Tranexamic Acid in Trauma Management: A Review of Evidence

Abstract

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in trauma patients and trauma induced coagulopathy (TIC) is a major contributor to bleeding mortality. TIC has a diverse pathophysiology triggered by injury and hypoperfusion, including platelet dysfunction, endotheliopathy, fibrinogen or thrombin abnormalities, and dysregulated fibrinolysis. Early fluid resuscitation, appropriate blood transfusion, and definitive control of bleeding are essential components of initial management for TIC. Additionally, tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, has emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy following the 2010 landmark trial that demonstrated the benefit of early administration of TXA in reducing trauma patient mortality (CRASH-2). This review provides an analysis of the current literature on the use of TXA in trauma patients. It critically evaluates the evidence on the effect of TXA on TIC and other clinical outcomes, emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of TXA administration and the variation of its effect depending on the severity and location of injury. It also discusses the optimal dosage, timing, and safety of TXA, as well as the challenges and limitations of existing studies. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of individualized treatment approaches based on the fibrinolysis status of TIC and the value of goal-directed therapy guided by viscoelastic hemostatic assays for the appropriate use of TXA.