.
Yiting
Y
Lei
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, PR China. Electronic address: peifuxinghuaxi@126.com.
Fuxing
F
Pei
D061605:Administration, Intravenous; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000379:methods; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D006801:Humans; D014148:Tranexamic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D014148:Tranexamic Acid
Enhanced recovery after surgery; Total hip arthroplasty; Total knee arthroplasty; Tranexamic acid