Systematic review and meta-analyses of tranexamic acid use for bleeding reduction in prostate surgery

Tranexamic Acid for reduction of intra- and postoperative TRansfusion requirements in elective Abdominal surgery (TATRA): study protocol for an investigator-initiated, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized superiority trial with two parallel groups

BACKGROUND

Intra- and postoperative hemorrhage is a relevant problem in major abdominal surgery, leading to acute anemia and necessitating transfusion of packed red blood cells. It is estimated that in 30% of abdominal surgeries, intra- or postoperative transfusion is required. Transfusion potentially has detrimental health effects and poses a considerable socioeconomic burden. Tranexamic acid, a lysine analog inhibiting plasminogen activation and providing clot stability, has been used to reduce hemorrhage. While there is ample evidence in other surgical disciplines, it is almost completely lacking in abdominal surgery.

METHODS

This multicenter double-blind parallel group randomized superiority trial will compare tranexamic acid (loading dose 1000 mg over 10 min prior to skin incision, maintenance dose 125 mg/h continuously until skin closure or until 1000 mg have been administered) to placebo in patients ≥ 18 years undergoing elective esophagectomy, gastrectomy, colectomy, rectal resection, pancreatic resection, or hepatectomy. The primary efficacy endpoint is the intra- or postoperative transfusion of at least one unit of packed red blood cells. Key secondary endpoints are the number of transfused units per patient, estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications/mortality, length of hospital stay, operation/anesthesia time, D-dimer levels, and quality of life. Sample size calculation is based on the assumption that in the control group, 30% of patients require transfusion while the intervention achieves a risk reduction of 33%, reducing the probability to 20%. With a type one error of 5% and a power of 90%, using a two-sided χ2 test, this results in 412 patients per group. Accounting for non-compliance, 425 patients are to be randomized per group. The total trial duration will be 30 months with a recruitment period of 18 months.

DISCUSSION

If the proposed trial yielded positive results, the routine use of tranexamic acid in major abdominal surgery would be supported. This would avoid acute anemia with detrimental effects such as tissue hypoxia and organ injury, as well as the negative immediate and delayed effects of transfusions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EU CT Nr: 2023-509970-43-01, NCT06414031 . Registered on 10 May 2024.

Tranexamic acid: a narrative review of its current role in perioperative medicine and acute medical bleeding

Purpose

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is the most widely prescribed antifibrinolytic for active bleeding or to prevent surgical bleeding. Despite numerous large multi-center randomized trials involving thousands of patients being conducted, TXA remains underutilized in indications where it has demonstrated efficacy and a lack of harmful effects. This narrative review aims to provide basic concepts about fibrinolysis and TXA's mode of action and is focused on the most recent and important trials evaluating this drug in different hemorrhagic situations.

Methods

We selected every low bias RCT, and we highlighted their strengths and limitations throughout this review.

Principal findings

While TXA appears to have a favorable benefit-risk ratio in most situations (trauma, obstetrics, at-risk for bleeding surgeries) evidence of benefit is lacking in certain medical settings (SAH, digestive bleeding).

Conclusion

Although in some situations the drug's effect on significant outcomes is modest, its favorable safety profile allows it to be recommended for trauma patients, in obstetrics, and in scheduled surgeries at risk of bleeding. However, it cannot be recommended in cases of spontaneous intracranial bleeding, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Strategies to prevent blood loss and reduce transfusion in emergency general surgery, WSES-AAST consensus paper

Emergency general surgeons often provide care to severely ill patients requiring surgical interventions and intensive support. One of the primary drivers of morbidity and mortality is perioperative bleeding. In general, when addressing life threatening haemorrhage, blood transfusion can become an essential part of overall resuscitation. However, under all circumstances, indications for blood transfusion must be accurately evaluated. When patients decline blood transfusions, regardless of the reason, surgeons should aim to provide optimal care and respect and accommodate each patient's values and target the best outcome possible given the patient's desires and his/her clinical condition. The aim of this position paper was to perform a review of the existing literature and to provide comprehensive recommendations on organizational, surgical, anaesthetic, and haemostatic strategies that can be used to provide optimal peri-operative blood management, reduce, or avoid blood transfusions and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Herbicidal Activities of Some Transition Metal Ions Complexes with the Tranexamic Acid

