Impact of Tranexamic Acid on Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Spinal Surgery
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2014-04-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Spinal surgery may be associated with substantial blood loss which often requires erythrocyte
transfusion. Transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) is not free of adverse events and has been
associated with increased risks of infection, and globally higher morbidity and mortality.
Different techniques have been used to reduce perioperative blood losses and related
transfusions. Tranexamic acid has been used successfully in cardiac and hepatic surgery.
However, only a few studies have reported on the use of antifibrinolytic drugs in spinal
surgery.
This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in spinal
surgery for the reduction of RBC transfusion.
Hypothesis: the infusion of tranexamic acid during spinal surgery will reduce the risk of
receiving a RBC transfusion and, in those patients transfused, reduce the number of blood
products administered.