Effect of topical tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty patients who receive continuous aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events: A Prospective Randomized Study

Abstract Background Due to differences in pharmacological mechanism of action, the effect of tranexamic acid (TA) on aspirin-related bleeding remains unknown. We therefore conducted a prospective randomized study to elucidate: (1) the effect of topical TA administration on blood loss and transfusion rate in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients receiving continuous aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events; (2) 90-day complications of topical TA administration; (3) possible variables contributing to blood transfusion. Hypothesis Topical TA administration reduces blood loss and transfusion rate in THA patients receiving continuous aspirin. Patients and Methods A total of 102 consecutive THA patients taking continuous aspirin were enrolled and randomized into two groups. In the topical TA (TTA) group (n = 55), topical TA was administered at three points during THA; in the control group (n = 47), the patients received saline solution as placebo. Based on drop in hemoglobin concentration, total estimated blood loss was calculated as the main assessment criterion. Secondary assessment criteria included transfusion rate and 90-day complications. Finally, a multivariate regression model was used to assess possible predictive factors for blood transfusion. Results (1) Significantly lower total blood loss was observed in the TTA group than in the control group (897 ± 177 ml vs. 1153 ± 345 ml, p  Discussion Topical application of TA was safe and beneficial in THA patients receiving continuous aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, to reduce blood loss and transfusion rate, without increasing the risk of 90-day complications.