Efficacy and Safety of Aspiration and Intra-Articular Injection of Tranexamic Acid in Acute Knee Hemarthrosis of Adult Haemophilic Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Hemarthrosis, particularly in the knee, accounts for most bleeding episodes in haemophilia. While joint aspiration has proven effective, the role of intra-articular (IA) tranexamic acid (TXA) in managing acute hemarthrosis remains unexplored.

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of knee aspiration followed by IA TXA injection in acute haemophilic knee hemarthrosis.

Methods: Forty-four adult haemophilia patients with acute knee hemarthrosis (< 24 h) were randomized to undergo joint aspiration with (TXA group) or without (non-TXA group) IA TXA (1.5 g/15 mL) injection. Both groups received 75 mL injections, including 5 mL of 2% lidocaine and additional 0.9% saline. Ultrasound confirmed hemarthrosis, and standardized factor replacement was given pre-procedure. Primary outcomes included knee range of motion (ROM) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. The significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Final analysis included 21 and 17 male patients in the TXA and non-TXA groups, respectively. The TXA group showed a significantly greater knee ROM on days 3, 7, and 14 (p < 0.05), with no differences beyond Day 14. VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the TXA group at 24 h, 3 days, and 7 days post-procedure (p < 0.05). TXA patients reported faster return to work (p = 0.004) and higher satisfaction (p = 0.01). Hemarthrosis recurrence was lower in the TXA group (5.9% vs. 14.3% at 6 weeks; 64.7% vs. 90.5% at 6 months), though differences were not statistically significant. No complications were observed.

Conclusion: Joint aspiration with IA TXA is safe and effective for short-term ROM improvement and pain relief in acute haemophilic knee hemarthrosis.