Topical Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Acute Epistaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

To compare topical tranexamic acid (TXA) with control groups for the treatment of acute epistaxis assessing bleeding cessation, discharge within 2 hours, rebleeding rates, complication rates, and patient satisfaction.

PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, Scopus, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to November 2018.

All randomized controlled trials comparing topical TXA with control groups for the treatment of acute epistaxis in humans were included. There were no age, language, or date restrictions. Data were double extracted into a predefined worksheet, and quality analysis was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Three studies (n = 408 patients) were identified. Topical TXA was not associated with a statistically significant difference in cessation of bleeding within 30 minutes. However, more patients were discharged within 2 hours of arrival, there were fewer episodes of rebleeding within both the first 24 hours and at 1 week, and there was higher patient satisfaction in the TXA group. There was no difference identified in complication rates. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review compares topical TXA with control groups for epistaxis and discusses the risks and benefits of adding this therapy to usual care.

Topical TXA appears to be a reasonable option for the treatment of acute epistaxis, with reduced rebleeding rates, shorter discharge times, and minimal risk of complications. Topical TXA may be considered as part of the treatment of acute epistaxis.