biostudies-literatureDonovan RLUniversity of BristolUniversity Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation TrustNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)239-247https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8022108biostudies-literatureUnknown24<h4>Purpose</h4>Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an inexpensive antifibrinolytic agent that significantly reduces peri-operative blood loss and transfusion requirements after total hip and knee replacement. This meta-analysis demonstrates the effects of TXA on blood loss in total shoulder replacement (TSR) and total elbow replacement (TER).<h4>Methods</h4>We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL from inception to September 03, 2020 for randomised controlled trial (RCTs) and observational studies. Our primary outcome was blood loss. Secondary outcomes included the need for blood transfusion, and post-operative venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. Mean differences (MD) and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.<h4>Results</h4>Four RCTs and five retrospeJournal of orthopaedicsTranexamic acid use to decrease blood loss in primary shoulder and elbow replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.PMC8022108NIHR202368Whitehouse MRKunutsor SKBlom AWDonovan RLVarma JRfalseTranexamic acid use to decrease blood loss in primary shoulder and elbow replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.<h4>Purpose</h4>Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an inexpensive antifibrinolytic agent that significantly reduces peri-operative blood loss and transfusion requirements after total hip and knee replacement. This meta-analysis demonstrates the effects of TXA on blood loss in total shoulder replacement (TSR) and total elbow replacement (TER).<h4>Methods</h4>We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL from inception to September 03, 2020 for randomised controlled trial (RCTs) and observational studies. Our primary outcome was blood loss. Secondary outcomes included the need for blood transfusion, and post-operative venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. Mean differences (MD) and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.<h4>Results</h4>Four RCTs and five retrospe2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Mar-Apr2025-04-04T10:16:58.532Z2025-04-04T10:16:58.532ZS-EPMC80221083385429110.1016/j.jor.2021.03.003