Role of Tranexamic Acid in the Clinical Setting

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is labeled as an antifibrinolytic agent that decreases mortality, reduces blood loss after trauma or surgery, and lowers transfusion requirements in trauma patients with bleeding. This review of the literature is related to TXA use in a variety of settings, with a specific focus on trauma patients, to assess therapeutic efficacy and safety. As seen in large, randomized, placebo-controlled trials, TXA has been shown to decrease mortality over placebo in trauma patients, It is also noted to have good safety parameters upon administration and should be recommended for use in trauma patients with bleeding. Further studies are warranted for the use of TXA in gastrointestinal bleeding and pediatric trauma.