Keywords
hemodilution/methods - bleeding - autologous blood transfusion - spine - scoliosis
Introduction
Major surgeries, such as corrections of spinal deformities, can lead to increased
bleeding. In order to control hemostasis, antifibrinolytic agents may be used, as
well as intravenous volemic replacement with acellular solutions or with homologous
or autologous blood derivatives.[1]
The homologous transfusion exposes the patient to the risk of pulmonary, allergic,
hemolytic, immuno-allergic reactions and acquisition of infectious-contagious diseases.[2] Autologous transfusion can be obtained with a low operational cost by previous donations,
reutilization of the perioperative blood or acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH),
with which complications are avoided.[3]
The ANH technique consists of blood withdrawal immediately before or after anesthetic
induction,[3] followed by dilution with colloids and/or crystalloids without reducing the circulating
volume.[4] Its use has been indicated for surgeries with increased risk of bleeding.[5]
The objective of the present study was to prospectively compare the clinical and laboratory
parameters of patients submitted to ANH associated with tranexamic acid with a control
group using tranexamic acid alone, during corrective surgery of spinal deformities,
in order to evaluate the influence of this technique in bleeding, the necessity of
homologous transfusion and to identify adverse reactions and complications.
Materials and Methods
The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of our institution through
“Plataforma Brasil” with the number of the Certificate of Presentation for Ethical
Appreciation (CAAE- 47883615.0.0000.0020).
A total of 30 patients undergoing elective surgery to correct deformities in the spine
were included. They were aged between 12 and 65 years, and were divided according
to the classification of the American Society of Anestesiology (ASA) as ASA I, II
or III, without contraindications to the proposed anesthetic/surgical technique. The
exclusion criteria were increased risk of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular
disease and valvulopathy, and patients with acute renal failure, bronchopneumonia
and coagulopathies.
The patients were divided randomly between the ANH and control groups. All patients
underwent total venous general anesthesia with remifentanil (0.1-0.3 mcg/kg/min),
propofol (100-200 mcg/kg/min) and cisatracurium (attack: 0.15 mg/kg; maintenance:
03 mg/kg) when the potential evoked was not monitored. After anesthetic induction,
every patient received 15 mg/kg of tranexamic acid and 0.1 mg/kg of morphine. The
use of adjuvant drugs, as it did not interfere in the results, was left at the discretion
of the anesthesiologist. The heart rate, neuromuscular blockade (train of four), pulse
oximetry, cardioscopy, ST segment variation, invasive blood pressure and probe diuresis
were monitored.
Laboratory tests (hemoglobin [Hb], hematocrit [Ht], prothrombin activation time [PAT],
activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], sodium, potassium, magnesium, ionic
calcium, arterial blood gas, and lactate) were performed shortly after the anesthetic
induction, after the blood collection for ANH, in the immediate postoperative period,
and 24 hours later.
The ANH was performed in 17 patients, based on the Gross formula ([Fig. 1]), with collection between 80% and 100% of the volume to be withdrawn via peripheral
artery or vein (maximum of 500 mL per bag collected).[4]
[5] In case of hemodynamic instability, the ANH would be suspended. The bags were identified
according to the order of collection, stored in a thermal box, and reinfused in the
reverse order of collection. The hemodilution was performed in a 3:1 ratio with 0.9%
saline solution and Ringer lactate. The additional volemic replacement was calculated
to cover preoperative fasting, surgical loading (6 mL/kg/h)[4]
[5] while the volume loss in the perioperative (3:1 ratio), was answer only if the urinary
output < 0.5–1.0 mL/kg/h, and/or in case of hemodynamic instability.
Fig. 1 Gross formula. Abbreviations: V, volume of blood to be withdrawn; EBV, estimated
blood volume (65 mL/kg in women, and 70 mL/kg in men); Hto, initial hematocrit; Htf,
final hematocrit; Htm, mean hematocrit (difference between Hto and Htf).
As for the surgical technique, the decision between pedicle instrumentation or association
with osteotomies (of posterior elements, pedicle subtraction, or vertebral body resection
[VCR]) was determined according to the deformity.
Homologous blood transfusion was performed only if the levels of Hb were < 7 mg/dL
(or 9 mg/dL in the case of elderly patients or low cardiovascular reserve), with hemodynamic
changes or persistence of bleeding.
