Prophylactic tranexamic acid among women undergoing vaginal delivery to reduce postpartum blood loss and related morbidities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials

Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Myomectomy-Associated Blood Loss among Patients with Uterine Myomas at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki: A Randomized Control Trial

Background

Myomectomy can be associated with life-threatening conditions such as bleeding. Excessive bleeding usually necessitates blood transfusion. Interventions to reduce bleeding during myomectomy will help reduce the need for blood transfusion with its associated complications. Tranexamic acid has been used to reduce bleeding in other surgical procedures, and its usage during myomectomy merits evaluation.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing myomectomy-associated blood loss.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective double-blinded randomized trial conducted on women who had abdominal myomectomy. Patients were randomized into two groups. The study group received perioperative intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) while the control group received a placebo. Intraoperative blood loss was calculated by measuring the volume in the suction apparatus and weighing the surgical swabs. In addition, blood collected postoperatively from the wound drains and drapes were measured. Haemoglobin concentrations were determined preoperatively and on second postoperative day for all cases. Any adverse effect was noted in both groups. The data was processed using Epi Info software (7.2.1, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia). The relationships between categorical data were analyzed using X2 and Student's t-test to determine relationships between continuous variables, with a P value of 0.05 considered statistically significant, and correlation coefficients were calculated using Pearson's formula, and probability of 0.05 was set for statistical significance.

Results

Symptomatic uterine myomas constituted 17.3% of all gynaecological admissions and 21.3% of gynaecological operations at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. The mean intraoperative blood loss among patients that had perioperative tranexamic acid infusion was 413.6 ± 165.6 ml, while that of patients with placebo infusion was 713.6 ± 236.3 ml. Perioperative tranexamic acid infusion therefore reduced mean intraoperative blood loss by 300 ml, and this was statistically significant (SMD = -0.212, 95% CI: -403.932 to -196.067, P < 0.0001). Perioperative tranexamic acid reduced mean total blood loss by a value of 532.3 ml, and this is statistically significant (SMD = 30.622, 95% CI: 393.308 to 670.624, P < 0.0001). Tranexamic acid also improved postoperative haemoglobin concentration by 1.8 g/dl compared with placebo, and this is statistically significant (SMD = -0.122, 95% CI: 1.182 to 2.473, P < 0.0001). Tranexamic acid infusion decreased hospital stay by about 2 days, and this difference was statistically significant (SMD = -3.929, 95% CI: -3.018 to -0.983, P = 0.0003). There was no adverse drug reaction in the course of the study.

Conclusion

The use of tranexamic acid during myomectomy reduced intraoperative and postoperative blood loss. It is also associated with decreased hospital stay. This trial is registered with NCT04560465.

Instructional and didactic support tool for teaching-learning Post-Partum Haemorrhage care in simulated settings: Creation and validation

OBJECTIVE

To describe the creation and validation process of an instructional, didactic and self-applied support tool for teaching-learning Post-Partum Haemorrhage care in simulated settings.

BACKGROUND

Students frequently face difficulties performing the actions in the proper sequence in Post-Partum Haemorrhage simulated cases. Even in a controlled environment, anxiety, nervousness and fear of making mistakes are evident, which render the simulated experience highly stressful. Having a tool with a guideline can help students perform these actions more assertively.

DESIGN

A methodological study to develop a didactic tool.

METHODS

The creation process of the didactic tool, called Instructional Disk for the Management of Post-Partum Haemorrhage, was divided into five phases: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. Nine experts specialised in Obstetrics and Midwifery validated the tool by answering a questionnaire with nine items; in turn, 32 undergraduate Midwifery program students carried out the evaluation using a questionnaire on applicability, functionality, clarity, coherence and usability of the tool in Post-Partum Haemorrhage simulated stations. The data were analysed descriptively, considering absolute agreement when the answers to all questions in the five-point Likert scale corresponded to 5 (I totally agree). The Content Validity Index was calculated for the experts' questionnaires.

RESULTS

In the validation stage, the experts agreed or totally agreed with all nine items, reaching a Content Validity Index = 1. In the total scores assigned by the experts, there was a variation between 80.0% and 100% absolute agreement, with a mean of 95.6%. In the students' assessment, the variation was between 87.5% and 100% absolute agreement, with a mean of 97.7%, in the eight items evaluated. The agreement level above 90% among experts and students was considered high.

CONCLUSIONS

The Instructional Disk for the Management of Post-Partum Haemorrhage was validated by experts with extensive experience in Obstetrics and Midwifery care and teaching, ensuring that the content included in the guidelines for the management of Post-Partum Haemorrhage adopted in Brazil is covered. The students positively evaluated this support tool for learning the care to be provided in Post-Partum Haemorrhage cases in the simulated stations.

