Oral Versus Intravenous Tranexamic Acid

The goal of this randomized clinical control trial is to determine whether oral TXA dosing in THA/TKA result in more blood loss and more transfusions compared to IV TXA dosing in patients undergoing THA/TKA under neuraxial anesthesia. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does oral TXA dosing in THA/TKA result in more blood loss compared to IV TXA dosing? Does oral TXA dosing in THA/TKA result in more transfusions compared to IV TXA dosing? Participants will be randomly assigned to either get the Oral TXA (1950mg) or the IV TXA (1g) on their day of surgery. Researchers will compare these groups to see if any differences emerged. 200 THA patients (100 Oral, 100 IV), 200 TKA patients (100 oral, 100 IV).

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic medication used to reduce bleeding in a variety of medical settings. The use of TXA in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has resulted in dramatic decreases in operative blood loss and transfusion rates, revolutionizing the field of arthroplasty. The use of TXA, now common, has made autologous blood donation programs largely obsolete. Additionally, it has made perioperative blood transfusion uncommon. While AAOS guidelines suggest that all three available preparations of TXA (oral, IV, topical) are effective, preferred route of dosing varies by provider and institution. These preferences are based on habit, understanding of pharmacodynamics, and logistical issues regarding effective dosing. Oral TXA is the cheapest option, but some surgeons prefer IV dosing due to concerns regarding efficacy and controlled dosing. In this study, we seek to compare the efficacy of a single pre-op oral dose of TXA to a single pre-op IV dose of TXA.

100 Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) and 100 Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) patients will be randomized to receive 1950 mg of oral TXA in the pre-operative area.

100 Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) and 100 Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) patients will be randomized to receive 1 g of intravenous (IV) TXA upon transfer to the operating room.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic medication used to reduce bleeding in a variety of medical settings. Patients will be randomized to receive either oral or intravenous tranexamic acid.

Calculated Blood loss (CBL) measured in mL, measured at baseline (before surgery) and in the post-operative care unit (after surgery). The following formula was used CBL = BV × (HctPre - HctPost), where BV = (k1 × H3) + (k2 × W) + k3. The variables for the formula are as followed: CBL: Calculated blood loss BV: Blood volume at baseline HctPre: Haematocrit before surgery HctPost: Haematocrit after surgery H: Patient height in meters W: Patient weight in kilograms Although measured at two time points (before and after surgery), the calculated value from those two time points is average across all participants and reported.

To assess how many participants required a blood transfusion during their hospital stay. This will be measured in binary responses (yes/no).

Inclusion Criteria: Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) through a posterior approach Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) Patients between 18-80 years of age Exclusion Criteria: Patients with >80 years of age Patients with a BMI over 40 Patients undergoing general anesthesia Patients with a history of major ipsilateral joint surgery Patients on pre-operative anticoagulation or anti-platelet drugs (other than aspirin) Patients with a history of bleeding disorders Patients with platelets less than 100/nl Patients with new-onset/active atrial fibrillation Patients with a history of myocardial infarction in the past year Patients with a history of a stroke in the past year

Certain individual participant data will be available. Individual participant data that underlie the results reported in a future article, after deidentification (text, tables, figures, appendices).

Researchers who provide a methodologically sound proposal, in order to achieve aims in the approved proposal.