How does tranexamic acid affect blood transfusion and bleeding amount in pelvis-acetabulum fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate intravenous tranexamic acid’s (TA) effect on blood loss and transfusion ratios in pelvis-acetabulum fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: Patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation due to pelvis-acetabulum fractures between January 2017 and January 2019 constituted this study’s target population. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients were divided into two groups: Those who were perioperatively given 15 mg/kg TA (i.e., Group 1) and those who were not (i.e., Group 2). Data including age, gender, mechanism of injury, fracture type, presence or absence of additional injuries, the time interval between admission and surgery, incision site, pre-operative and post-operative hemoglobin levels, intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL), number of blood units transfused, and complications were recorded. Two groups were compared regarding these parameters. RESULTS: The study cohort included 58 patients. There were 30 patients in Group 1 and 28 patients in Group 2. Our analysis revealed that the number of blood units transfused was significantly higher in Group 2 than Group 1 (p=0.016). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding intraoperative EBL, pre-operative and post-operative hemoglobin levels, and the time interval between admission and surgery. CONCLUSION: Administration of intravenous TA reduces blood transfusion requirement in patients with pelvis-acetabulum fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation. This approach can prevent potential blood transfusion-related complications.