Tranexamic acid versus misoprostol for management of postpartum hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

To conduct the first-ever systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the antihemorrhagic utility and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) versus misoprostol for management (prevention and/or treatment) of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

METHODS

Six databases were screened from inception until May 2023 and updated in September 2023. The RCTs were assessed for quality according to the Cochrane's risk of bias tool. The endpoints were summarized as mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs with 2121 patients (TXA = 1061 and misoprostol = 1060) were analyzed. There was no significant difference between TXA and misoprostol groups regarding the mean intraoperative blood loss (n = 9 RCTs, MD = 17.32 ml, 95% CI [-40.43, 75.07], p = 0.56), mean change in hemoglobin (n = 6 RCTs, MD = 0.11 mg/dl, 95% CI [-0.1, 0.31], p = 0.30), mean hospital stay (n = 2 RCTs, MD = -0.3 day, 95% CI [-0.61, 0.01], p = 0.06), blood transfusion rate (n = 4 RCTs, RR = 0.49, 95% CI [0.16, 1.47], p = 0.2), and rate of additional uterotonic agents (n = 4 RCTs, RR = 1.05, 95% CI [0.72, 1.53], p = 0.81). Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis showed robustness of the results, and there was no evidence of publication bias. Regarding safety endpoints, there was no significant difference between both groups regarding the rates of minor side effects, such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. No patient developed thromboembolic events in the TXA group.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant antihemorrhagic efficacy between adjunct TXA and misoprostol for the management of PPH. The safety profile was comparable between both agents.

Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 18,649 patients

BACKGROUND

In this meta-analysis, we aimed to update the clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of TXA in the prevention of PPH.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library from inception until December 2022 was conducted. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TXA with a placebo among pregnant women. All relevant outcomes, such as total blood loss, the occurrence of nausea and/or vomiting, and changes in hemoglobin, were combined as odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) in the meta-analysis models using STATA 17 MP.

RESULTS

We included 59 RCTs (18,649 patients) in this meta-analysis. For cesarean birth, TXA was favored over the placebo in reducing total blood loss (MD= -2.11 mL, 95%CI [-3.09 to -1.14], P < 0.001), and occurrence of nausea or/and vomiting (OR = 1.36, 95%CI [1.07 to 1.74], P = 0.01). For vaginal birth, the prophylactic use of TXA was associated with lower total blood loss, and higher occurrence of nausea and/or vomiting (MD= -0.89 mL, 95%CI [-1.47 to -0.31], OR = 2.36, 95%CI [1.32 to 4.21], P = 0.02), respectively. However, there were no differences between the groups in changes in hemoglobin during vaginal birth (MD = 0.20 g/dl, 95%CI [-0.07 to 0.48], P = 0.15). The overall risk of bias among the included studies varies from low to high risk of bias using ROB-II tool for RCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggested that TXA administration is effective among women undergoing cesarean birth or vaginal birth in lowering total blood loss and limiting the occurrence of PPH. Further clinical trials are recommended to test its efficacy on high-risk populations.

