Tranexamic acid administration following head trauma in a combat setting: Does tranexamic acid result in improved neurologic outcomes?

Abstract

Research shows that administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in severely injured trauma patients can decrease mortality as well as the amount of blood products required. Morbidity and mortality is high for patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The theory is that progressive of intracranial bleeding, cerebral edema and cerebral ischemia may contribute to the poor outcomes for TBI patients. There have been studies looking at the progression of intracranial bleeding in patients with TBIs after receiving TXA, however these studies have not thoroughly evaluated the effect on clinical outcomes. The goal of this study was to compare neurological outcomes in adult trauma patients who received TXA versus those who did not receive TXA.