Abstract

Evidence of effectiveness of prophylactic use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in thrombocytopenia is lacking. To determine whether TXA safely reduces bleeding incidence in patients undergoing treatment for hematologic malignancies, a randomized double blind clinical trial was conducted June 2016 through June 2020. Of 3120 screened adults 356 patients were eligible and enrolled, and 337 patients (mean age, 53.9; 141 (41.8%) women), randomized to 1,300mg TXA orally or 1,000mg TXA intravenously (n=168) versus placebo (n=169) thrice daily for maximum 30 days. 330 patients were activated when their platelet counts fell below 30,000/µl; 279 (83%) had complete outcome ascertainment. WHO grade 2 or higher bleeding was observed in the 30 days following activation in 50.3% (73/145) and 54.2% (78/144) of patients in the TXA and placebo groups, adjusted odds ratio: 0.83 (95%CI:0.50,1.34; p=0.44). There was no statistically significant difference in mean number of platelet transfusions (0.1;95%CI:-1.9,2.0), mean days alive without grade 2 or higher bleeding (0.8;95%CI:-0.4,2.0), thrombotic events (6/163 (3.7%) TXA, 9/163 (5.5%) placebo), or deaths due to serious bleeding. Most common adverse events were: diarrhea [(116/164 (70.7%) TXA and 114/163 (69.9%) placebo)]; febrile neutropenia [111/164 (67.7%) TXA, 105/163 (64.4%) placebo]; fatigue [106/164 (64.6%) TXA, 109/163 (66.9%) placebo]; and nausea [104/164 (63.4%) TXA, 97/163 (59.5%) placebo]. Among patients with hematologic malignancy undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, prophylactic treatment with tranexamic acid compared with placebo did not significantly reduce the risk of WHO grade 2 or higher bleeding. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02578901.

Abstract

Solid malignant neoplasms have the capability of disturbing the fibrinolytic system, leading to primary hyperfibrinolysis, a paraneoplastic syndrome that potentially results in severe bleeding. Yet, the full extent of primary hyperfibrinolysis in solid malignant neoplasms is unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to systematically review the current literature regarding clinical manifestations, biochemical diagnosis, and treatment of primary hyperfibrinolysis in patients with solid malignant neoplasms. The review was performed in agreement with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on December 5, 2019, without time limits. Studies were included if they comprised at least one biochemical marker of fibrinolysis in addition to fibrinogen degradation products such as D-dimer, and furthermore included a correlation between biochemical marker and clinical outcome. In total, 12 studies were included. All studies were case reports including a total of 21 patients. Prostate cancer was the most frequently represented cancer type (76%), and the majority of cancer patients had metastatic disease (81%). Spontaneous bleeding was the clinical presentation in the majority of patients (76%), and the most frequently localization for the bleedings was subcutaneous. Antifibrinolytic agents were the most commonly used treatment and ceased bleedings in 80% of patients. Three patients died of uncontrolled bleedings. In conclusion, primary hyperfibrinolysis induced by solid malignant neoplasms is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that should be considered, especially in patients with metastatic disease presenting with serious, spontaneous subcutaneous bleedings. A standardized diagnostic strategy is strongly needed.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Allogeneic blood transfusions are associated with worse postoperative outcomes in oncologic surgery. The aim of this study was to introduce a preoperative intervention to reduce transfusion rates in this population. METHODS Adult patients undergoing major oncologic surgery in five categories with similar transfusion rates were recruited. Enrollees received a single preoperative intravenous dose of placebo or tranexamic acid (1000 mg). The primary outcome measure was perioperative transfusion rate. Secondary outcome measures included: estimated blood loss, thromboembolic events, morbidity, hospital length of stay, and readmission rate. RESULTS Seventy-six patients were enrolled, 39 in the tranexamic acid group and 37 in the placebo group, respectively. Demographics and surgery type were equivalent between groups. The transfusion rates were 8 out of 39 (20.5%) in the tranexamic acid group and 5 out of 37 (13.5%) in the placebo group, respectively (P = .418). Median estimated blood loss was 400 mL (interquartile range [IQR] = 150-600) in the tranexamic acid group compared with 300 mL (IQR = 150-800) in the placebo group (P = .983). There was one pulmonary embolism in each arm and no deep venous thrombosis (P > .999). CONCLUSION Preoperative administration of tranexamic acid at a 1000 mg intravenous dose does not decrease transfusion rates or estimated blood loss in patients undergoing major oncologic surgery.

