Findings from a study published online in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery suggest that epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) may be an acceptable alternative to tranexamic acid (TXA) for blood conservation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). 

The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial of 194 TKA patients, of whom 96 received EACA and 98 received TXA. They note that, although the estimated blood loss was significantly greater in the EACA cohort, no transfusions were required in either group and no significant differences were noted in change in hemoglobin or serum creatinine level, postoperative complications, or length of hospital stay. Learn more...