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

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.