Abstract

BACKGROUND This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 5, 2015.Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with estimated 569,847 new diagnoses and 311,365 deaths per year. However, incidence and stage at diagnosis vary greatly between geographic areas and are largely dependent on the availability of a robust population screening programme. For example, in Nigeria, advanced-stage disease at presentation is common (86% to 89.3% of new cases), whereas in the UK, only 21.9% of women present with International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage II+ disease. Women with advanced cancer of the cervix often need palliation for distressing symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding can be life threatening in advanced disease, with an incidence ranging from 0.7% to 100%. Bleeding is the immediate cause of death in 6% of women with cervical cancer and its management often poses a challenge.Thus, vaginal bleeding remains a common consequence of advanced cervical cancer. Currently, there is no systematic review that addresses palliative interventions for controlling vaginal bleeding caused by advanced cervical cancer. A systematic evaluation of the available palliative interventions is needed to inform decision-making. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid, vaginal packing (with or without formalin-soaked packs), interventional radiology or other interventions compared with radiotherapy for palliative treatment of vaginal bleeding in women with advanced cervical cancer. SEARCH METHODS The search for the original review was run in 23 March 2015, and subsequent searches for this update were run 21 March 2018. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 3) in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE via Ovid to March week 2, 2018; and Embase via Ovid to March week 12, 2018. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings and reference lists of review articles, and contacted experts in the field. We handsearched citation lists of relevant studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We searched for randomised and non-randomised comparative studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid, vaginal packing (with or without formalin-soaked packs), interventional radiology or other interventions compared with radiotherapy techniques for palliative treatment of vaginal bleeding in women with advanced cervical cancer (with or without metastasis), irrespective of publication status, year of publication or language in the review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed whether potentially relevant studies met the inclusion criteria. We found no studies for inclusion and, therefore, we analysed no data. MAIN RESULTS The search strategy identified 1522 unique references of which we excluded 1330 on the basis of title and abstract. We retrieved the remaining 22 articles in full, but none satisfied the inclusion criteria. We identified only observational data from single-arm studies of women treated with formalin-soaked packs, interventional radiology or radiotherapy techniques for palliative control of vaginal bleeding in women with cervical cancer. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Since the last version of this review we found no new studies. There is no evidence from controlled trials to support or refute the use of any of the proposed interventions compared with radiotherapy. Therefore, the choice of intervention will be based on local resources. Radiotherapy techniques for managing vaginal bleeding are not readily available in resource-poor settings, where advanced cases of cervical cancer are predominant. Thus, this systematic review identified the need for a randomised controlled trial assessing the benefits and risks of palliative treatments for vaginal bleeding in women with advanced cervical cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Transfusion of blood and blood products poses several hazards. Antifibrinolytic agents are used to reduce perioperative blood loss. We decided to assess the effect of tranexamic acid (TA) on blood loss and the need for transfusion in head and neck cancer surgery. METHODS After Institutional Review Board approval, 240 patients undergoing supramajor head and neck cancer surgeries were prospectively randomised to either TA (10 mg/kg) group or placebo (P) group. After induction, the drug was infused by the anaesthesiologist, who was blinded to allocation, over 20 min. The dose was repeated every 3 h. Perioperative (up to 24 h) blood loss, need for transfusion and fluid therapy was recorded. Thromboelastography (TEG) was performed at fixed intervals in the first 100 patients. Patients were watched for post-operative complications. RESULTS Two hundred and nineteen records were evaluable. We found no difference in intraoperative blood loss (TA - 750 [600-1000] ml