New tranexamic acid (TXA) complexes of ferric(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zirconium(IV) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), conductimetric (Λ), magnetic susceptibility investigations (μeff), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), ultraviolet visible (UV-vis.), optical band gap energy (Eg) and thermal studies (TG/DTG and DTA). TXA complexes were established in 1 : 2 (metal: ligand) stoichiometric ratio according to CHN data. Based on FT-IR and 1H-NMR data the disappeared of the carboxylic proton supported the deprotonating of TXA and linked to metal ions via the carboxylate group's oxygen atom as a bidentate ligand. UV-visible spectra and magnetic moment demonstrated that all chelates have geometric octahedral structures. Eg values indicated that our complexes are more electro conductive. DTA revealed presence of water molecules in inner and outer spheres of the complexes. DTA results showed that endothermic and exothermic peaks were identified in the degradation mechanisms. The ligand and metal complexes were investigated for their antimicrobial and herbicidal efficacy. The Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes showed antimicrobial activity against some tested species. The obtained results showed a promising herbicidal effect of TXA ligand and its metal complexes particularly copper and zirconium against the three tested plants.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in urologic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis compared the effects of intravenous Tranexamic acid (TXA) and a placebo on hemostasis, hospital course, and complications in adult patients undergoing various urologic surgeries.

METHODS

The literature was extensively searched using various databases. The primary outcomes were standardized mean differences (SMDs) of intraoperative blood loss and odds ratios (ORs) of necessary blood product transfusion. The secondary outcomes included SMDs of operative time, SMDs of decreased hemoglobulin levels at 24 hours after surgery, and ORs of thromboembolic events.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 13 randomized controlled trials (RCT) comprising 1814 participants in total. The SMD of intraoperative blood loss for TXA versus placebo was -0.705 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.113 to -0.297). The pooled ORs of transfusion in the TXA group compared with the placebo group was 0.426 (95% CI: 0.290-0.625). These findings indicated a significantly lower intraoperative blood loss and a reduced need for transfusion following intravenous TXA. The pooled ORs of thromboembolic events in the TXA group compared with the placebo group was 0.664 (95% CI: 0.146-3.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous TXA can reduce intraoperative blood loss, decrease the need for transfusion, and shorten operative time, and it does not increase the risk of thromboembolic events.

Management of severe peri-operative bleeding: Guidelines from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care: Second update 2022

BACKGROUND

Management of peri-operative bleeding is complex and involves multiple assessment tools and strategies to ensure optimal patient care with the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality. These updated guidelines from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) aim to provide an evidence-based set of recommendations for healthcare professionals to help ensure improved clinical management.

DESIGN

A systematic literature search from 2015 to 2021 of several electronic databases was performed without language restrictions. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies and to formulate recommendations. A Delphi methodology was used to prepare a clinical practice guideline.

RESULTS

These searches identified 137 999 articles. All articles were assessed, and the existing 2017 guidelines were revised to incorporate new evidence. Sixteen recommendations derived from the systematic literature search, and four clinical guidances retained from previous ESAIC guidelines were formulated. Using the Delphi process on 253 sentences of guidance, strong consensus (>90% agreement) was achieved in 97% and consensus (75 to 90% agreement) in 3%.

DISCUSSION

Peri-operative bleeding management encompasses the patient's journey from the pre-operative state through the postoperative period. Along this journey, many features of the patient's pre-operative coagulation status, underlying comorbidities, general health and the procedures that they are undergoing need to be taken into account. Due to the many important aspects in peri-operative nontrauma bleeding management, guidance as to how best approach and treat each individual patient are key. Understanding which therapeutic approaches are most valuable at each timepoint can only enhance patient care, ensuring the best outcomes by reducing blood loss and, therefore, overall morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

All healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients at risk for surgical bleeding should be aware of the current therapeutic options and approaches that are available to them. These guidelines aim to provide specific guidance for bleeding management in a variety of clinical situations.

Is tranexamic acid associated with decreased need for blood transfusion in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Bleeding is a common complication after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for renal stone disease. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been found to reduce mortality and blood transfusion in surgical and trauma patients. This review aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of TXA in patients undergoing PNL.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed to recognise all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of TXA in PNL. The primary outcome of the study was to compare the need for blood transfusion with and without TXA.

FINDINGS

Six RCTs with 1,323 patients were included in this review. Haemoglobin fall was lower in the TXA group compared with the control group, and the need for blood transfusion was reduced by 67% (odds ratio (OR) 0.33, confidence interval (CI) (0.21, 0.52), p<0.00001). However, blood loss was comparable for the two groups (mean difference -116.9, CI (-244.5,10.7) p=0.07). Length of stay and duration of surgery was significantly shorter with TXA. Furthermore, both minor and major complications were lower in the TXA group. Stone-free rate was higher with the TXA group. No thromboembolic complications were noted in the TXA group.

CONCLUSIONS

TXA is safe and efficacious for PNL with a reduction in need for blood transfusion and without an attending increase in complication rates.