Tranexamic acid for the reduction of bleeding during functional endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps, can have a major impact on a person's quality of life. Treatment is usually conservative and may include nasal saline, intranasal corticosteroids, antibiotics or systemic corticosteroids. If these treatments fail endoscopic sinus surgery can be considered. During surgery, visibility of the surgical field is important for the identification of important anatomic landmarks and structures that contribute to safety. Impaired visualisation can lead to complications during surgery, inability to complete the operation or a longer duration of surgery. Different methods are used to decrease intraoperative bleeding, including induced hypotension, topical or systemic vasoconstrictors or total intravenous anaesthesia. Another option is tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic agent, which can be administered topically or intravenously.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of peri-operative tranexamic acid versus no therapy or placebo on operative parameters in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (with or without nasal polyps) who are undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched the Cochrane ENT Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; Web of Science; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 10 February 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intravenous, oral or topical tranexamic acid with no therapy or placebo in the treatment of patients (adults and children) with chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps, undergoing FESS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Primary outcome measures were surgical field bleeding score (e.g. Wormald or Boezaart grading system), intraoperative blood loss and significant adverse effects (seizures or thromboembolism within 12 weeks of surgery). Secondary outcomes were duration of surgery, incomplete surgery, surgical complications and postoperative bleeding (placing of packing or revision surgery) in the first two weeks after surgery. We performed subgroup analyses for methods of administration, different dosages, different forms of anaesthesia, use of thromboembolic prophylaxis and children versus adults. We evaluated each included study for risk of bias and used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 14 studies in the review, with a total of 942 participants. Sample sizes in the included studies ranged from 10 to 170. All but two studies included adult patients (≥ 18 years). Two studies included children. Most studies had more male patients (range 46.6% to 80%). All studies were placebo-controlled and four studies had three treatment arms. Three studies investigated topical tranexamic acid; the other studies reported the use of intravenous tranexamic acid. For our primary outcome, surgical field bleeding score measured with the Boezaart or Wormald grading score, we pooled data from 13 studies. The pooled result demonstrated that tranexamic acid probably reduces the surgical field bleeding score, with a standardised mean difference (SMD) of -0.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.23 to -0.51; 13 studies, 772 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). A SMD below -0.70 represents a large effect (in either direction). Tranexamic acid may result in a slight reduction in blood loss during surgery compared to placebo with a mean difference (MD) of -70.32 mL (95% CI -92.28 to -48.35 mL; 12 studies, 802 participants; low-certainty evidence). Tranexamic acid probably has little to no effect on the development of significant adverse events (seizures or thromboembolism) within 24 hours of surgery, with no events in either group and a risk difference (RD) of 0.00 (95% CI -0.02 to 0.02; 8 studies, 664 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). However, there were no studies reporting significant adverse event data with a longer duration of follow-up. Tranexamic acid probably results in little difference in the duration of surgery with a MD of -13.04 minutes (95% CI -19.27 to -6.81; 10 studies, 666 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Tranexamic acid probably results in little to no difference in the incidence of incomplete surgery, with no events in either group and a RD of 0.00 (95% CI -0.09 to 0.09; 2 studies, 58 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and likely results in little to no difference in surgical complications, again with no events in either group and a RD of 0.00 (95% CI -0.09 to 0.09; 2 studies, 58 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), although these numbers are too small to draw robust conclusions. Tranexamic acid may result in little to no difference in the likelihood of postoperative bleeding (placement of packing or revision surgery within three days of surgery) (RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.02; 6 studies, 404 participants; low-certainty evidence). There were no studies with longer follow-up.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is moderate-certainty evidence to support the beneficial value of topical or intravenous tranexamic acid during endoscopic sinus surgery with respect to surgical field bleeding score. Low- to moderate-certainty evidence suggests a slight decrease in total blood loss during surgery and duration of surgery. Whilst there is moderate-certainty evidence that tranexamic acid does not lead to more immediate significant adverse events compared to placebo, there is no evidence regarding the risk of serious adverse events more than 24 hours after surgery. There is low-certainty evidence that tranexamic acid may not change postoperative bleeding. There is not enough evidence available to draw robust conclusions about incomplete surgery or surgical complications.

Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Spinal Surgery

Objective. The safety and effectiveness of topical tranexamic acid in spinal surgery has not yet been reached, and further research is needed to confirm it. This study is aimed at detecting the effectiveness and safety on the tranexamic acid in spinal surgery. Methods. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and other databases were searched. The search time was from 2016 to 2019. All randomized controlled trials comparing the topical tranexamic acid group and the control group were collected. The experimental group used topical application. Tranexamic acid was used to treat bleeding after spinal surgery. The control group was no tranexamic acid or isotonic saline. The total bleeding, blood transfusion rate, and the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis were compared between the two groups. Rev Man 5.2.0 software was used for meta-analysis. Results. A total of 8 randomized controlled trials were included, including 884 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that the total bleeding volume of the tranexamic acid group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant weighted mean difference ( $\left(\text{WMD}\right)=–360.27\text{mL}$ , 95% confidence interval (CI) (–412.68, –307.87) mL, $P<0.00001$ ). The blood transfusion rate in the tranexamic acid group was lower than that in the control group (odds ratio $\left(\text{OR}\right)=0.22$ , 95% CI (0.14, 0.33), $P<0.00001$ ). There was no significant difference in the incidence of deep vein thrombosis between the two groups: $\text{OR}=1.48$ , 95% CI (0.41, 5.34), $P=0.55$ . Conclusion. Tranexamic acid can significantly reduce perioperative total blood loss, intraoperative blood loss, and blood transfusion rate during spinal surgery but has no significant effect on blood transfusion and thrombosis.

JTH in Clinic - Obstetric bleeding: VWD and other inherited bleeding disorders

Individuals with inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) have higher bleeding risk during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Clinical management requires recognition of the IBD as high risk for postpartum hemorrhage and a personalized multidisciplinary approach that includes the patient in decision making. When the fetus is known or at risk to inherit a bleeding disorder, fetal and neonatal bleeding risk also need to be considered. In pregnant IBD patients, it is common for providers to need to make decisions in the absence of high level of certainty evidence. We here present the case of a pregnant von Willebrand disease patient that reached multiple decision points where there is currently clinical ambiguity due to a lack of high level of certainty evidence. For each stage of her care, from diagnosis to the postpartum period, we discuss current literature and describe our approach. This is followed by a brief overview of considerations in other IBDs and pregnancy.