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Author Spotlight: A Multi-Depth Porcine Model for Comprehensive Study of Burn Injuries and Healing Processes
Published on: February 23, 2024
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Tranexamic acid in burn surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Arman J Fijany1, Kevin B Givechian2, Ilana Zago1
1Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, Texas Christian University, 1604 W. Rosedale St., Suite 104, Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA.
Summary
Tranexamic acid (TXA) significantly reduces blood loss and transfusions during burn surgery. This study found no increase in adverse events like blood clots or mortality, suggesting TXA is a safe option for burn patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Surgical outcomes
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Burn injuries can lead to coagulopathy and significant blood loss during surgical procedures like excision and grafting.
- Aggressive fluid resuscitation in burn patients can cause hemodilution, further complicating blood management.
- The efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA), an anti-fibrinolytic, in burn surgery remains under-established.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of TXA on burn surgery outcomes.
- Eight relevant studies were included in the meta-analysis, employing a random-effects model.
- Outcomes analyzed included total blood loss, blood loss relative to burn size, and transfusion requirements.
Key Points:
- TXA significantly reduced total blood loss (MD = -192.44, P=0.0003) and blood loss per unit area treated (MD = -0.59, P=0.003).
- The ratio of blood loss to total body surface area (TBSA) was also significantly decreased with TXA use (MD = -7.31, P<0.0001).
- TXA use was associated with a significant reduction in intraoperative transfusions (RD = -0.16, P=0.04), with no significant increase in VTE events (P=0.98) or mortality (P=0.86).
Conclusions:
- TXA effectively reduces blood loss and the need for transfusions in burn surgery.
- The use of TXA in burn surgery does not appear to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or mortality.
- TXA represents a potentially valuable pharmacological intervention for improving outcomes in burn surgery.