Evaluating the effectiveness of tranexamic acid administration in reducing bleeding in benign prostate hyperplasia patients underwent open prostatectomy: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background

Blood loss of postoperative after prostate surgery could be related with an increase in urinary fibrinolytic activity. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is both a potent inhibitor of plasminogen and urokinase activators and a low molecular weight substance that is excreted unchanged in the urinary tract and can be administered both orally and intravenously. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness TXA administration in reducing bleeding in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients who underwent open prostatectomy.

Materials and Methods

This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with BPH who underwent open prostatectomy. The first group received TXA (1 gr IV from during surgery to 48 h after surgery, 3 times/day). Twenty-four hours after surgery, the two groups were compared in terms of bleeding rate. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), and platelet (Plt) counts were also assessed before and after the intervention.

Results

Intervention and control groups were comparable in terms of basic and baseline values of variables at the beginning of the study (P > 0.05). The mean bleeding volume in TXA group was significantly lower than the control group 112.11 ± 53.5 and 190.00 ± 97.5 CC; P ≤ 0.001). Mean hospitalization (3.28±0.46 vs. 4.38 ± 0.95 days P < 0.001) and surgery duration (98.11 ± 37.11 vs. 128.00 ± 39.12 h; P = 0.001) were significantly lower in TXA group compared to control intervention.

Conclusion

According to the findings of the current study, the administration of TXA led to reduce bleeding in BPH patients who underwent open prostatectomy. Furthermore, the mean Hb, HCT, levels were significantly affected by TXA. TXA treatment approach also can reduce the surgery and hospitalization time effectively. TXA approach is recommended as effective procedure in BPH patients who underwent open prostatectomy.

The role of tranexamic acid in reducing bleeding during transurethral resection of the prostate: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is regarded as the current gold standard surgical intervention for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, this procedure is associated with significant chances of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. Several studies have reported the role of tranexamic acid in prostatic surgeries, but, its role in TURP is still unclear. This review aims to evaluate the role of tranexamic acid in reducing the blood loss during TURP.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was performed on Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane, up to December 2021. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the role of tranexamic acid in TURP were screened using our predefined eligibility criteria. Data were expressed as odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration, UK).

Results

Six trials were included in this meta-analysis, comprising of 582 patients with BPH who underwent TURP. The meta-analysis revealed an insignificant difference in the rate of blood transfusion (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.34, 1.34, P = 0.27) but, a significantly lower amount of blood loss and a lower reduction in the hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the patients receiving tranexamic acid as compared to the control group (MD - 127.03, 95% CI - 233.11, -20.95, P = 0.02; MD - 0.53, 95% CI - 0.84, -0.22, P < 0.01; respectively). Also, the operative time (P = 0.12) and the length of hospitalization (P = 0.59) were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

The administration of tranexamic acid was not found to be effective in reducing the need for blood transfusion, the operative time, and the length of hospitalization during the TURP. However, it could reduce the amount of blood loss and the fall in the Hb levels.

Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Cancer Surgery. An Update of Clinical Findings and Ongoing Research

In cancer patients undergoing surgery, tumor biology and anticancer treatments can increase the risk of perioperative bleeding and blood transfusions. Notably, blood transfusions can be potentially associated with an increased risk of life-threatening immune responses, acute lung injury, postoperative infections, and thromboembolism. Moreover, the link between perioperative transfusion and increased risk of cancer recurrence cannot be excluded. On the other hand, cancer patients have an increased risk of thromboembolism due to cancer itself and antineoplastic systemic treatments including chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic drugs. In this complex scenario, effective and safe strategies aimed at the prevention of blood transfusions are warranted. This narrative review addresses the efficacy, and the safety of the synthetic antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TXA) when used perioperatively in cancer surgery. Although in not oncologic surgery the use of TXA has been extensively studied, in the setting of cancer patients requiring surgery, the evidence is scarce. An overview of the ongoing clinical research is also provided.

Using Haemocoagulase Agkistrodon in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Plasmakinetic Resection of the Prostate: A Pilot, Real-World, and Propensity Score-Matched Study

Objectives

To compare the clinical outcomes of using different hemostatic agents after transurethral plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (TUPKP) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.

Methods

The patients were divided into 5 groups according to the hemostatic agents used after TUPKP, including the haemocoagulase agkistrodon for injection (HCA), hemocoagulase for injection (HC), hemocoagulase bothrops atrox for injection (HCB), ethylenediamine diaceturate injection (EDD), and tranexamic acid (TXA). Propensity score matching was performed based on age, body mass index, prostate volume, hypertension status, fasting blood glucose, smoking, and drinking history. The hospitalization time, bladder irrigation time, indwelling catheterization time, the patency of urine flow, and blood transfusion records were used as outcome indicators to compare the clinical effects of these five agents.

