Epsilon Aminocaproic Acid Vs. Tranexamic Acid Vs. Placebo for Prevention of Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty

A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind, Double-Dummy Study Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Epsilon Aminocaproic Acid (eACA) Versus Tranexamic Acid (TXA) Versus Placebo for Prevention of Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty

TXA and EACA have been reported to reduce blood loss in cardiac and neuro surgery, but there is no literature available comparing the two in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The investigators want to determine if TXA or EACA compared with placebo are effective and safe for blood loss prevention in TKA by comparing blood loss, transfusion rates, and total cost.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients scheduled to receive primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subject requires bilateral staged total knee arthroplasty
• Religious beliefs that would limit blood transfusion
• History of acquired defective color vision (inhibits monitoring for adverse events)
• Patients with a known history of upper urinary tract bleeding
• History of abnormal coagulation
• Renal dysfunction defined by elevated BUN and CR or BUN to CR ratio of 20:1 within 30 days of surgery
• Active intravascular clotting
• Known allergy to either TXA or eACA
• Myocardial Infarct within 6 months
• History of stroke
• Patient is a prisoner