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Tranexamic Acid to Prevent Obstetrical Hemorrhage after Cesarean Delivery
Pacheco LD, Clifton RG, Saade GR, Weiner SJ, Parry S, Thorp JM Jr, Longo M, Salazar A, Dalton W, Tita ATN, et al
The New England journal of medicine. 2023;388(15):1365-1375
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prophylactic use of tranexamic acid at the time of cesarean delivery has been shown to decrease the calculated blood loss, but the effect on the need for blood transfusions is unclear. METHODS We randomly assigned patients undergoing cesarean delivery at 31 U.S. hospitals to receive either tranexamic acid or placebo after umbilical-cord clamping. The primary outcome was a composite of maternal death or blood transfusion by hospital discharge or 7 days post partum, whichever came first. Key secondary outcomes were estimated intraoperative blood loss of more than 1 liter (prespecified as a major secondary outcome), interventions for bleeding and related complications, the preoperative-to-postoperative change in the hemoglobin level, and postpartum infectious complications. Adverse events were assessed. RESULTS A total of 11,000 participants underwent randomization (5529 to the tranexamic acid group and 5471 to the placebo group); scheduled cesarean delivery accounted for 50.1% and 49.2% of the deliveries in the respective groups. A primary-outcome event occurred in 201 of 5525 participants (3.6%) in the tranexamic acid group and in 233 of 5470 (4.3%) in the placebo group (adjusted relative risk, 0.89; 95.26% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 1.07; P = 0.19). Estimated intraoperative blood loss of more than 1 liter occurred in 7.3% of the participants in the tranexamic acid group and in 8.0% of those in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.05). Interventions for bleeding complications occurred in 16.1% of the participants in the tranexamic acid group and in 18.0% of those in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.97); the change in the hemoglobin level was -1.8 g per deciliter and -1.9 g per deciliter, respectively (mean difference, -0.1 g per deciliter; 95% CI, -0.2 to -0.1); and postpartum infectious complications occurred in 3.2% and 2.5% of the participants, respectively (relative risk, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.61). The frequencies of thromboembolic events and other adverse events were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic use of tranexamic acid during cesarean delivery did not lead to a significantly lower risk of a composite outcome of maternal death or blood transfusion than placebo. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03364491.).
PICO Summary
Population
Patients undergoing caesarean delivery at 31 U.S. hospitals (n= 11,000).
Intervention
Tranexamic acid (n= 5,529).
Comparison
Placebo (n= 5,471).
Outcome
The primary outcome was a composite of maternal death or blood transfusion by hospital discharge or 7 days postpartum, whichever came first. A primary-outcome event occurred in 201 of 5,525 participants (3.6%) in the tranexamic acid group and in 233 of 5,470 (4.3%) in the placebo group (adjusted relative risk, 0.89; 95.26% CI [0.74, 1.07]). Estimated intraoperative blood loss of more than 1 litre occurred in 7.3% of the participants in the tranexamic acid group and in 8.0% of those in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.91; 95% CI [0.79, 1.05]). Interventions for bleeding complications occurred in 16.1% of the participants in the tranexamic acid group and in 18.0% of those in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.90; 95% CI [0.82, 0.97]); the change in the haemoglobin level was -1.8 g per decilitre and -1.9 g per decilitre, respectively (mean difference, -0.1 g per decilitre; 95% CI [-0.2, -0.1]); and postpartum infectious complications occurred in 3.2% and 2.5% of the participants, respectively (relative risk, 1.28; 95% CI [1.02, 1.61]). The frequencies of thromboembolic events and other adverse events were similar in the two groups.