Results

We finally matched 65 pairs receiving HCA or HC, 71 pairs receiving HCA or HCB, 38 pairs receiving HCA or TXA, and 29 pairs receiving HCA or EDD. Compared with HC, HCA given during the perioperative period significantly reduced the median hospitalization time [7.00 days (5.00, 8.00) vs. 9.00 days (8.00, 10.00); p < 0.001] and median catheterization time (109.00 hours [88.00, 129.00] vs. 164.00 hours [114.00, 189.00], p < 0.001). Compared with EDD, the median hospitalization time (7.00 days [6.00, 8.00] vs. 10.00 days [8.00, 11.00]; p < 0.001) and median catheterization time (113.00 hours [95.00, 143.00] vs. 160.00 hours [139.00, 168.00]; p < 0.001) were also significant shorter in HCA group. Compared with HCB, median bladder irrigation time (45.00 hours [27.00, 71.00] vs. 49.00 hours [45.00, 72.00]; p = 0.04) was shorter in the HCA group. However, there were no statistical differences in outcomes between HCA and TXA.

Conclusions

HCA probably has an advantage over HC, HCB, and EDD in reducing the hospitalization time, catheterization time, and bladder irrigation time among BPH patients undergoing TUPKP.

Can the prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid reduce the blood loss after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy? Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy with tranEXamic acid (RARPEX): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

The prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid reduces blood loss during procedures at high risk of perioperative bleeding. Several studies in cardiac surgery and orthopedics confirmed this finding. The aim of this prospective, double-blind, randomized study is to evaluate the effect of tranexamic acid on peri-and postoperative blood loss and on the incidence and severity of complications.

Methods/design

Based on the results of our pilot study, we decided to conduct this prospective, double-blind, randomized trial to confirm the preliminary data. The primary endpoint is to analyze the effect of tranexamic acid on perioperative and postoperative blood loss (decrease in hemoglobin levels) in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. The additional endpoint is to analyze the effect of tranexamic acid on postoperative complications and confirm the safety of tranexamic acid in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Discussion

No study to date has tested the prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid at the beginning of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. This study is designed to answer the question of whether the administration of tranexamic acid might lower the blood loss after the procedure or increase the rate and severity of complications.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04319614. Registered on 25 March 2020

Systematic review of hematuria and acute renal failure with tranexamic acid

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review of tranexamic acid (TXA) and the risk of renal failure from urinary clots in adult patients with hematuria.

METHODS

A systematic review of Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov, and Google Scholar were searched. Randomized control trials (RCTs) and observational studies that assessed the risk of renal failure with use of TXA among adults with hematuria were included. The primary outcome was renal failure due to urinary tract clots with TXA compared to no TXA (or placebo) or comparator.

RESULTS

We identified three RCTs (N = 466 patients) and three retrospective cohort studies (N=220 patients), and a total of 342 patients that had hematuria and received TXA. The patient population of the six studies included medical and surgical patients, with two of the three RCTs comprised patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and the third RCT comprised patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate. Documentation of renal function before and after TXA administration was documented in only two studies (N = 28 patients), and neither identified worsening renal function in those exposed to TXA.

CONCLUSIONS

There are limited studies evaluating the risk of renal failure in patients with hematuria who were exposed to TXA, and the available data does not suggest an increased risk.

Does Tranexamic Acid Reduce the Blood Loss in Various Surgeries? An Umbrella Review of State-of-the-Art Meta-Analysis

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been applied in various types of surgery for hemostasis purposes. The efficacy and safety of TXA are still controversial in different surgeries. Guidelines for clinical application of TXA are needed. Materials and method: We systematically searched multiple medical databases for meta-analyses examining the efficacy and safety of TXA. Types of surgery included joint replacement surgery, other orthopedic surgeries, cardiac surgery, cerebral surgery, etc. Outcomes were blood loss, blood transfusion, adverse events, re-operation rate, operative time and length of hospital stay, hemoglobin (Hb) level, and coagulation function. Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) were used for quality assessment of the included meta-analyses. Overlapping reviews were evaluated by calculating the corrected covered area (CCA). Result: In all, we identified 47 meta-analyses, of which 44 of them were of "high" quality. A total of 319 outcomes were evaluated, in which 58 outcomes were assessed as "high" quality. TXA demonstrates significant hemostatic effects in various surgeries, with lower rates of blood transfusion and re-operation, shorter operative time and length of stay, and higher Hb levels. Besides, TXA does not increase the risk of death and vascular adverse events, but it is a risk factor for seizure (a neurological event) in cardiac surgery. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that TXA has a general hemostatic effect with very few adverse events, which indicates TXA is the recommended medication to prevent excessive bleeding and reduce the blood transfusion rate. We also recommend different dosages of TXA for different types of adult surgery. However, we could not recommend a unified dosage for different surgeries due to the heterogeneity of the experimental design. Systematic Review Registration: clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier CRD42021240303.

Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing surgery for bone and soft tissue tumors: a propensity score matching analysis

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing surgery for bone and soft tissue tumors.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected from 454 consecutive patients with bone and soft tissue tumors who underwent open biopsy, marginal resection, curettage or wide resection between January 2017 and December 2018. We performed propensity score matching of patients who received tranexamic acid with those who did not. The primary outcome variables were intra-operative, peri-operative and estimated blood loss (IBL, PBL and EBL, respectively).

Results

Tranexamic acid (+) and tranexamic acid (−) groups were defined according to whether patients received tranexamic acid or not. Among the 454 patients, open biopsy was performed in 102, marginal resection in 175, curettage in 54 and wide resection in 123. Intra-operative blood loss was significantly lower in the tranexamic acid (+) group than in the tranexamic acid (−) group for both marginal and wide resection (marginal resection: 17.3 vs. 70.3 g, respectively, P = 0.045; wide resection: 128.8 vs. 273.1 g, respectively, P = 0.023). Peri-operative blood loss and estimated blood loss were also significantly lower in the tranexamic acid (+) group for wide resection (peri-operative blood loss: 341.5 vs. 686.5 g, respectively, P = 0.0039; estimated blood loss: 320.7 vs. 550.6 ml, respectively, P = 0.030). No venous thromboembolism occurred in either group.

Conclusion

This study suggests that TXA administration safely and effectively reduces blood loss, in particular for wide resection, with no increase in the rate of adverse events.

Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Bleeding Outcomes After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the efficacy of the routine use of tranexamic acid (TXA) during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: This systematic review was conducted following the updated reporting guidelines from PRISMA 2020. Results: In total, 275 titles and abstracts were reviewed, of which 20 were screened to be eligible for full text review. Of these 20 articles, 11 were selected for inclusion after full article evaluations. Seven of these 11 studies were seen as having a low risk of bias with a Jadad score of ≥3. These studies were included for data extraction. Once data were extracted, 964 patients were included. The primary outcome, blood transfusion rate, showed significant reduction with a ratio for transfusion rate of 0.34 [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.19 to 0.61), z = 3.61, p = 0.0003]. Mean hemoglobin (Hgb) drop and operative time were both shown to be reduced with the use of TXA. The mean difference for Hgb drop was -0.86 [95% CI (-1.26 to -0.46), z = 4.23, p < 0.0001]. Reduction in operative time showed a mean difference of -8.45 minutes [95% CI (-15.04 to -1.86), z = 2.51, p = 0.01]. Stone clearance was not shown to differ significantly between experimental and control groups, with a risk ratio of 1.28 [95% CI (0.89 to 1.84), z = 1.31, p = 0.19]. Conclusions: This meta-analysis revealed that the routine use of TXA at time of PCNL reduces the rates of blood transfusion, mean Hgb drop, and operative time. With the low cost of TXA and strong safety profile, stronger consideration should be given to the routine use of TXA during PCNL by endoscopic surgeons.

Repurposing Tranexamic Acid as an Anticancer Agent

Tranexamic Acid (TA) is a clinically used antifibrinolytic agent that acts as a Lys mimetic to block binding of Plasminogen with Plasminogen activators, preventing conversion of Plasminogen to its proteolytically activated form, Plasmin. Previous studies suggested that TA may exhibit anticancer activity by blockade of extracellular Plasmin formation. Plasmin-mediated cleavage of the CDCP1 protein may increase its oncogenic functions through several downstream pathways. Results presented herein demonstrate that TA blocks Plasmin-mediated excision of the extracellular domain of the oncoprotein CDCP1. In vitro studies indicate that TA reduces the viability of a broad array of human and murine cancer cell lines, and breast tumor growth studies demonstrate that TA reduces cancer growth in vivo. Based on the ability of TA to mimic Lys and Arg, we hypothesized that TA may perturb multiple processes that involve Lys/Arg-rich protein sequences, and that TA may alter intracellular signaling pathways in addition to blocking extracellular Plasmin production. Indeed, TA-mediated suppression of tumor cell viability is associated with multiple biochemical actions, including inhibition of protein synthesis, reduced activating phosphorylation of STAT3 and S6K1, decreased expression of the MYC oncoprotein, and suppression of Lys acetylation. Further, TA inhibited uptake of Lys and Arg by cancer cells. These findings suggest that TA or TA analogs may serve as lead compounds and inspire the production of new classes of anticancer agents that function by mimicking Lys and Arg.

