Should pre-hospital intramuscular tranexamic acid be given to trauma patients at risk of significant haemorrhage?

Abstract

There are situations in the pre-hospital setting where gaining intravenous or intraosseous access is impossible or delayed. This can delay the administration of tranexamic acid to bleeding trauma patients, which may reduce its effectiveness. We sought to investigate whether some patients would benefit from early administration of tranexamic acid via the intramuscular route. Relevant observational and interventional studies were identified and summarised using a BestBET format. The current evidence supports clinicians considering intramuscular tranexamic acid in trauma patients at risk of haemorrhage when there may be significant delay in administration via intravenous or intraosseous routes.