Tranexamic acid reduces allogenic transfusion in revision hip arthroplasty.
In this study, the authors retrospectively reviewed revision hip arthroplasties to assess the effectiveness of a Blood Utilization Program, including the use of tranexamic acid, and to determine the variables associated with a higher risk of transfusion. They included 101 patients referred to the Blood Utilization Program, compared with 58 patients that were not because […]
Effects of tranexamic acid on death, vascular occlusive events, and blood transfusion in trauma patients with significant haemorrhage (CRASH-2): a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
This is a very important, landmark article describing for the first time the efficacy of an antifibrinolytic, tranexamic acid (TA), to decrease mortality in bleeding trauma patients. The study enrolled 20,211 adult trauma patients who were randomized to receive a short course of TA (2 g total) or placebo. The risk of death was decreased […]
Intraoperative low-volume acute normovolemic hemodilution in adult open-heart surgery.
In this prospective randomized study, intraoperative acute isovolemic hemodilution (ANH) was not associated with a reduction in the need for allogeneic blood transfusion. However, this study evaluated the contribution of low volume ( 500 mL) ANH as part of a blood conservation strategy rather than the efficacy of ANH itself. – P. Van der Linden
Effectiveness of combined blood conservation measures in thoracic aortic operations with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.
Note: See also the useful invited commentary by John A. Elefteriades on pages 743-4. – F. Regan and M. Contreras.