Role of tranexamic acid in craniosynostosis surgery: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the efficacy and harms of using tranexamic acid (TXA) versus placebo/no intervention to reduce blood loss and the need for transfusion in children undergoing surgical correction of craniosynostosis.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, LILACS, CENTRAL, and other sources. We included clinical trials, prospective, retrospective observational studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies. The primary outcomes were blood loss and the need for a transfusion, and secondary outcomes were hemoglobin, hematocrit, and adverse effects. We assessed the risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. We performed the statistical analysis in R and reported information about the mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We evaluated heterogeneity with the I2 test. We produced forest plots to show the amount of evidence available for each outcome and made subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

We included 11 studies in qualitative and quantitative analysis accounting for 752 patients. In general, the risk of all bias was assessed as low for non-randomized studies, and we found high performance and detection bias in one randomized study. TXA significantly reduced blood loss and need for transfusion compared to placebo/no intervention with an MD of -15.47 (95%CI -23.82, -7.11) and -8.18 (95%CI -12.24, -4.11), respectively. These differences were maintained regardless of the type of study, secondary outcomes also favored TXA, and there was no report of adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

TXA reduces blood loss and the need for transfusion when compared to placebo/no intervention. The available studies on this topic suggest its use in these patients and its implementation in surgery protocols.

The Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in the Management of Perioperative Bleeding After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

Introduction: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature to assess the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in the management of postoperative bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: A systematic literature review was performed in March 2021. Two reviewers independently screened, identified, and evaluated comparative studies assessing the effectiveness of TXA in preventing bleeding after PCNL when compared with placebo or no intervention. The incidence of transfusion, complete stone clearance, and complications were extracted among TXA and control groups to generate the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Blood loss, hemoglobin (Hb) drop, length of hospital stays, and operative (OR) time were analyzed using standard mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% CI. Effect estimates were pooled using the inverse-variance approach with a random-effect model. Results: A total of 11 studies (8 randomized controlled trial, 1 prospective cohort, and 2 retrospective cohort studies; total 1842 patients) of low-to-moderate-quality were included in the meta-analysis. Overall pooled effect estimates demonstrated a decreased transfusion rate (RR 0.36; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.51), blood loss (SMD -0.74; 95% CI -1.14 to -0.34), and Hb drop (SMD -0.95; 95% CI -1.51 to -0.39) among patients in the TXA group when compared with those in the control. The number needed to treat was 11 to prevent one transfusion. Patients who received TXA also had improved stone clearance (RR 1.08; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.14), lower minor (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.89) and major (RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.69) complications, shorter hospital stays (SMD -0.52; 95% CI -1.01 to -0.04) and decreased OR time (SMD -0.89; 95% CI -1.46 to -0.31). Conclusions: TXA can effectively reduce postoperative bleeding after PCNL. Future studies should identify a subset of patients who may benefit from preoperative TXA administration for PCNL.

Tranexamic acid for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in surgery, trauma and bleeding disorders: a narrative review

OBJECTIVES

We review the evidence for tranexamic acid (TXA) for the treatment and prevention of bleeding caused by surgery, trauma and bleeding disorders. We highlight therapeutic areas where evidence is lacking and discuss safety issues, particularly the concern regarding thrombotic complications.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed in PubMed and the Cochrane Library to identify clinical trials, safety reports and review articles.

FINDINGS

TXA reduces bleeding in patients with menorrhagia, and in patients undergoing caesarian section, myomectomy, hysterectomy, orthopedic surgery, cardiac surgery, orthognathic surgery, rhinoplasty, and prostate surgery. For dental extractions in patients with bleeding disorders or taking antithrombotic drugs, as well as in cases of idiopathic epistaxis, tonsillectomy, liver transplantation and resection, nephrolithotomy, skin cancer surgery, burn wounds and skin grafting, there is moderate evidence that TXA is effective for reducing bleeding. TXA was not effective in reducing bleeding in traumatic brain injury and upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. TXA reduces mortality in patients suffering from trauma and postpartum hemorrhage. For many of these indications, there is no consensus about the optimal TXA dose. With certain dosages and with certain indications TXA can cause harm, such as an increased risk of seizures after high TXA doses with brain injury and cardiac surgery, and an increased mortality after delayed administration of TXA for trauma events or postpartum hemorrhage. Whereas most trials did not signal an increased risk for thrombotic events, some trials reported an increased rate of thrombotic complications with the use of TXA for gastro-intestinal bleeding and trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

TXA has well-documented beneficial effects in many clinical indications. Identifying these indications and the optimal dose and timing to minimize risk of seizures or thromboembolic events is work in progress.

