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The effect of omega-3 fatty-acid supplements on perioperative bleeding following posterior spinal arthrodesis

European Spine Journal volume 21, pages 2659–2663 (2012)Cite this article

An Erratum to this article was published on 26 June 2012

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty-acid supplements (n-3FA) on bleeding during posterior spinal arthrodesis.

Methods

We reviewed all one- or two-level posterolateral lumbar decompression/fusions with or without interbody fusion by five surgeons within 3 years. Patients taking n-3FA preoperatively were matched 1:2 with controls based on procedure, surgeon and operative time. Patients with abnormal coagulation parameters, known bleeding disorders or other medications that could affect surgical blood loss were excluded.

Results

Twenty-eight patients met inclusion criteria. The n-3FA and control groups were similar with respect to gender, age, body mass index, operative time, and preoperative use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The n-3FAs were stopped an average of 5.2 days before surgery (range 1–10). Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 697 ml in the n-3FA group and 771 ml in the control group (p = 0.36). Mean transfused volume of Cell Saver (CS) was 282 ml in the n-3FA group and 321 ml in the control group (p = 0.30). A post hoc power analysis showed that the study was powered to detect a minimum difference of 105 ml for EBL and 50 ml for CS. The multivariate generalized estimating equation did not show a significant difference between groups for EBL or CS (p = 0.35 and p = 0.29, respectively). Secondary outcomes including drop in postoperative hemoglobin, transfusion requirement, complications and surgical drain output were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

The n-3FA use did not contribute to higher perioperative blood loss during spinal arthrodesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th ST, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Dennis S. Meredith, Joseph Nguyen, James C. Farmer, Federico P. Girardi, Patrick F. O’Leary & Frank P. Cammisa

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Christopher K. Kepler

  3. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

    Brandon Hirsch

Authors
  1. Dennis S. Meredith
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  2. Christopher K. Kepler
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  3. Brandon Hirsch
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  4. Joseph Nguyen
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  5. James C. Farmer
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  6. Federico P. Girardi
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  7. Patrick F. O’Leary
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  8. Frank P. Cammisa
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Correspondence to Dennis S. Meredith.

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Meredith, D.S., Kepler, C.K., Hirsch, B. et al. The effect of omega-3 fatty-acid supplements on perioperative bleeding following posterior spinal arthrodesis. Eur Spine J 21, 2659–2663 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2365-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2365-1

Keywords

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Bleeding
  • Spinal arthrodesis