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Maternal anaemia and the risk of postpartum haemorrhage: a cohort analysis of data from the WOMAN-2 trial
The Lancet. Global health. 2023
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, more than half a billion women of reproductive age are anaemic. Each year, about 70 000 women who give birth die from postpartum haemorrhage. Almost all deaths are in low-income or middle-income countries. We examined the association between anaemia and the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. METHODS We did a prospective cohort analysis of data from the World Maternal Antifibrinolytic-2 (WOMAN-2) trial. This trial enrols women with moderate or severe anaemia giving birth vaginally in hospitals in Pakistan, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia. Hospitals in each country where anaemia in pregnancy is common were identified from a network established during previous obstetric trials. Women who were younger than 18 years without permission provided by a guardian, had a known tranexamic acid allergy, or developed postpartum haemorrhage before the umbilical cord was cut or clamped were excluded from the study. Prebirth haemoglobin, the exposure, was measured after hospital arrival and just before giving birth. Postpartum haemorrhage, the outcome, was defined in three ways: (1) clinical postpartum haemorrhage (estimated blood loss ≥500 mL or any blood loss sufficient to compromise haemodynamic stability); (2) WHO-defined postpartum haemorrhage (estimated blood loss of at least 500 mL); and (3) calculated postpartum haemorrhage (calculated estimated blood loss of ≥1000 mL). Calculated postpartum haemorrhage was estimated from the peripartum change in haemoglobin concentration and bodyweight. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between haemoglobin and postpartum haemorrhage, adjusting for confounding factors. FINDINGS Of the 10 620 women recruited to the WOMAN-2 trial between Aug 24, 2019, and Nov 1, 2022, 10 561 (99·4%) had complete outcome data. 8751 (82·9%) of 10 561 women were recruited from hospitals in Pakistan, 837 (7·9%) from hospitals in Nigeria, 525 (5·0%) from hospitals in Tanzania, and 448 (4·2%) from hospitals in Zambia. The mean age was 27·1 years (SD 5·5) and mean prebirth haemoglobin was 80·7 g/L (11·8). Mean estimated blood loss was 301 mL (SD 183) for the 8791 (83·2%) women with moderate anaemia and 340 mL (288) for the 1770 (16·8%) women with severe anaemia. 742 (7·0%) women had clinical postpartum haemorrhage. The risk of clinical postpartum haemorrhage was 6·2% in women with moderate anaemia and 11·2% in women with severe anaemia. A 10 g/L reduction in prebirth haemoglobin increased the odds of clinical postpartum haemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1·29 [95% CI 1·21-1·38]), WHO-defined postpartum haemorrhage (aOR 1·25 [1·16-1·36]), and calculated postpartum haemorrhage (aOR 1·23 [1·14-1·32]). 14 women died and 68 either died or had a near miss. Severe anaemia was associated with seven times higher odds of death or near miss (OR 7·25 [95% CI 4·45-11·80]) than was moderate anaemia. INTERPRETATION Anaemia is strongly associated with postpartum haemorrhage and the risk of death or near miss. Attention should be given to the prevention and treatment of anaemia in women of reproductive age. FUNDING The WOMAN-2 trial is funded by Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
PICO Summary
Population
Women with moderate or severe anaemia giving birth vaginally in hospitals, enrolled in the WOMAN-2 trial in Pakistan, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia (n= 10,620).
Intervention
This prospective cohort analysis of data from the WOMAN-2 trial examined the association between anaemia and the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.
Comparison
Outcome
Postpartum haemorrhage was defined in three ways: clinical postpartum haemorrhage; WHO-defined postpartum haemorrhage; and calculated postpartum haemorrhage. There was complete outcome data for 10,561 participants. Mean estimated blood loss was 301 mL (SD= 183) for the 8,791 (83.2%) women with moderate anaemia and 340 mL (288) for the 1,770 (16.8%) women with severe anaemia. 742 (7.0%) women had clinical postpartum haemorrhage. The risk of clinical postpartum haemorrhage was 6.2% in women with moderate anaemia and 11.2% in women with severe anaemia. A 10 g/L reduction in prebirth haemoglobin increased the odds of clinical postpartum haemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)= 1.29; 95% CI [1.21, 1.38]), WHO-defined postpartum haemorrhage (aOR= 1.25; 95% CI [1.16, 1.36]), and calculated postpartum haemorrhage (aOR= 1.23; 95% CI [1.14, 1.32]). 14 women died and 68 either died or had a near miss. Severe anaemia was associated with seven times higher odds of death or near miss (OR= 7.25; 95% CI [4.45, 11.80]) than was moderate anaemia.