Efficacy of tranexamic acid in decreasing primary hemorrhage in transurethral resection of the prostate: A novel combination of intravenous and topical approach

BACKGROUND

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard for benign prostatic enlargement; however, hemorrhage still remains one of the major complications.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing intraoperative blood loss and need for blood transfusion. Secondary parameters compared were operating time, volume of irrigation fluid used, and reduction in hemoglobin concentration.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 70 eligible patients undergoing TURP were randomized based on computer generated table into two groups. The study group (1) received IV TXA 500 mg after induction of anesthesia and 500 mg in each irrigation fluid bottle (dual mode) and the control group (2) received none.

RESULTS

The mean age (68.20 vs. 66.5 years), prostate size (57 vs. 51 g), and preoperative hemoglobin (13.3 vs. 13.5 g/dl) were similar between the groups. Intraoperative blood loss in the TXA group was found to be significantly reduced (174.60 ± 125.38 ml vs. 232.47 ± 116.8; P = 0.04). Blood transfusion was required in 2.8% of cases as compared to 14.2% in controls. Operating time, volume of irrigation fluid, and postoperative reduction of hemoglobin were not significant between the groups. No complications were observed in both groups.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we observed that TXA, when used as a combination of Intravenous and topical route, effectively reduced intra-operative blood loss and the need for transfusion.

Can high-dose tranexamic acid have a role during transurethral resection of the prostate in large prostates? A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of high-dose tranexamic acid (TXA) during bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B-TURP) in patients with large prostates compared to placebo.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From February 2018 to May 2020, 204 patients with enlarged prostates of 80-130 g and in need of surgical intervention were randomised into two groups. Patients in Group A underwent B-TURP and received TXA as an intravenous loading dose of 50 mg/kg over 20 min before induction of anaesthesia followed by a maintenance infusion of 5 mg/kg/h until resection was completed. The patients in Group B (placebo) received a saline infusion of a similar volume.

RESULTS

There was highly significant drop in haemoglobin in the placebo group at 4- and 24-h postoperatively compared with the TXA group (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the blood transfusion rate between the two groups with five patients (5.5%) in the placebo group and four (4.2%) in the TXA group requiring a transfusion (P = 0.74). The procedural time was significantly less in the TXA group vs the control group, at a mean (SD) of 79.93 (22.18) vs 90.91 (21.4) min (P = 0.001). Also, the intraoperative irrigation fluid volume and postoperative irrigation duration were significantly less in the TXA group vs the control group, at a mean (SD) of 19.21 (3.13) vs 23.05 (3.8) L and 14.75 (5.15) vs 18.33 (5.96) h, respectively (P = 0.001). Catheterisation and hospital stay durations were comparable between both groups (P = 0.384 and P = 0.388, respectively). No complications were recorded with use of high-dose TXA.

CONCLUSION

High-dose TXA was effective in controlling blood loss during B-TURP in patients with large prostates, with no adverse drug reactions.

Accuracy of non-invasive haemoglobin measurements in patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate surgery

Background and Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of non-invasive haemoglobin (SpHb) compared to laboratory venous haemoglobin (tHb) measurements among patients undergoing elective transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) surgery under spinal anaesthesia.

Methods:

In a prospective, observational, outcome-assessor blinded, cohort trial, we enroled 50 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS) I-II patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The primary outcome included SpHb and tHb measurements performed at four perioperative time-points: just before initiating the fluid preload (T1), and at 30 min (T2), 1 h (T3), and 2 h (T4) after starting the prostate resection, respectively. Statistical tool included intra-class correlation (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, and linear regression analysis.

Results:

We collected 200 SpHb/tHb data sets from 50 patients. The SpHb had a non-significant negative bias of –0.83 g/dL, –0.43 g/dL, –0.81 g/dL, and –0.46 g/dL, with limits of agreement of 2.6 g/dL to –4.2 g/dL, 2.4 g/dL to –3.3 g/dL, 1.3 g/dL to –2.8 g/dL, and 1.4 g/dL to –2.3 g/dL, for T1 to T4, respectively. The SpHb/tHb pairs correlated significantly (time-dependent increase in ICC from T1 to T4). The SpHb-tHb difference correlated significantly with corresponding serum sodium (T1 to T3), but not with perfusion index. No correlation existed between % change in SpHb-tHb difference (T1 to T4), and intraoperative blood loss or perioperative weight gain.

