The role of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss in total knee replacement.

Abstract Background Total knee arthroplasty is associated with significant perioperative blood loss which may necessitate blood transfusion. In this prospective randomised case control study we analysed the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in reducing perioperative blood loss and requirement of blood transfusion in total knee arthroplasty. Methods Fourteen patients (group A) undergoing total knee replacement were given intravenous tranexamic acid twice, once ten minutes before tourniquet deflation and once after four hours. Thirteen patients (group B) were observed as a separate group without the administration of the drug. Total perioperative blood loss, need of blood transfusion and D-dimer assay were analysed subsequently. Results The average blood loss in the first group was 266.2 ml and in the second group was 667.5 ml ( p p Conclusion Hence from these evidences it was concluded that administration of tranexamic acid during total knee replacement helps to reduce blood loss without increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.