Administration of Tranexamic Acid in Proximal Humeral Fractures

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of intravenous administration of tranexamic acid in complex proximal humeral fractures.

Materials and methods: Sixty-seven patients with displaced 3 and 4 part proximal humerus fractures were randomized into the control (n = 33) and TXA (n = 34) groups. Fifteen minutes before the skin incision, 15 mg/kg body weight of 0.9% sodium chloride solution or TXA was injected intravenously. Open reduction and internal fixation was conducted through a deltoid-pectoral approach with fixed angle locked plating (PHILOS) for all the patients. The patients were followed up 2 months after surgery. Total blood loss, blood test results, blood transfusion rate, and wound complications were analyzed between the two groups.

Results: Significant differences were observed in intraoperative blood loss and postoperative blood loss during the first 24 h between the two groups. There were no significant differences in postoperative blood loss during the second 24 h, wound complication rates, blood transfusion rate and adverse side effects. And thromboembolic events related with the application of TXA were not noted in the TXA group.

Conclusion: Preoperative administration of tranexamic acid could reduce intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in patients with complex proximal humeral fractures.

Level of evidence: II, prospective comparative study.

Keywords: Blood loss; Complication; Proximal humeral fractures; Tranexamic acid.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestNo conflict of interests was reported.

© Indian Orthopaedics Association 2020.

Figures

Fig. 1

The consort flow diagram