Conclusion:

The SpHb exhibited a clinically acceptable negative bias compared to tHb during TURP surgery. Although a wide limit of agreement between the SpHb/tHb pairs is a limitation, the real-time SpHb trends can still serve in clinical judgement.

Tranexamic Acid Is Beneficial to Patients Undergoing Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Patients from August 2018 to May 2020 were retrospectively studied. Clinical data were obtained including gender, age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, history of aspirin, prepostoperative hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb), thrombotic events, blood transfusion requirement, hospital length of stay, size of osteotomy gap, and wound complications such as wound hematoma and infection. 52 patients were enrolled in the tranexamic acid group (TA group), and 48 patients were enrolled in the nontranexamic acid group (NTA group); there were no significant differences between both groups in terms of gender, age, BMI, preoperative Hb, size of osteotomy gap, incidence of smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, history of aspirin, thrombotic events, blood transfusion requirement, and wound hematoma and infection. The mean hospital length of stay was 9.4 ± 1.0 days in the TA group and 11.0 ± 1.2 days in the NTA group (P < 0.001), the blood loss was 296.0 ± 128.7 ml in the TA group and 383.3 ± 181.3 ml in the NTA group (P < 0.05), and the postoperative Hb level was 120.8 ± 15.0 g/l in the TA group and 109.5 ± 13.8 g/l in the NTA group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the administration of TXA is beneficial to patients undergoing OWHTO via decreasing hospital length of stay, reducing blood loss, and maintaining higher postoperative Hb levels.

Can tranexamic acid reduce the blood transfusion rate in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to explore the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing transfusion events in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases from January 1980 to October 2019 were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed TXA efficacy in reducing transfusion events during PCNL. Intervention treatments include using TXA compared with placebo (or no intervention) for patients who underwent PCNL. The search strategy and study selection process were managed in accordance with the PRISMA statement.

RESULTS

Six RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, TXA intervention groups showed a significant reduction in blood transfusion events (RR = 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19 to 0.62), hemoglobin decrease (MD = -0.80; 95% CI = -1.32 to -0.28), operative time (MD = -12.62; 95% CI = -15.62 to -9.61), and length of hospital stay (MD = -0.73; 95% CI = -1.36 to -0.10) compared with control groups after PCNL. However, TXA had no substantial impact on the rate of stone clearance (RR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.21).

CONCLUSIONS

TXA can effectively reduce the transfusion rate and blood loss during PCNL.

Strategies to minimize intraoperative blood loss during major surgery

Background

Reducing operative blood loss improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs. The aim of this article was to review current surgical, anaesthetic and haemostatic intraoperative blood conservation strategies.

Methods

This narrative review was based on a literature search of relevant databases up to 31 July 2019 for publications relevant to reducing blood loss in the surgical patient.

Results

Interventions can begin early in the preoperative phase through identification of patients at high risk of bleeding. Directly acting anticoagulants can be stopped 48 h before most surgery in the presence of normal renal function. Aspirin can be continued for most procedures. Intraoperative cell salvage is recommended when anticipated blood loss is greater than 500 ml and this can be continued after surgery in certain situations. Tranexamic acid is safe, cheap and effective, and routine administration is recommended when anticipated blood loss is high. However, the optimal dose, timing and route of administration remain unclear. The use of topical agents, tourniquet and drains remains at the discretion of the surgeon. Anaesthetic techniques include correct patient positioning, avoidance of hypothermia and regional anaesthesia. Permissive hypotension may be beneficial in selected patients. Promising haemostatic strategies include use of pharmacological agents such as desmopressin, prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate, and use of viscoelastic haemostatic assays.

Conclusion

Reducing perioperative blood loss requires a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach. Although high-quality evidence exists in certain areas, the overall evidence base for reducing intraoperative blood loss remains limited.

Structural studies of plasmin inhibition

Plasminogen (Plg) is the zymogen form of the serine protease plasmin (Plm), and it plays a crucial role in fibrinolysis as well as wound healing, immunity, tissue remodeling and inflammation. Binding to the targets via the lysine-binding sites allows for Plg activation by plasminogen activators (PAs) present on the same target. Cellular uptake of fibrin degradation products leads to apoptosis, which represents one of the pathways for cross-talk between fibrinolysis and tissue remodeling. Therapeutic manipulation of Plm activity plays a vital role in the treatments of a range of diseases, whereas Plm inhibitors are used in trauma and surgeries as antifibrinolytic agents. Plm inhibitors are also used in conditions such as angioedema, menorrhagia and melasma. Here, we review the rationale for the further development of new Plm inhibitors, with a particular focus on the structural studies of the active site inhibitors of Plm. We compare the binding mode of different classes of inhibitors and comment on how it relates to their efficacy, as well as possible future developments.