Methods	A computer-generated randomisation table was used to allocate patients to one of three treatment groups. The method used to conceal treatment allocation was not described
Participants	30 patients undergoing elective total knee replacement were randomly allocated to one of three groups Desmopressin (DDAVP) group: n = 10; M/F = 2/8; mean (+/−SD) age = 72 (6) years. Tranexamic acid (TXA) group: n = 10; M/F = 4/6; mean age (+/−SD) = 71 (5) years. Placebo group: n = 10; M/F = 3/7; mean age (+/−SD) = 72 (8) years.
Interventions	DDAVP group received an IV bolus dose of desmopressin (0.3 ug/kg) infused over a 30-minute period. Thereafter, a constant IV infusion of saline was administered until 12 hours after final deflation of the limb tourniquet. TXA group received an IV bolus of tranexamic acid (15 mg/kg) administered over a 30-minute period. Thereafter, a constant IV infusion of tranexamic acid (10 mg/kg/hr) was administered until 12 hours after the final deflation of the limb tourniquet. Placebo group received an equal volume of normal saline 30 minutes before deflation of the limb tourniquet infused over a 30-minute period. Thereafter, a constant infusion of normal saline was administered until after final deflation of the limb tourniquet.
Outcomes	Number of patients transfused allogeneic blood (n) Amount of allogeneic blood transfused (units) Hospital length of stay (days) Hematological data
Notes	Quality assessment score (Schulz criteria): 3/7 Transfusion protocol used.
Risk of bias
Item	Authors’ judgement	Description
Adequate sequence generation?	Unclear	A computer-generated randomisation table was used to allocate patients
Allocation concealment?	Unclear	B - Unclear
Blinding? All outcomes	Yes	Double blind.