Perioperative combined administration of tranexamic acid and dexamethasone in total knee arthroplasty-benefit versus harm?

backgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits and harm of combined administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) and dexamethasone (Dexa) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

methodsA total of 88 consecutive patients undergoing TKA for knee osteoarthritis were stratified in 2 groups. All surgeries were performed under general anesthesia. Brief, patients in the TXA + Dexa group (n = 45) received 10 mg Dexa just after the anesthesia, and repeated at 24 hours after the surgery; and patients in the TXA group (n = 43) received 2 ml of normal saline solution at the same time. The measured outcomes were the C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) from preoperatively to postoperatively, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), fatigue, range of motion (ROM), length of stay (LOS), and the analgesic and antiemetic rescue consumption

results: The level of CRP and IL-6 in the TXA + Dexa group were lower than that in the TXA group at 24 hours (P < .001, P < .001), 48 hours (P < .001, P < .001), and 72 hours (P < .001, P < .001) after the surgery. The pain scores in the TXA + Dexa group were lower during walking at 24 hours (P < .001), 48 hours (P < .001), and 72 hours (P < .001) and at rest at 24 hours (P = .022) after the surgery. Patients in the TXA + Dexa group had a lower nausea score, the incidence of PONV, fatigue, and the analgesic and antiemetic rescue consumption, and had a greater ROM than that in the TXA group. No significant differences were found in LOS and complications.

conclusionThe combined administration of TXA + Dexa significantly reduced the level of postoperative CRP and IL-6, relieve postoperative pain, ameliorate the incidence of POVN, provide additional analgesic and antiemetic effects, reduce postoperative fatigue, and improve ROM, without increasing the risk of complications in primary TKA.