vs. P - 780 [150-2600] ml, P = 0.22). Post-operative blood loss was significantly more in the placebo group at 24 h (P - 200 [120-250] ml vs. TA - 250 [50-1050] ml, P = 0.009), but this did not result in higher number of patients needing transfusions (TA - 22/108 and P - 27/111 patients, P = 0.51). TEG revealed faster clot formation and minimal fibrinolysis. Two patients died of causes unrelated to study drug. Incidence of wound complications and deep venous thrombosis was similar. CONCLUSION In head and neck cancer surgery, TA did not reduce intraoperative blood loss or need for transfusions. Perioperative TEG variables were similar. This may be attributed to pre-existing hypercoagulable state and minimal fibrinolysis in cancer patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND People with haematological disorders are frequently at risk of severe or life-threatening bleeding as a result of thrombocytopenia (reduced platelet count). This is despite the routine use of prophylactic platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding once the platelet count falls below a certain threshold. Platelet transfusions are not without risk and adverse events may be life-threatening. A possible adjunct to prophylactic platelet transfusions is the use of antifibrinolytics, specifically the lysine analogues tranexamic acid (TXA) and epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA). This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2013. OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy and safety of antifibrinolytics (lysine analogues) in preventing bleeding in people with haematological disorders. SEARCH METHODS We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2016, Issue 3), MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), CINAHL (from 1937), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1950) and ongoing trial databases to 07 March 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA We included RCTs involving participants with haematological disorders, who would routinely require prophylactic platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding. We only included trials involving the use of the lysine analogues TXA and EACA. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened all electronically-derived citations and abstracts of papers, identified by the review search strategy, for relevancy. Two review authors independently assessed the full text of all potentially relevant trials for eligibility, completed the data extraction and assessed the studies for risk of bias using The Cochrane Collaboration's 'Risk of bias' tool. We requested missing data from one author but the data were no longer available. The outcomes are reported narratively: we performed no meta-analyses because of the heterogeneity of the available data. MAIN RESULTS We identified three new studies in this update of the review. In total seven studies were eligible for inclusion, three were ongoing RCTs and four were completed studies. The four completed studies were included in the original review and the three ongoing studies were included in this update. We did not identify any RCTs that compared TXA with EACA.Of the four completed studies, one cross-over TXA study (eight participants) was excluded from the outcome analysis because it had very flawed study methodology. Data from the other three studies were all at unclear risk of bias due to lack of reporting of study methodology.Three studies (two TXA (12 to 56 participants), one EACA (18 participants) reported in four articles (published 1983 to 1995) were included in the narrative review. All three studies compared the drug with placebo. All three studies included adults with acute leukaemia receiving chemotherapy. One study (12 participants) only included participants with acute promyelocytic leukaemia. None of the studies included children. One of the three studies reported funding sources and this study was funded by a charity.We are uncertain whether antifibrinolytics reduce the risk of bleeding (three studies; 86 participants; very low-quality evidence). Only one study reported the number of bleeding events per participant and there was no difference in the number of bleeding events seen during induction or consolidation chemotherapy between TXA and placebo (induction; 38 participants; mean difference (MD) 1.70 bleeding events, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.37 to 3.77: consolidation; 18 participants; MD -1.50 bleeding events, 95% CI -3.25 to 0.25; very low-quality evidence). The two other studies suggested bleeding was reduced in the antifibrinolytic study arm, but this was statistically significant in only one of these two studies.Two studies reported thromboembolism and no events occurred (68 participants, very low-quality evidence).All three studies reported a reduction in platelet transfusion usage (three studies, 86 participants;

