An analysis of perioperative hidden blood loss in femoral intertrochanteric fractures: bone density is an important influencing factor

Background: To explore the influencing factors of perioperative hidden blood loss in intertrochanteric fractures.

Method: We undertook a retrospective analysis from January 2016 to October 2019. Clinical data of 118 patients with intertrochanteric fractures were included. Hidden blood loss was calculated from the haematocrit changes before and after surgery using the Gross equation based on height, weight, and haematocrit (HCT) changes before and after surgery. Patients' gender, age, presence of underlying diseases, fracture types, anaesthesia methods, time from injury to surgery, administration of antiplatelet drugs within 6 months before surgery, use of anticoagulant drugs after surgery, and bone density were statistically analysed. Factors having an effect on hidden blood loss were screened out. Then, hidden blood loss was used as the dependent variable, and each influencing factor was used in turn as the independent variable. Multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to analyse the related risk factors that affect hidden blood loss during the perioperative period of patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

Result: The apparent blood loss during the operation was 203.81 ±105. 51 ml, and the hidden blood loss was 517.55±191.47 ml. There were significant differences in the hidden blood loss of patients with different fracture types (stable vs unstable), anaesthesia methods (general anaesthesia vs intraspinal anaesthesia), antiplatelet or postoperative anticoagulant drugs, and bone densities (P< 0.05). 05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that internal fixation, age, fracture type, anaesthesia method, anticoagulant application, and bone density were related risk factors that affected hidden blood loss during the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures.

Conclusion: Hidden blood loss is the main cause of perioperative blood loss in intertrochanteric fractures, and the risk factors for hidden blood loss include internal fixation, fracture type (e.g., unstable), anaesthesia (e.g., intraspinal), and use of anticoagulant drugs. Specifically, we found that low bone density was a risk factor for hidden blood loss. It is not reliable to use apparent blood loss as the basis for fluid replacement and transfusion. We must fully consider the existence of hidden blood loss and intervene as soon as possible to prevent complications.

Level of evidence: III.