Øivind Jans

Role of preoperative anemia for risk of transfusion and postoperative morbidity in fast‐track hip and knee arthroplasty

Preoperative anemia has been associated with increased risk of allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of preoperative anemia and its association with postoperative outcomes has not previously been reported in relation to fast‐track elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of preoperative anemia in elective fast‐track THA and TKA and its association with risk of perioperative transfusion, prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and postoperative readmission.

Orthostatic intolerance during early mobilization after fast-track hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Early postoperative mobilization is a cornerstone in fast-track total hip arthroplasty (THA), but postoperative orthostatic intolerance (OI) may delay early recovery or lead to fainting, falls, and prosthesis dislocation or fracture. However, the prevalence and pathophysiology of OI has not been established after THA. This study evaluated the cardiovascular response and tissue oxygenation to mobilization before and after surgery in relation to OI in fast-track THA patients. METHODS OI and the cardiovascular response to standing were evaluated with a standardized mobilization protocol, before, 6, and 24 h after surgery in 26 patients undergoing THA with spinal anaesthesia and an opioid-sparing analgesic regime. Haemoglobin, fluid balance, and opioid use were recorded. Systolic (SAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and systemic vascular resistance were measured non-invasively (Nexfin(®)) and cerebral ( ) and muscle tissue oxygenation by non-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS No patients demonstrated OI before surgery, whereas 11 (42%) and five (19%) patients experienced OI 6 and 24 h after surgery, respectively. OI was associated with decreased orthostatic responses in SAP, DAP, SV, CO, and compared with orthostatic tolerant patients (P<0.05). There was no difference in postoperative haemoglobin concentrations or opioid use between orthostatic intolerant and tolerant patients. CONCLUSIONS Early postoperative OI is common in patients undergoing THA and is associated with an impaired cardiovascular orthostatic response and decreased cerebral oxygenation.

Combined Intra-Articular and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Reduces Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND In total knee arthroplasty, both intravenous (IV) and intra-articular (IA) administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) have been shown to reduce blood loss in several randomized controlled trials, although routine use of systemic TXA is considerably more common. However, to our knowledge, the additional benefit of IA administration of TXA when combined with IV administration, without the use of a tourniquet, has not been previously investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether combined IV and IA administration of TXA reduced total blood loss compared with IV-only administration of TXA. METHODS In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty were randomized to one of two interventions. The TXA IV and IA group received combined administration of TXA consisting of 1 g administered intravenously preoperatively and 3 g diluted in 100 mL of saline solution administered intra-articularly after closure of the capsule. The TXA IV and placebo group received 1 g of TXA administered intravenously only and 100 mL of saline solution administered intra-articularly. IA TXA was administrated through a needle. The primary outcome was the 24-hour calculated blood loss. Secondary outcomes were blood loss on postoperative day 2, thromboembolic complications, and transfusion rate. Blood loss was calculated by hemoglobin differences using the Gross formula. RESULTS Data on the primary outcome were available for all 60 included patients. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the allocation groups. The mean 24-hour blood loss (and standard deviation) was 466 ± 313 mL in the TXA IV and IA group compared with 743 ± 358 mL in the TXA IV and placebo group; treatment effect (difference), 277 mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 103 to 451 mL) (p = 0.002). Second-day blood loss was 644 ± 382 mL in the TXA IV and IA group compared with 1017 ± 519 mL in the TXA IV and placebo group; treatment effect, 373 mL (95% CI, 132 to 614 mL) (p = 0.003). No thromboembolic complications were observed within 90 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS The combined administration of IV and IA TXA resulted in a clinically relevant reduction in blood loss of 37% compared with IV TXA alone both at 24 hours postoperatively and on postoperative day 2. No thromboembolic complications were observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Transfusion practice in hip arthroplasty – a nationwide study

Background and Objectives  The optimal transfusion strategy in hip arthroplasty remains controversial despite existing guidelines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the transfusion practice in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA) in Denmark.

Oral Midodrine Hydrochloride for Prevention of Orthostatic Hypotension during Early Mobilization after Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.