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Intravenous oxytocin regimens in patients undergoing cesarean delivery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of cluster-based groups
Tantry TP, Karanth H, Anniyappa S, Shetty PK, Upadya M, Shenoy SP, Kadam D
Journal of anesthesia. 2022
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Abstract
Information on evaluations of different oxytocin regimens used to prevent post-partum hemorrhage during cesarean delivery is scarce, and there is a lack of statistically pooled results for comparative doses. In this review, we aimed to analyze the effectiveness of different oxytocin regimens used and rank them accordingly. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the incidence of additional uterotonic (AUT) use or amount of blood loss during cesarean delivery, where different oxytocin regimens were compared. Cluster analysis was used to define different clusters of oxytocin therapy based on the identified variable regimens. During the frequentist network meta-analysis, all clusters were compared to bolus clusters of dose range 3-5 IU. Data from 33 RCTs (6741 patients) to 26 RCTs (5422 patients) were assessed for AUT use and blood loss, respectively. Pairwise meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in the use of AUTs or blood loss was recorded for bolus-infusion combination regimens. The network meta-analysis found that combined bolus-infusion regimens of (i) 3-5 IU and 0.25-1 IU/min or (ii) 3-5 IU and < 0.25 IU/min had statistically significant results for lowest consumption of AUTs (Ranks 1 and 2, respectively); whereas with the latter's use, the lowest blood loss (Rank 2) was observed. In contrast, the dose range, > 5 IU regimen was associated with higher side effects (lowest rank). During cesarean delivery, a significant reduction in the use of AUTs or blood loss (Rank 2) was recorded for bolus-infusion combination regimens. High doses did not have enough evidence to draw meaningful conclusions.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients undergoing cesarean delivery (37 studies, n= >7,000).
Intervention
Different intravenous oxytocin regimens (bolus, infusion, or a combination).
Comparison
Outcome
During the frequentist network meta-analysis, all clusters were compared to bolus clusters of dose range 3-5 IU. Data from 33 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), (6,741 patients) to 26 RCTs (5,422 patients) were assessed for additional uterotonic (AUT) use and blood loss, respectively. Pairwise meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in the use of AUTs or blood loss was recorded for bolus-infusion combination regimens. The network meta-analysis found that combined bolus-infusion regimens of (i) 3-5 IU and 0.25-1 IU/min or (ii) 3-5 IU and < 0.25 IU/min had statistically significant results for lowest consumption of AUTs (Ranks 1 and 2, respectively); whereas with the latter's use, the lowest blood loss (Rank 2) was observed. In contrast, the dose range, > 5 IU regimen was associated with higher side effects (lowest rank). During cesarean delivery, a significant reduction in the use of AUTs or blood loss (Rank 2) was recorded for bolus-infusion combination regimens.
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Tranexamic Acid for Prevention of Hemorrhage in Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery - A Randomized Study
Ogunkua OT, Duryea EL, Nelson DB, Eddins MM, Klucsarits SE, McIntire DD, Leveno KJ
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM. 2022;:100573
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that data is insufficient to recommend Tranexamic acid (TXA) prophylaxis for postpartum hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE This study's objective was to evaluate if prophylactic TXA reduces calculated blood loss versus placebo in women undergoing elective repeat cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, examining calculated blood loss with prophylactic doses of 1-gram of TXA given before skin incision and after placental delivery and standard uterotonics in women with singleton pregnancies at least 37 weeks' gestation, presenting for their second or third cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia. The primary outcome was calculated blood loss at 24 hours. The calculation was based on the participant's height, weight, and the difference in hematocrit before the start of surgery and 24 hours after delivery. Prespecified secondary outcomes were quantification of maternal coagulation activity during the perioperative course. A sample size of 50 women per group was planned (N=100), based on a meta-analysis of mean reduction in blood loss after TXA. RESULTS 723 women were screened, and 110 women were randomized as follows: 55 to TXA and 55 to placebo. The primary outcome of mean calculated blood for TXA (2274 ± 469 mL) and the placebo group (2407 ± 388 mL), p > 0.05. In the secondary outcomes, D-dimer levels were lower in the TXA group than the placebo group 24 hours after delivery (2.1 ± 1.2 µg/mL versus 4.3 ± 2.4 µg/mL), p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic tranexamic acid did not decrease mean calculated blood loss. Significantly less participants had calculated blood loss greater than 2000 mL in the tranexamic acid group compared to the placebo group with lower levels of D-dimer at 24 hours.
PICO Summary
Population
Women undergoing elective repeat caesarean delivery (n= 110).
