Effect of tranexamic acid combined with temporary clamping of drain in reducing perioperative blood loss of Schatzker V and VI tibial plateau fracture

Abstract

Objective To investigate the safety and effect of tranexamic acid combined with drainage tube clamping to reduce perioperative blood loss of Schatzker V and VI tibial plateau fracture. Methods A prospective case-control study was performed on 87 patients with Schatzker V and VI tibial plateau fracture admitted from March 2018 to January 2019 in Honghui Hospital, including 53 males and 34 females, aged 24 to 69 years [(39.05±2.7)years]. All patients underwent tibial plateau reduction and internal fixation. According to the random number table method, the patients were divided into intravenous group (27 cases), articular cavity group (30 cases) and control group (30 cases). The intravenous group were given a total of 1 g of tranexamic acid intravenously 5-10 minutes before loosening the tourniquet, the joint cavity group were perfused with 1 g of tranexamic acid before closing the incision, and the control group were given the same amount of normal saline. The drainage tube was temporarily clamped for 4 hours in the three groups. Data were recorded and compared among the groups, including the surgical limb side, tourniquet use time, hemoglobin (Hb), D-dimer level, drainage, total blood loss, number of allogeneic blood transfusions, postoperative complications, and presence or absence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities at 72 hours after discharge. Results There was no significant difference in baseline data between the three groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the extremity side, tourniquet use time, and number of allogeneic blood transfusions among the three groups (P>0.05). At postoperative 24 hours, the Hb was (112.7±11.8)g/L in the intravenous group, (107.7±16.1) g/L in the articular cavity group, At (100.0±10.4) g/L in the control group. At postoperative 24 hours, the D-dimer vein was (5.5±2.9)mg/L in the intravenous group, (5.9±2.5)mg/L in the joint cavity group, and (7.5±3.6)mg/L in the control group. At postoperative 24 hours, the drainage volume was (62.8±20.5)ml in the intravenous group, (60.2±17.4)ml in the articular cavity group, and (81.2±21.1)ml in the control group. The hidden blood loss was (577.1±212.1)ml in the intravenous group, (634.2±139.8)ml in the articular cavity group, (750.3±124.1)ml in the control group. The total blood loss was (950.1±170.5)ml in the intavenous group, (1 005.4±179.8)ml in the articular cavity group, and (1 148.8±129.1)ml in the control group. The incidence of postoperative wound swelling and exudation was 1 case (4%) in the intravenous group, 0 cases in the articular cavity group, 5 cases (17%) in control group. The above indexes showed significant differences between the three groups (P 0.05). The Hb at 72 hours postoperatively, total drainage, number of allogeneic blood transfusions, lower extremity DVT and incidence of skin ecchymosis had no significant difference among the three groups(P>0.05). No pulmonary embolism occurred after the operation. Conclusions For patients with Schatzker V and VI tibial plateau fracture, tranexamic acid combined with drainage tube clamping is safe and effective when used perioperatively. Either intravenous infusion or local joint cavity injection of tranexamic acid can effectively reduce the drainage volume at 24 hours postoperatively, hidden blood loss and total blood loss without increasing the risk of postoperative DVT. Tranexamic acid can reduce the and exudation after operation. Key words: Tranexamic acid; Tibial fractures; Blood loss, surgical