Background:Early postoperative mobilization is essential for rapid recovery but may be impaired by orthostatic intolerance (OI) and orthostatic hypotension (OH), which are highly prevalent after major surgery. Pathogenic mechanisms include an insufficient postoperative vasopressor response. The oral &agr;-1 agonist midodrine hydrochloride increases vascular resistance, and the authors hypothesized that midodrine would reduce the prevalence of OH during mobilization 6 h after total hip arthroplasty relative to placebo. Methods:This double-blind, randomized trial allocated 120 patients 18 yr or older and scheduled for total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia to either 5 mg midodrine hydrochloride or placebo orally 1 h before mobilization at 6 and 24 h postoperatively. The primary outcome was the prevalence of OH (decrease in systolic or diastolic arterial pressures of > 20 or 10 mmHg, respectively) during mobilization 6 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were OI and hemodynamic responses to mobilization at 6 and 24 h. Results:At 6 h, 14 (25%; 95% CI, 14 to 38%) versus 23 (39.7%; 95% CI, 27 to 53%) patients had OH in the midodrine and placebo group, respectively, relative risk 0.63 (0.36 to 1.10; P = 0.095), whereas OI was present in 15 (25.0%; 15 to 38%) versus 22 (37.3%; 25 to 51%) patients, relative risk 0.68 (0.39 to 1.18; P = 0.165). At 24 h, OI and OH prevalence did not differ between groups. Conclusions:Preemptive use of oral 5 mg midodrine did not significantly reduce the prevalence of OH during early postoperative mobilization compared with placebo. However, further studies on dose and timing are warranted since midodrine is effective in chronic OH conditions.

Transfusion-related mortality after primary hip arthroplasty--an analysis of mechanisms and confounders.

Background and Objectives  Bleeding and postoperative anaemia after total hip arthroplasty (THA) may trigger transfusion of red blood cells (RBC). However, large observational studies have reported associations between RBC transfusion and increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. As major bleeding or severe postoperative anaemia is intrinsically linked with RBC transfusion, direct causality between transfusion and adverse outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to identify possible relations between RBC transfusion, severe bleeding or anaemia and mortality in all patients who died < 90 days after THA in Denmark in 2008.

Postoperative orthostatic intolerance: a common perioperative problem with few available solutions

Over the past decade or so, several procedure-specific Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have been documented to have beneficial effects, including reduced length of stay (and fewer medical complications) without increasing hospital readmission rates. Early mobilization has been a key element in the multimodal concept of fast-track surgery and ERAS programs, with subsequent positive effects on pulmonary and thromboembolic complications and avoidance of loss of muscle function through immobility. Although postoperative orthostatic intolerance (OI), characterized by symptoms of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, or syncope during sitting or standing, is a well-known clinical problem that can delay early mobilization, relatively few data are available on its mechanism and possible treatment. Consequently, the aim of this freestanding editorial is to provide an update and perspective on the current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis and mechanisms of OI and potential future treatment strategies.

Postoperative anemia and early functional outcomes after fast-track hip arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study

Postoperative anemia is prevalent in fast‐track hip arthroplasty (THA) where patients are mobilized and discharged early, but whether anemia impairs functional recovery after discharge has not been adequately evaluated previously. This study aimed to evaluate whether postoperative anemia influenced recovery of mobility and quality of life (Qol) during the first 2 weeks after discharge from THA.

A randomized trial of the effect of low dose epinephrine infusion in addition to tranexamic acid on blood loss during total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with both intraoperative and postoperative blood loss resulting in anaemia and, in some patients, transfusion of red blood cells. Epinephrine enhances coagulation by several mechanisms. We evaluated the effect of intraoperative low dose infusion of epinephrine on intraoperative and early postoperative blood loss. METHODS After consent, 106 subjects undergoing THA under spinal anaesthesia were randomly assigned to receive an i.v. infusion of either epinephrine 0.05 µg kg(-1) min(-1) or placebo (saline 0.9%) during the entire surgical procedure. Intraoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) was administered to all subjects. The primary outcome was intraoperative blood loss directly measured by drains and weighing swabs. Secondary outcome was total blood loss at 24 h postoperatively calculated using the Gross formula. RESULTS Of 106 subjects randomized, 6 were excluded, leaving 100 subjects for analyses. Mean duration of surgery was 58 (21) min. Intraoperative blood loss was 343 (95% CI 300-386) ml in the epinephrine group compared with 385 (353-434) ml in the placebo group, P = 0.228. 24 h blood loss was 902 (800-1004) ml in the epinephrine group compared with 1080 (946-1220) ml in the placebo group, P = 0.038. CONCLUSION In subjects also receiving TXA, intraoperative low dose epinephrine infusion did not reduce intraoperative blood loss in THA but calculated 24 h blood loss was reduced by 180 ml compared with placebo. Further studies on low dose epinephrine in patients at high risk of significant bleeding are warranted. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT 01708642.

Iron deficiency and preoperative anaemia in patients scheduled for elective hip- and knee arthroplasty - an observational study

Preoperative anaemia is prevalent in elderly patients scheduled for major orthopaedic surgery and is associated with increased transfusion risk and postoperative morbidity. New guidelines recommend preoperative correction of anaemia and iron deficiency in all patients with a Hb < 13 g/dl. However, iron deficiency and other causes of preoperative anaemia in hip‐ (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty are only sparsely studied.