Effects of steroids on thrombogenic markers in patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

This report has been verified by one or more authors of the original publication.

30 patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty were randomized to receive perioperative intravenous injections of corticosteroids or saline solution. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of corticosteroid injections administered 2 hours prior to surgery on thrombogenic factors following total knee arthroplasty. Serum prothrombin fragment 1.2 (PF1.2) and plasmin-alpha-2-antiplasmin complex (PAP) levels, as well as blood loss, the incidence of venous thromboembolism, and wound complications were assessed throughout the study. Results indicated that patients who had received corticosteroids experienced significantly lower levels of PF1.2, an indicator of thrombin generation. However, there were no significant differences in any other outcomes measured between treatment or control groups.