Intervention
Prophylactic doses of tranexamic acid (TXA) before skin incision and after placental delivery (n= 55).
Comparison
Standard uterotonics (n= 55).
Outcome
The mean calculated blood loss for TXA was 2,274 ± 469 mL, and for standard uterotonics was 2407 ± 388 mL. D-dimer levels were lower in the TXA group than the placebo group 24 hours after delivery (2.1 ± 1.2 µg/mL vs. 4.3 ± 2.4 µg/mL).
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Tranexamic acid dose-response relationship for antifibrinolysis in postpartum haemorrhage during Caesarean delivery: TRACES, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, dose-ranging biomarker study
Ducloy-Bouthors AS, Gilliot S, Kyheng M, Faraoni D, Turbelin A, Keita-Meyer H, Rigouzzo A, Moyanotidou G, Constant B, Broisin F, et al
British journal of anaesthesia. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal dose of tranexamic acid to inhibit hyperfibrinolysis in postpartum haemorrhage is unclear. Tranexamic Acid to Reduce Blood Loss in Hemorrhagic Cesarean Delivery (TRACES) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, multicentre dose-ranging study to determine the dose-effect relationship for two regimens of intravenous tranexamic acid vs placebo. METHODS Women experiencing postpartum haemorrhage during Caesarean delivery were randomised to receive placebo (n=60), tranexamic acid 0.5 g (n=57), or tranexamic acid 1 g i.v. (n=58). Biomarkers of fibrinolytic activation were assayed at five time points, with inhibition of hyperfibrinolysis defined as reductions in the increase over baseline in D-dimer and plasmin-antiplasmin levels and in the plasmin peak time. RESULTS In the placebo group, hyperfibrinolysis was evidenced by a mean increase over baseline [95% confidence interval] of 93% [68-118] for D-dimer level at 120 min and 56% [25-87] for the plasmin-antiplasmin level at 30 min. A dose of tranexamic acid 1 g was associated with smaller increases over baseline (D-dimers: 38% [13-63] [P=0.003 vs placebo]; plasmin-antiplasmin: -2% [-32 to 28] [P=0.009 vs placebo]). A dose of tranexamic acid 0.5 g was less potent, with non-significant reductions (D-dimers: 58% [32-84] [P=0.06 vs placebo]; plasmin-antiplasmin: 13% [18-43] [P=0.051]). Although both tranexamic acid doses reduced the plasmin peak, reduction in plasmin peak time was significant only for the 1 g dose of tranexamic acid. CONCLUSIONS Fibrinolytic activation was significantly inhibited by a dose of intravenous tranexamic acid 1 g but not 0.5 g. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling of these data might identify the best pharmacodynamic monitoring criteria and the optimal tranexamic acid dosing regimen for treatment of postpartum haemorrhage. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02797119.
PICO Summary
Population
Women experiencing postpartum haemorrhage during Caesarean delivery enrolled in the Tranexamic Acid to Reduce Blood Loss in Hemorrhagic Cesarean Delivery (TRACES) trial (n= 175).
Intervention
1g dose of intravenous tranexamic acid (n= 58). 0.5g dose of intravenous tranexamic acid (n= 57).
Comparison
Placebo (n= 60).
Outcome
In the placebo group, hyperfibrinolysis was evidenced by a mean increase over baseline [95% confidence interval] of 93% [68-118] for D-dimer level at 120 min and 56% [25-87] for the plasmin-antiplasmin level at 30 min. Compared to placebo, a dose of tranexamic acid 1g was associated with smaller increases over baseline (D-dimers: 38% [13-63]; plasmin-antiplasmin: -2% [-32 to 28]). A dose of tranexamic acid 0.5g was less potent, with non-significant reductions (D-dimers: 58% [32-84] compared to placebo]; plasmin-antiplasmin: 13% [18-43]). Although both tranexamic acid doses reduced the plasmin peak, reduction in plasmin peak time was significant only for the 1g dose of tranexamic acid.
