Different Effects of Intravenous, Topical, and Combined Application of Tranexamic Acid on Patients with Thoracolumbar Fracture

Abstract

Objective: To observe the efficacy of intravenous, topical, and combined application of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients with thoracolumbar fracture fixed with percutaneous pedicle screw, and to identify the optimal application method of TXA.

Methods: A total of 181 patients with thoracolumbar fracture treated with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial and were randomly classified into 3 groups, including group A (intravenous group), group B (topical group), and group C (combined group). The total blood loss (TBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), intraoperative blood loss (IBL), preoperative D-dimer, postoperative D-dimer, incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and incidence of other complications were compared and analyzed among the 3 groups.

Results: TBL, HBL, and IBL in the topical group 24 hours after operation were higher (P < 0.05) than those in the intravenous group and combined group, whereas the difference between the intravenous group and combined group was not statistically significant. Meanwhile, there was no statistically significant difference in operation time, preoperative D-dimer, and postoperative D-dimer among the 3 groups (P > 0.05), but D-dimer in all groups at 72 hours after surgery was higher than that before surgery. No DVT or other complication was observed in the patients.

Conclusions: Preoperative intravenous drip of TXA can remarkably reduce intraoperative HBL and IBL in patients with thoracolumbar fracture fixed with percutaneous pedicle screw. Nonetheless, intraoperative topical application of TXA before wound closure is not recommended.

Keywords: Hidden blood loss; Minimally invasive surgery; Percutaneous pedicle screw; Thoracolumbar fracture; Tranexamic acid.