This study aimed to examine the effect of thromboprophylactic edoxaban on D-dimer levels and anemia after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We retrospectively analyzed data from 349 patients undergoing primary THA. Univariate regression and multivariate regression analyses were performed with D-dimer levels on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days postoperatively as the dependent variable Edoxaban use, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), renal function, drop in hemoglobin (Hb) drop, intraoperative blood loss and duration of surgery as were independent variables. Multivariate regression analysis was also performed with Hb drop as the dependent variable. Edoxaban administration of 15 mg/day and 30 mg/day after THA was correlated with higher D-dimer levels at 21, but not at 7 or 14, days postoperatively. Other significant independent predictors for high D-dimer levels were the duration of surgery (at 7 and 14 days), BMI (at 7 days), sex (at 14 days), and age (at 14 and 21 days). Edoxaban use was significantly, weakly correlated with a larger Hb drop at 7 and 14 days, but this was less than a clinically important difference. D-dimer levels after THA can be elevated by thromboprophylactic edoxaban after three weeks postoperatively.
Keywords: D-dimer; deep vein thrombosis; edoxaban; total hip arthroplasty.