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Wong J, George RB, Hanley CM, Saliba C, Yee DA, Jerath A. Tranexamic acid: current use in obstetrics, major orthopedic, and trauma surgery. Can J Anaesth 2021; 68:894-917. [PMID: 33993459 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-021-01967-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this Continuing Professional Development module, we review the practical pharmacology of tranexamic acid and its clinical use in trauma, obstetrics, and major orthopedic surgery. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Tranexamic acid is a synthetic drug that inhibits fibrinolysis. Multiple clinical trials in various clinical settings have shown that it can reduce blood loss, transfusion rates, and bleeding-associated mortality. In trauma and obstetrical bleeding, early tranexamic acid administration (< three hours) may have greater clinical benefits. Overall, tranexamic acid use appears safe with no significant increase of thromboembolic or seizure events. Nevertheless, current evidence has limitations related to wide heterogeneity in dose, route, and timing of drug administration, as well as generalizability of the large-scale trial findings to higher income nations. CONCLUSIONS Tranexamic acid is an efficacious and safe pharmacological-based blood conservation technique in the management of clinically significant hemorrhage. All anesthesiologists should have a good understanding of the pharmacotherapeutic properties and perioperative role of tranexamic acid therapy both inside and outside of the operating room. The use of tranexamic acid is likely to continue to rise with endorsement by various clinical guidelines and healthcare organizations. Further quantitative research is needed to evaluate optimal dosing and drug efficacy in these clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Wong
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network and Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ronald B George
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ciara M Hanley
- Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chadi Saliba
- Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Doreen A Yee
- Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Angela Jerath
- Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Taam J, Yang QJ, Pang KS, Karanicolas P, Choi S, Wasowicz M, Jerath A. Current Evidence and Future Directions of Tranexamic Acid Use, Efficacy, and Dosing for Major Surgical Procedures. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2020; 34:782-790. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2019.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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