Tranexamic Acid to reduce post-partum blood loss after a vaginal delivery: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

To assess the effect of intravenous tranexamic acid (1 g) in reducing blood loss during the 3rd and 4th stages of labor following vaginal delivery, in addition to active management of the third stage of labor. This double-blinded randomized controlled trial included 650 women with singleton pregnancies of ≥ 34 weeks gestation undergoing vaginal delivery. Eligible women were randomly assigned to receive 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo intravenously in addition to active management of the third stage of labor. Calibrated blood collection bags were used to measure postpartum blood loss during the 3rd and 4th stages of labor. Out of 886 expectant women who were approached, 650 instances that met the study's inclusion criteria were enrolled and a total of 320 women in group A and 321 in group B were analyzed. Maternal characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Mean blood loss did not differ significantly among the intervention and placebo groups (378.5±261.2 ml vs. 383±258.9 ml; p = 0.93). The incidence of primary postpartum hemorrhage was comparable in both groups (Group A: 15.9%, Group B: 15.3%, p = 0.814). The median fall in haemoglobin within 12-24 hours following delivery in both groups was comparable (group A: 0.60 g% with interquartile range (IQR) 0.4-0.9 g %; group B: 0.6 g% with IQR 0.4-0.8 g %; p = 0.95). The most common adverse effect reported was dizziness. No thromboembolic events were reported at the follow-up of three months in both groups. Prophylactic use of tranexamic acid in addition to active management of the third stage of labor does not help further reduce postpartum blood loss following vaginal delivery.