Effect of Topical and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid (TXA) on Thrombogenic Markers in Patients Undergoing Knee Replacement
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2019-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a drug that is being used more frequently at the Hospital for
Special Surgery to lessen the amount of blood loss after total knee replacement (TKR). It is
an anti-fibrinolytic agent, which means that it promotes the formation of blood clots. TXA
can be given either intravenously or topically (placed directly on the open wound) before
wound closure. Patients with certain medical conditions have been found to have a high risk
of thrombosis after being given intravenous TXA, which may lead to serious complications.
However, to date, no high-risk patients have been identified for use of topical TXA. This
study will look at thrombogenic markers (proteins found in blood that promote clot formation)
after TXA is given either intravenously or topically. If the effect on these markers is
similar between intravenous and topical use of TXA, then the safety of topical TXA should be
questioned. Of note, these markers have never been measured after TXA has been given
topically. As a result, this information would be important for the medical community.