Effects of preoperative systemic administration of tranexamic acid alone on postoperative inflammation and pain in total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that tranexamic acid (TXA) effectively reduces postoperative blood loss after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and is a safe treatment option. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of using TXA without dexamethasone (DEX) in THA remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects, postoperative pain reduction, hidden blood loss (HBL), and postoperative complications associated with the use of TXA in THA.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 126 patients who underwent primary THA via a direct anterior approach (DAA) between January 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the administration of TXA (1000 mg IV preoperatively): Group A (with TXA) and Group B (without TXA). The postoperative inflammatory response (C-reactive protein [CRP] levels) and pain (numerical rating scale [NRS]) were assessed on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, and 7. HBL was assessed on PODs 3 and 7. Postoperative complications were counted based on occurrences from the postoperative period until discharge.

Results: CRP levels were significantly lower on POD 1 in Group A than in Group B (P = 0.002). Postoperative pain levels in Group A peaked later, with a significant reduction in the NRS score on POD 3, compared with that in Group B (P = 0.031). HBL in Group A was significantly reduced on PODs 3 (P < 0.001) and 7 (P = 0.013) compared to that in Group B. Postoperative complications did not differ significantly between Groups A and B.

Conclusion: TXA can effectively reduce postoperative blood loss, inflammation, and pain in patients undergoing THA without postoperative complications. Using TXA alone remains a highly effective and practical approach for improving early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing THA.