Efficacy of intraoperative use of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss from telescoping nail application in osteogenesis imperfecta. A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (O.I) is a rare disease caused by an abnormality in type 1 collagen synthesis leading to repeated fractures after low-energy trauma and progressive long bones deformity. Telescoping nail application and surgical correction of these deformities usually necessitates multiple osteotomies and significant bleeding occur due to weakened capillaries and impaired platelet activity. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has an antifibrinolytic effect which is useful in reducing bleeding and need for blood transfusions following several orthopaedic procedures.

Hypothesis: The use of intraoperative (Local and Intravenous) tranexamic acid reduces blood loss during femoral telescoping nail application in O.I.

Patients:

Material and methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was carried out on 40 patients during applying femoral telescoping nail divided into Group A: (case TXA); 20 patients receiving intraoperative TXA and Group B: (control); 20 patients not receiving TXA. Blood loss and perioperative Hemoglobin (Hb) and Hematocrit Level (Hct) were assessed.

Results: The study included 29 males and 11 females with mean age 7.98 years. The number of osteotomies in both groups ranged from zero to 3 osteotomies with a median one osteotomy. A significant decrease in blood loss was observed in TXA group (mean 241.5 cc) compared to control group (mean 461.5 cc). Postoperative Hb was significantly lower in control group (mean 12.30 g/dL changed to 10.45 g/dL) compared to TXA group (mean 12.26 g/dL changed to 11.52 g/dL). Also, postoperative Hct was significantly lower in control group (m:ean 37.37 % changed to 32.03%) compared to TXA group (mean 36.53 % changed to 34.66 %).

Discussion: The use of TXA during femoral telescoping nail application in OI patients has contributed to a remarkable reduction in overall blood loss. Consideration of adding it to management protocol is advised.

Level of evidence: II; Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).