The data were tabulated using the Microsoft Excel 2016 (Microsoft Corp., Redmond WA,
US) software. For the comparison of the quantitative variables, the Student t-test or the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test were used. For the categorical variables,
the Fisher exact test was used. The normality condition of the variables was evaluated
using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Values of p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. The data were analyzed with the Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US), version 20. The
quantitative variables were described by means, medians, minimums, maximums and standard
deviations. The qualitative variables were described by frequencies and percentages.
After this analysis, a comparison was made with data from the literature.
Results
The sample consisted of 30 patients aged between 12 and 61 years (mean of 27.1 for
the ANH group and of 21.2 for the control group; p > 0.05), predominantly female (76.6%). The main etiologies were adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis (AIS) and congenital scoliosis (CS), as shown in [Figure 2]. Most patients denied comorbidities (76.6%). A mean of 622.6 mL of blood was withdrawn
for hemodilution (400-940 mL). The clinical parameters remained stable during all
of the procedures. The mean time of surgery for the ANH group was of 5.2 h, whereas
for the control group it was of 4.4 h (p > 0.05). The number of levels operated ranged from 7 to 16 (mean: 10.7) for the ANH
group, and from 4 to 13 for the control group (mean: 9.58). As for the number of instrumented
levels, it ranged from 6 14 (mean 9.82) for the ANH group, and from 4 to 13 for the
control group (mean: 9.66).
Fig. 2 Etiology of spinal deformities submitted to surgery and their frequency. Abbreviations:
AIS, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; CS, congenital scoliosis; NMS, neuromuscular
scoliosis; AS, adult scoliosis; KS, kyphoscoliosis; HL, hyperlordosis; TB, tuberculosis.
Twenty patients underwent osteotomy, as described in [Table 1]. For the purpose of analysis, each type of osteotomy was graded by magnitude: 0
for none; 1 point for each posterior osteotomy; 2 points for pedicle subtraction,
and 3 points for each RCV, then they were divided between groups with scores ≤ 2 or > 3.
In the isolated comparison between the groups, there was a greater mean of bleeding
in the control group, but with greater variation, as evidenced in [Figure 3]. There was greater bleeding in both groups when the osteotomy was performed, with
no statistical significance.
Table 1
|
n
|
|
Mean bleeding in mL
|
p-valuea
|
|
No OTT
|
5
|
ANH
|
450
|
0.161
|
|
5
|
Control
|
737.75
|
|
|
OTT Weight ≤ 2
|
6
|
ANH
|
816.6
|
0.412
|
|
3
|
Control
|
633.3
|
|
|
OTT Weight > 3
|
6
|
ANH
|
591
|
0.175
|
|
5
|
Control
|
880a
|
|
|
OTT Total
|
12
|
ANH
|
704.16
|
0.339
|
|
8
|
Control
|
772.2
|
|
Fig. 3 Intraoperative bleeding between groups. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney test (p = 0.934). Abbreviation: ANH, acute normovolemic hemodilution.
Regarding the number of operated levels, it was divided between groups with a limit
higher or lower than 10. More bleeding occurred in the control group, with more levels
(594 × 920 mL; p = 0.095), whereas in the case of less levels, the bleeding was lower and similar
between both groups, which suggests that ANH would be effective in reducing bleeding
in larger surgeries. The density of the implant (number of screws per level operated)
was calculated, with 1 standing for the instrumentation of all operated pedicles,
and 0 representing a surgery without instrumentation ([Table 2]). In the control group, the patients who were submitted to posterior osteotomy,
had an increased need of transfusion (p > 0.05). The analysis of the ANH group showed that most of the patients did not require
transfusion even after undergoing osteotomy (p > 0.05) ([Table 3]). The patients who were transfused had a higher mean of operated levels, especially
in the control group (p > 0.05) ([Table 4]).