Abstract

BACKGROUND Head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery is associated with high intraoperative blood loss which may require urgent blood transfusion. Many strategies have been recommended to decrease the need for allogenic transfusion. Use of perioperative tranexamic acid (TA) has a promising role. AIMS This study was to evaluate the effectiveness of single preoperative bolus dose of TA on blood loss prevention and red blood cell transfusion in patients undergoing HNC surgery. STUDY DESIGN A prospective, double-blind, and randomized controlled study. MATERIALS AND METHODS From 2007 July to 2010 January; 80 patients, aged (35-55), of American Society of Anesthesiologists II-III scheduled for unilateral HNC surgeries were randomly received either TA (Group T) in a dose of 20 mg/kg diluted to 25 cc with normal saline or an equivalent volume of normal saline (Group C) in a tertiary care hospital. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, platelet count, packed cell volume, fibrinogen level, D-dimer level were measured pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS Saline (C) Group required more blood, colloid, crystalloid for blood loss. In Group T, 32 patients did not require transfusion of any blood products compared to five patients in Group C (P < 0.0001) and only eight units of blood was transfused in Group T, whereas a total of 42 units of blood was transfused in Group C. Even after numerous transfusions, Hb% after 6 h and 24 h in Group C were significantly low in comparison with Group T (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Thus, TA significantly reduces blood loss and chances of colloid, blood, and crystalloid transfusion caused by HNC surgery.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To determine whether single-dose tranexamic acid given intravenously immediately before surgery for presumed advanced ovarian cancer reduces perioperative blood loss and blood transfusions. DESIGN A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study. SETTING Two university hospitals and two central hospitals in the southeast health region of Sweden. POPULATION One hundred women with presumed advanced ovarian cancer scheduled for radical debulking surgery between March 2008 and May 2012 who complied with inclusion/exclusion criteria were randomized; 50 were allocated to receive tranexamic acid and 50 to receive placebo. Analysis was performed according to intention-to-treat principles. METHODS The volume of tranexamic acid (15 mg/kg body weight, 100 mg/mL tranexamic acid) or the same volume of placebo (0.9% NaCl) was added to a 100-mL saline solution plastic bag. The study medication was given immediately before the start of surgery. Data were analyzed by means of non-parametric statistics and multivariate models adjusted for confounding factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Blood loss and red blood cell transfusions. RESULTS The total blood loss volume and transfusion rate were significantly lower in the tranexamic acid group compared with the placebo group. Median total blood loss was 520 and 730 mL, respectively (p = 0.03). Fifteen (30%) and 22 (44%), respectively received transfusions (odds ratio 0.44; upper 95% CI 0.97; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION A single dose of tranexamic acid given immediately before surgery reduces blood loss and transfusion rates significantly in advanced ovarian cancer surgery. Tranexamic acid may be recommended as standard prophylactic treatment in advanced ovarian cancer surgery. 2014 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Epistaxis is the most frequent manifestation in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, in which no optimal treatment exists. It can lead to severe anemia and reduced quality of life. Positive effects of tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic drug, have been reported on epistaxis related to this disorder. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of treating nosebleeds in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia with tranexamic acid. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over phase IIIB study, 1 gram of tranexamic acid or placebo was given orally 3 times daily for 3months for a total of 6months. RESULTS 22 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Hemoglobin levels, the primary outcome measure, did not change significantly (p=0.33). The secondary outcome measure was epistaxis score and patients reported a statistically significant reduction in nosebleeds, equaling a clinically relevant 54% diminution (p=0.0031), as compared to the placebo period. No severe side effects were observed. CONCLUSION Tranexamic acid reduces epistaxis in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. (Clinical trial registration numbers: BfArM 141 CHC 9008-001 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01031992). Copyright 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE The objective of the following study is to evaluate freshly prepared tranexamic acid mouth wash (FTAMW) as an alternative to factor replacement therapy (FRT) in controlling gingival bleeding in hemophiliacs during dental scaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS Experimental treatment regime (ETR) involved saline transfusion followed by FTAMW and the control treatment regime (CTR) involved FRT followed by placebo mouthwash. A total of 22 hemophiliacs randomly received dental scaling under either CTR or ETR at two different visits, following a split mouth design. They were instructed to use the rendered mouthwash 4 times a day for 5 days and record the mouthwash usage and bleeding episodes in a logbook. The difference in the bleeding episodes was analyzed using Chi-square test with the level of significance predetermined at 0.05. RESULTS Totally 19 patients completed the study. Seven patients reported no bleeding either in ETR or CTR; five patients noticed bleeding in CTR, but not in ETR. Three patients noticed bleeding in ETR, but not in CTR. Patients reported ease in usage and cost-effectiveness of ETR. CONCLUSION FTAMW was found to be an effective alternative to FRT in controlling gingival hemorrhage in hemophiliacs during dental scaling.