Preoperative SSRI use increases perioperative transfusion need in patients undergoing surgical procedures on the hip joint

Abstract

Purpose: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for psychiatric conditions. Previous studies have shown that SSRIs can increase bleeding risk by affecting platelet aggregation. However, their impact on perioperative outcomes in hip surgery remains uncertain. This case-control study examines the link between preoperative SSRI use and perioperative transfusion requirements in hip surgery patients.

Methods: Data from the M161Ortho dataset of Pearl Diver patient records database were utilized. Patients who underwent hip joint surgery between 2010 and 2022 and had documented preoperative SSRI use within one month prior to surgery were included. Patients with coagulopathy disorders or coagulopathy medication use were excluded. Perioperative transfusion need was defined as receiving red blood cell or whole blood transfusions on the same date or within 10 days following the surgery.

Results: A total of 75,374 patients with preoperative SSRI use were matched with an equal number of non-SSRI users. Preoperative SSRI use was associated with an increased risk of requiring perioperative transfusion (5.7% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated increased transfusion risk in patients undergoing pinning (2.6% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.02), open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) (8.9% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.007), and total hip arthroplasty (THA) (3.8% vs. 3.4%, P < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty.

Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of increased perioperative transfusion requirements in hip surgery patients using SSRIs, especially during pinning, ORIF, and THA procedures. It is essential to consider this when managing patients on SSRIs before hip surgery.

Keywords: Blood loss; Hip joint; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; Surgery; Transfusion.