Table 2
|
|
n
|
Mean
|
Median
|
Minimum
|
Maximum
|
Standard deviation
|
p-valuea
|
|
Density of the implant
|
ANH
|
17
|
0.815
|
0.792
|
0.625
|
1
|
0.141
|
0.146
|
|
Control
|
13
|
0.739
|
0.722
|
0.545
|
1
|
0.131
|
|
Table 3
|
Transfusion
|
Osteotomies - ANH
|
Osteotomies - Control
|
Posterior OTT - Control
|
Posterior OTT - ANH
|
|
None
|
At least one
|
None
|
At least one
|
None
|
At least one
|
None
|
At least one
|
|
No
|
5 (100%)
|
10 (83.3%)
|
5 (100%)
|
4 (50%)
|
7 (100%)
|
2 (33.3%)
|
7 (87.5%)
|
8 (88.9%)
|
|
Yes
|
0
|
2 (16.7%)
|
0
|
4 (50%)
|
0
|
4 (66.7%)
|
1 (12.5%)
|
1 (11.1%)
|
|
Total
|
5
|
12
|
5
|
8
|
7
|
6
|
8
|
9
|
|
p-value
|
1
|
|
0.105
|
|
0.021a
|
|
1
|
|
Table 4
|
Transfusion
|
Levels operated
|
|
|
n
|
Mean
|
Median
|
Minimum
|
Maximum
|
Standard deviation
|
|
ANH
|
No
|
15
|
10.7
|
11
|
7
|
16
|
2.7
|
p > 0.05
|
|
Yes
|
2
|
10.5
|
10.5
|
7
|
14
|
4.9
|
|
|
Control
|
No
|
9
|
8.9
|
9
|
4
|
11
|
2.1
|
p = 0.020
|
|
Yes
|
4
|
11.5
|
11
|
11
|
11
|
1.0
|
|
The mean value of intraoperative bleeding was of 629.4 mL, and, postoperatively, it
was of 379.11 mL for the ANH group, compared to 754.2 mL and 296.2 ml respectively
for the control group, but without statistical significance. There was a lower perioperative-postoperative
bleeding reduction in the ANH group, with p < 0.05 ([Fig. 4]).
Fig. 4 Evaluation of perioperative bleeding versus postoperative: comparison between the
groups. Abbreviation: ANH, acute normovolemic hemodilution; SE, standard error.
The laboratory tests were compared before and after surgery and between the groups,
as represented in [Table 5].
Table 5
|
n
|
|
15
|
2
|
9
|
4
|
30
|
30
|
|
HB
|
Preoperative
|
13.7
|
14.4
|
13.5
|
12.5
|
13.6
|
13.1
|
|
Postoperative
|
10.8
|
7.8
|
11.9
|
10.4
|
11.1
|
9.5
|
|
After 24 h
|
9.6
|
6.0
|
10.3
|
10.4
|
9.8
|
8.9
|
|
Post-pre
|
−2.9
|
−6.7
|
−1.8
|
−2.1
|
−2.6
|
−3.6
|
|
24 h after-pre
|
−4.1
|
−8.5
|
−3.4
|
−2.1
|
−3.9
|
−4.2
|
|
HT
|
Preoperative
|
40.8
|
43.3
|
40.4
|
37.7
|
40.6
|
39.6
|
|
Postoperative
|
32.2
|
23.0
|
35.7
|
32.7
|
33.3
|
29.4
|
|
After 24 h
|
28.6
|
18.0
|
30.7
|
30.8
|
29.3
|
26.5
|
|
Post-pre
|
−8.6
|
−20.3
|
−5.0
|
−5.0
|
−7.5
|
−10.1
|
|
After 24 h-pre
|
−12.2
|
−25.3
|
−10.3
|
−6.9
|
−11.5
|
−13.0
|
|
PAT
|
Preoperative
|
12.5
|
11.9
|
14.0
|
12.4
|
13.0
|
12.2
|
|
After 24 h
|
14.5
|
14.0
|
14.9
|
14.6
|
14.6
|
14.4
|
|
After 24 h-pre
|
2.0
|
2.1
|
1.0
|
2.3
|
1.7
|
2.2
|
|
APTT
|
Preoperative
|
32.7
|
31.3
|
29.7
|
25.3
|
31.6
|
27.3
|
|
After 24 h
|
30.9
|
32.9
|
26.9
|
24.7
|
29.6
|
27.4
|
|
After 24 h-pre
|
−1.7
|
1.6
|
−2.5
|
−0.6
|
−2.0
|
0.1
|
The coagulation profile was analyzed, and in both groups there was a widening of the
PAT – with a greater difference before and after surgery in the ANH group (p = 0.014) –, and a decrease in the APTT, with a greater decrease in the control group
(p = 0.793) ([Figs. 5] and [6]).
Fig. 5 Prolongation of prothrombin activation time values in both groups in 24 h after surgery
(p > 0.05). Abbreviations: ANH, acute normovolemic hemodilution; Pre-op, preoperative
period; SE, standard error; PAT, prothrombin activation time.
Fig. 6 Drop in the values of activated partial thromboplastin time in both groups 24 h after
surgery (p > 0.05). Abbreviations: ANH, acute normovolemic hemodilution; Pre-op, preoperative
period; SE, standard error; APTT, activated partial thromboplastin time.
