Tranexamic acid protects against implant-associated infection by reducing biofilm formation

Sci Rep. 2022 Mar 22;12(1):4840. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-08948-w.

Abstract

Perioperative administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) is thought to be related to decreased postoperative implant-associated infection rates; however, the relationship remains unclear. We explored the inhibitory effect of TXA on infection both in vitro and in vivo. We investigated biofilm formation after TXA administration through different detection methods, all of which showed that TXA reduces biofilm formation in vitro and was further proven to be associated with decreased protein and polysaccharide contents in biofilms. We observed decreased biofilm on implants and decreased bacteria in the infection area with strengthened neutrophil accumulation in the mouse implant-associated infection model. Our results suggest that TXA protects against implant-associated infection by reducing biofilm formation in infected tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Biofilms
  • Blood Loss, Surgical
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Postoperative Period
  • Tranexamic Acid* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antifibrinolytic Agents
  • Tranexamic Acid