A randomised, double-blind clinical trial was conducted comparing the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) as a single intravenous bolus or a continuous infusion to patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Study hypothesis was that a second dose of TXA would not offer any clinical benefits over the single infusion.
One hundred and six patients were randomised to a single intraoperative dose of 30 mg/kg tranexamic acid (OS group, n = 54), or to a loading dose of 10 mg/kg tranexamic acid followed 2 h later by a continuous 2 mg/kg/h infusion for 20 h (OD group, n = 52). The primary outcome was blood loss calculated from haematological values and perioperative transfusions. Secondary outcomes included the occurrence of major complications within the first postoperative year.
All patients completed tranexamic acid therapy without adverse events. The mean blood loss was 1,148 ± 585 ml in group OS and 1,196 ± 614 ml in group OD (p = 0.68). No patients received a transfusion. There were no occurrences of major complications up to 6-weeks follow-up.
The study demonstrated that a single bolus of tranexamic acid 30 mg/kg is as effective as a continuous infusion in patients undergoing tranexamic acid. The single application of tranexamic acid as part of routine care is recommended.