There was a greater need for the use of local hemostatics in the control group compared
to the ANH group (30.8% versus 5.9% respectively; p > 0.05). There was no statistical relevance for the need for transfusion according
to the method applied, as shown in [Figure 7]. In general, patients requiring blood products had more severe deformities in 75%
of the cases, and, consequently they had more levels to be addressed (7-14, mean:
11.1), plus osteotomies (1-9; mean: 4 versus 0-5; mean: 1.56; p < 0.05). This group also had high rates of perioperative bleeding (600-2,000 mL;
mean: 1,050 mL), which was statistically significant (p = 0.007) when compared to the mean bleeding of the patients who did not receive transfusions
(593.6 mL). For the purpose of comparison, the patients were divided into a group
with AIS and a second group with other diagnoses. In this second group, the surgical
time was longer (p <0.05), there was higher implant density (p = 0.07) and almost double the amount of posterior osteotomies performed (p > 0.05) ([Table 6]).
Fig. 7 Need for transfusion compared to hemodilution (p = 0.360). Abbreviation: ANH, acute normovolemic hemodilution.
Table 6
|
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (n = 14)
|
Other deformities (n = 16)
|
p-value
|
|
Surgical time (mean)
|
4.29 h
|
5.45 h
|
0.002
|
|
Density of the implant (mean)
|
0.74
|
0.82
|
0.07
|
|
Osteotomies (mean)
|
0.92
|
1.86
|
> 0.05
|
|
Bleeding (mean)
|
561 mL
|
806 mL
|
0.058
|
Discussion
Bleeding control should be part of the initial surgical planning. The application
of techniques can prevent the need for transfusion in patients undergoing AIS surgery.[6] The evolution of the surgical techniques enabled better results on terms of esthetics
and function, but, the longer the procedure, the greater the perioperative bleeding[7]
[8]
[9] and fibrinolysis, with consequent increase in hemorrhage, which generates a vicious
circle that increases the morbimortality.[9]
In neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) surgery, there is greater blood loss compared to
AIS surgery,[10]
[11]
[12] mainly due to the greater extent of the arthrodesis,[11] with possible relation with the use of anticonvulsants and malnutrition. The estimated
blood loss in the AIS surgery is of 1,300-2,200 mL, compared to 2,000-4,000 mL for
the NMS surgery.[12] In addition to hypotension, anemia and coagulopathy due to depletion, blood loss
leads to an increase in the number of transfused units.[10] In the present study, patients with AIS had a mean bleeding of 561 mL, while in
other deformities it was up to 2,000 mL (mean: 806 mL). Only one patient with AIS
required transfusion.
Postoperative PAT and APTT prolongation is expected due to a dysfunction in platelet
aggregation, which, especially in cases of NMS,[10]
[13] indicates coagulation overregulation in response to surgical stress and consumption
of coagulation factors.[13] In the present study, there was a decrease in the APTT and prolongation of the PAT
in all patients, with no clinical repercussions, as verified by Oppitz and Stefani.[5]
Bleeding in deformity corrections is high because of the rich local vascularity, wide
exposure and prolonged surgical time. The estimated blood loss is of 10-30 mL/kg.[11]
[14] There was a great deal of variability in the values found in the present study (200-2,000 mL),
a fact that can be attributed to the etiology, the severity of the deformity, the
operated levels, the osteotomies and the surgical time. Sex, advanced age, cardiovascular
disease, extensive laminectomies and low Ht in the preoperative period [15]
[16] did not result in increased bleeding.
Osteotomies are eventually needed to correct more severe deformities, especially in
adults.[17] Pedicle subtraction is associated with higher levels of blood loss (up to 3 L) due
to the dissection of large-caliber epidural veins[18] and increased surgical time.[8] The VCR is an option for severe and/or rigid deformities.[17] Posterior osteotomies (also known as Smith Petersen osteotomies), which are considered
easier and faster, have limited correction power (5°-20°), whereas pedicle subtraction
can correct 30°-40° per level.[7]
[19] There are reports of higher bleeding rates with the posterior approach than with
the anterior pproach.[12] All patients in the present study had the procedure performed by the posterior approach.
In the present study, the patients submitted to osteotomies had a higher average bleeding
rate, which in line with the literature, but the only statistically relevant data
was the increased need for transfusion in the control group when the osteotomies by
the posterior approach were performed. The ANH was not proven effective to avoid transfusion
when the osteotomy was performed, but a trend towards statistical relevance was noticed
in proportion to the increase in the aggressiveness of the approach.
