Aim We have prospectively investigated the effect of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty in a comparative study.

Patients and Methods In the study group, tranexamic acid was given half an hour before the skin incision. (10 mg/kg as an intravenous bolus, followed by 10 mg/kg as intravenous infusion over 6 hours). We recorded the haemoglobin level preoperatively and prior to discharge, and number of units of blood transfused. The total peri-operative blood loss and the fall in haemoglobin after surgery was calculated in consultation with our haematologist. There were 9 primary and 17 revision hip replacements in the study group. We compared the results with a control group of 10 primary and 20 revisions performed during a similar period, without tranexamic acid, recording identical parameters. Thrombo-embolic and wound complications were recorded.

Results Patients receiving tranexamic acid had a mean fall in haemoglobin level of 3.1 g/dl and mean blood loss of 4.1 litres. The control group operated without tranexamic acid had a mean fall in the level of haemoglobin of 3.7 g/dl, and the mean blood loss 5.4 litres. The average number of units of blood transfusion required was 0.77 per patient in the study group compared to 2.03 per patient in the control group. The differences were significant (p value of 0.05). There was no increase in the incidence of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or wound problems in the study group.

Conclusion Tranexamic acid given prior to surgery reduces blood loss and need for blood transfusion, not only in primary but also in revision hip arthroplasty, without any increase in the rate of thrombo-embolic complications.