Postoperative Blood Loss

This study will be a prospective randomized study to evaluate the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) use on intraoperative and postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing rhinoplasty by two Facial Plastic surgeons at Vanderbilt. Outcomes will include intra- and post-operative bleeding and postoperative bruising and swelling.

Tranexamic axid is routinely used as an antifibrinolytic agent in cardiac surgery to reduce the risk of blood loss and transfusion. However, there is no consensus regarding the dosage regimen of tranexamic acid that should be administered. The purpose of this study is to compare different dosages of tranexamic acid in cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass regarding the duration of inhibition of fibrinolysis as measured by the ClotPro test. Blood samples will be taken from the arterial line placed in the patient at specified time points in order to perform viscoelastic tests (ClotPro, TPA test), to detect successful inhibition of fibrinolysis and to measure tranexamic acid levels in the patient's blood. In case the action of tranexamic acid stops early postoperatively an additional dose of the medication will be administered to the patient.

This is a prospective clinical study designed to assess blood loss in intracapsular and extracapsular hip fractures undergoing operative fixation at a Level II trauma center. It is well established in the orthopedic literature that tranexamic acid (TXA) decreases blood loss and need for postoperative blood transfusion in hip fracture patients as well as total joint arthroplasty patients. A typical dosing pattern, and the dosing pattern employed at our institution, is 1 gram IV infused prior to incision followed by 1 gram IV infused at the time of wound closure.