tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine analog that inhibits the activation of plasminogen to plasmin
plasmin is an autologous serum protease that breaks down fibrin and therefore tranexamic acid inhibits fibrinolysis
systematic reviews have shown that tranexamic acid is likely to be effective in reducing bleeding and improving outcomes in patients with traumatic injury (1,2)
in acute haemorrhage, tranexamic acid is effective in reducing bleeding and mortality, although to different extents in trauma, peripartum, and surgical settings (3)
Fouche et al showed, with respect to the use of tranexamic acid in acute trauma in the emergency setting, that tranexamic acid:
decreased 1-month and 24-hour mortality compared to placebo, with no indication of increased occlusive events
out-of-hospital administration of tranexamic acid was associated with decreased mortality compared to inhospital administration
Reference:
Karl V et al. Association of tranexamic acid administration with mortality and thromboembolic events in patients with traumatic injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open. 2022; 5e220625
Ker K et al. Antifibrinolytic drugs for acute traumatic injury.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015; 5: CD004896
Franchini M, Focosi D, Zaffanello M, Mannucci P M. Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in acute haemorrhageBMJ 2024; 384 :e075720
Fouche PF et al. Tranexamic Acid for Traumatic Injury in the Emergency Setting: A Systematic Review and Bias-Adjusted Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Annals of Emergency Medicine (November 22nd 2023).
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.