Efficacy of Local Administration of Tranexamic Acid for Blood Salvage in Patients Undergoing Intertrochanteric Fracture Surgery

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to assess whether local administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) reduced the need for a blood transfusion in elderly patients treated with an intramedullary (IM) nail for an intertrochanteric fracture. DESIGN: Randomized prospective trial. SETTING: Academic level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Two hundred patients (200 fractures) over 65 years with an intertrochanteric fracture treated by IM nail between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2014. INTERVENTION: Subfascial administration of 3 g of TXA around the fracture site at the end of the surgical procedure, versus a control group without TXA. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 24 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Group differences in number of transfused packed red blood cell (PRBC) units, and hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelet count. RESULTS: There was a 43% reduction in transfusion requirements in the TXA group (P < 0.01). Twenty-seven units of PRBC were transfused in 22/100 patients in the TXA group, whereas 48 PRBC units were transfused in 29/100 patients in control group. There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of late complications and overall mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Subfascial administration of TXA around the fracture site in elderly patients undergoing IM nailing for intertrochanteric fractures is safe and cost-effective. A significant reduction in blood loss and transfused blood units, and health care cost can be achieved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.