Identifying risk factors, discontinuing medications such as acetylsalicylic acid,
anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants,[1]
[20] and even preoperative embolization of the vertebral body[21] reduces hospitalization time, costs and bleeding. Thorough dissection of the periosteum
and the use of electrocautery and hemostatic agents[1]
[6] may be adjuvants of autologous donation, ANH or hypotensive anesthesia.[6] Although Szpalski et al[22] and Urban et al[23] have shown that adequate evidence exists for their use, controlled hypotension is
controversial in spinal surgery because it does not reduce intraoperative blood loss,[14] and because of the risk of spinal cord injury due to reduced flow.[7]
[24] They also mention that the use of systemic and local hemostatic agents would be
controversial.[22]
The use of fibrinolytics gained popularity in the 1990s.[18]
[25] In children with NMS, their use was effective in reducing bleeding and transfusion.[10]
[26] Aprotinin inhibits anticoagulant enzymes, as well as the intrinsic pathway of coagulation
and platelet aggregation.[9]
[25] Its use has been discontinued[9]
[10] due to increased mortality from acute myocardial infarction[9] and acute renal failure,[25] although previous studies have shown reduced transfusion in heart, knee and hip
surgeries[9]
[18]
[25] and also despite the fact that they have been considered superior to tranexamic
acid in pedicle osteotomy.[18]
Tranexamic acid was administered to all patients in this study. It acts through the
reversible binding of plasminogen with lysine,[24] it is considered safe, and is widely used in cardiac and urogynecological surgeries.
In a retrospective study,24 its use in AIS resulted in less bleeding and transfusion,[24] but it was not effective in cases of pedicle subtraction in adults.[18] Its use does not increase the morbimortality and the incidence of thromboembolic
events.[27]
In the present study, the rate of homologous blood transfusion was of 20%, which is
within the range of 8-36% reported by Purvis et al,[28] who described multiple possible complications (increased mortality, hospital infections,
prolonged hospitalization, besides the high cost),[7]
[16]
[20]
[29] although no complications were reported. It was not possible to isolate a factor
responsible for transfusion, but a variable association between operated levels, severity
of the deformity, surgical time and osteotomies.
Autologous transfusion is considered safer,[3] and should be performed with donation prior to surgery (3 to 5 weeks, with limitations
in the case of elderly and anemic patients),[7] normovolemic hemodilution, cell preservation (high cost),[7]
[16]
[28] or hypervolemic hemodilution, which reduces the need for allogeneic transfusion[14] by dilution in plasma or in macromolecule solutions, with increasing circulating
volume.[4] It is considered quick, easier, more stable and cheaper than the ANH.
In the ANH, the collected blood is diluted with acellular fluid in the ratio of 2-4:1,[7]
[16] leading to a reduction in perioperative blood loss with maintenance of the flow.[3]
[4]
[5] Many studies show that ANH reduces the need for homologous transfusion between 18%
and 90%;[5]
[29] however, in the present study, there was no statistical significance regarding this,
perhaps due to the number of cases. The ANH is considered safe and effective in spinal
surgery when there is an estimated loss higher than 1 L or 20% of blood volume.[16]
[29] There is a risk of extreme hemodilution (Ht < 20%), with risk of tissue ischemia,
which is reversed with infusion of fresh plasma, according to McLaughlin.[14] Its use in the pediatric population was tested in a 2004 prospective randomized
study[30] with children undergoing posterior arthrodesis, which proved that the ANH is safe
and able to reduce the need for transfusion without the complications related to anemia.[30] Tse et al[31] have shown in their review that ANH, tranexamic acid, intrathecal morphine and modification
of the operative techniques seem to be the best options to reduce perioperative bleeding
and allogeneic blood transfusion. The use of ANH in this study aided in the control
of bleeding, but not to the point of avoiding transfusion in an isolated manner.
Conclusion
The ANH technique associated with tranexamic acid has not been proven effective in
reducing the need for homologous blood transfusion in corrective surgeries of spinal
deformities, despite its tendency to reduce intraoperative bleeding, especially in
cases that are considered more complex. The combined effect of the severity of the
deformity, the osteotomies, and the number of operated/instrumented levels is a determinant
for the need for transfusion, and the association of preoperative and intraoperative
measures to control the bleeding should be considered in these cases. It is believed
that a larger casuistry could prove its efficacy in comparison with isolated fibrinolytics.