Publication:

Effect of prophylactic tranexamic acid on blood conservation in Indian women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy

Background The prevalence of anemia in India is so high that majority of women presenting for hysterectomy are already with borderline hemoglobin status and the perioperative blood loss puts them at risk of death and prolongs recovery. Antifibrinolytic agents, mainly Tranexamic acid (TXA) have been demonstrated to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in various surgeries. The present study was done to assess the efficacy of TXA in effectively reducing intraoperative blood loss and the need for transfusion in Indian population undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for benign indications.

Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on hundred patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Group T (n = 50)- received TXA 15 mg/kg in 100 ml Normal saline and Group N (n = 50)-received the same volume of Normal saline infused over 15 minutes. Estimated blood loss need for blood transfusion, duration of surgery, postoperative hemoglobin and incidence of adverse events were noted.

Results There was statistically significant reduction in mean blood loss in group T when compared to group N (360 ml versus 540 ml). Accordingly, there was significant difference in the number of patients requiring blood transfusion (12% versus 42%) and also the postoperative hemoglobin levels. The group T patients had a significantly shorter operating time (127.86 versus 148.64 minutes). None of the patients developed any major adverse events.

Conclusions The prophylactic TXA safely and effectively reduces the blood loss and transfusion requirements in Indian patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for benign indications.