Mathematics Faculty Articles

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-8-2021

Publication Title

Annals of Surgery Open

Keywords

Tranexamic acid prehospital use, Tranexamic acid in-hospital use, Tranexamic acid perioperative use, Acute trauma, Outcomes measures

ISSN

0003-4932

Volume

2

Issue/No.

4

First Page

e105

Abstract

Background and Objectives:

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to assess efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) use in acute traumatic injuries.

Methods:

PubMed and Cochrane libraries were searched for relevant RCTs published between January 2011 and January 3, 2021. Cohen’s Q Test for heterogeneous effects was used to determine the appropriateness of fixed versus random effects models.

Results:

Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of relative risk of mortality between treatment and placebo groups in the in-hospital, and perioperative settings was not significant. However, the risk of mortality is significantly lower in the treatment versus placebo group when TXA was given as loading dose only. Ten of the 11 studies evaluating perioperative use of TXA included in systematic review found significantly lower blood loss in the treatment compared with placebo groups, but results of meta-analysis showed no significant difference. Results of meta-analysis indicate that the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the in-hospital treatment group is greater than that of the placebo. In subset analysis of studies using only a single loading dose, there were no significant differences in VTE.

Conclusions:

Systematic review supports TXA benefits are most evident when given shortly after injury and meta-analysis supports TXA reduces mortality as a single loading dose. Systematic review supports perioperative use of TXA when large volume blood loss is anticipated. Meta-results showed no significant difference in risk of thromboembolism in single-dose TXA treatment compared with placebo. These findings suggest that TXA is safe and effective for control of traumatic bleeding.

Mini-abstract: This systematic review indicates that tranexamic acid (TXA) is most beneficial when given shortly postinjury and TXA given preoperatively reduces intraoperative blood loss. Meta-analysis reveals single-dose TXA was associated with improved mortality with no significant difference in VTE risk or complications. Cohesive guidelines are needed.

ORCID ID

0000-0002-8194-5502

DOI

10.1097/AS9.0000000000000105

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