Role of Tranexamic Acid in the Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of

Rakesh Mishra1, Amit Gupta2, Saikat Das3

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Neurology India
|July 13, 2025
PubMed

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a prevalent neurosurgical disorder with increasing incidence, especially among the geriatric population. Although surgical management has been the conventional approach, the optimal strategy remains debated. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, has emerged as a potential alternative, but its efficacy and safety require thorough investigation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the role of TXA in the management of cSDH, focusing on its impact on recurrence rates, clinical outcomes, and adverse events. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the safety and efficacy of TXA in adult patients with cSDH were systematically searched in multiple databases. Primary outcomes included clinical and radiological recurrence requiring re-surgery, while secondary outcomes encompassed adverse events and mortality associated with TXA treatment. A comprehensive search yielded 35 articles, with four RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis, involving 148 patients, demonstrated no significant reduction in mean postoperative volume at follow-up or recurrence rates with TXA use. Heterogeneity was low to moderate, and no significant adverse events were observed. Although there is a trend toward early and more complete resolution of cSDH with TXA acid after burr hole drainage, the results lack statistical significance to advocate its routine use in post-surgical management. TXA appears safe in cSDH, emphasizing the need for further research to establish its definitive role in reducing recurrence rates.

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
25
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
917
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants01:18

Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Oral anticoagulants are vital tools in preventing and treating blood clotting disorders. This diverse class of medications can be categorized as vitamin K antagonists, exemplified by warfarin, and direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), such as dabigatran, as well as factor Xa inhibitors, including rivaroxaban.
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
1.3K