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Effectiveness of preoperative tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss during caesarean section at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano: a randomized controlled trial
Oseni RO, Zakari M, Adamou N, Umar UA
The Pan African medical journal. 2021;39:34
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
INTRODUCTION bleeding during and after caesarean section is one of the contributors to maternal mortality and morbidity. Tranexamic acid can be given before surgery to significantly reduce the amount of blood loss during caesarean section. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss during caesarean section at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. METHODS this was a randomized double blind placebo controlled study that was carried out among 244 women who were to have emergency caesarean section between December 2017 and June 2018 and were randomly assigned to the study group or control group. Women in the study group received lg (10mls) of tranexamic acid intravenously while women in the control group received 10ml of normal saline. Oxytocin was administered in the two groups according to protocol. Measurement of blood loss was done immediately after surgery. Postoperative drop in haemoglobin and haematocrit were also determined. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 22. RESULTS the average intra operative blood loss was 414.0 ml in the study group and 773.8 ml in the control group (t = - 16.18, p ≤ 0.01). Average postoperative haemoglobin was 10.1 g/dl in the study group and 9.5 g/dl in the control group (t = 4.99, p ≤ 0.01). Average postoperative haematocrit was 31.5% in the study group and 29.9% in the control group (t = 4.70, p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION there was a significant reduction in the blood loss when preoperative tranexamic acid was given to patients who were to undergo emergency caesarean section.
PICO Summary
Population
Women having emergency caesarean section in a single centre in Nigeria (n= 244).
Intervention
Intravenous tranexamic acid (n= 122).
Comparison
Normal saline (n= 122).
Outcome
There was a significant reduction in blood loss when preoperative tranexamic acid compared to the normal saline. The average intra operative blood loss was 414.0 ml in the study group and 773.8 ml in the control group. Average postoperative haemoglobin was 10.1 g/dl in the study group and 9.5 g/dl in the control group. Average postoperative haematocrit was 31.5% in the study group and 29.9% in the control group.
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Tranexamic acid for prevention of bleeding in caesarean Delivery: an overview of systematic reviews
Hurskainen T, Deng MX, Etherington C, Burns J, Martin Calderon L, Moher D, Edwards W, Boet S
Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. 2021
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bleeding is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the world. Tranexamic acid reduces bleeding in trauma and surgery. Several systematic reviews of randomized trials have investigated tranexamic acid in the prevention of bleeding in caesarean delivery. However, the conclusions from systematic reviews are conflicting. This overview aims to summarize the evidence and explore the reasons for conflicting conclusions across the systematic reviews. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted from inception to April 2021. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessments were performed by two independent reviewers. A Measurement Tool to Assess Reviews 2 and the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews were used for study appraisal. A qualitative synthesis of evidence is presented. RESULTS Fourteen systematic reviews were included in our analysis. Across these reviews, there were 32 relevant randomized trials. A modest reduction in blood transfusions and bleeding outcomes was found by most systematic reviews. Overall confidence in results varied from low to critically low. All of the included systematic reviews were at high risk of bias. Quality of evidence from randomized trials was uncertain. CONCLUSIONS Systematic reviews investigating prophylactic tranexamic acid in caesarean delivery are heterogeneous in terms of methodological and reporting quality. Tranexamic acid may reduce blood transfusion and bleeding outcomes, but rigorous well-designed research is needed due to the limitations of the included studies. Data on safety and adverse effects is insufficient to draw conclusions.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients undergoing caesarean delivery (14 studies).
Intervention
Overview of systematic reviews on tranexamic acid for the prevention of bleeding.
Comparison
Outcome
A modest reduction in blood transfusions and bleeding outcomes was found by most systematic reviews. Overall confidence in results varied from low to critically low. All of the included systematic reviews were at high risk of bias. Quality of evidence from randomized trials was uncertain.
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Tranexamic acid for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in women undergoing cesarean delivery: an updated meta-analysis
Bellos I, Pergialiotis V
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 2021
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of prophylactic tranexamic acid administration in comparison with standard uterotonic agents alone among women undergoing cesarean delivery. DATA SOURCES Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception to June 30, 2021. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials comparing intravenous tranexamic acid administration to placebo in women undergoing cesarean delivery and receiving standard prophylactic uterotonic agents were held eligible. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS The risk of bias of individual studies was appraised with the RoB-2 tool. Meta-analysis was conducted by fitting random-effects models using restricted maximum likelihood. Subgroup analysis was performed based on country, protocol availability, double-blinding, risk of bias, sample size and tranexamic acid dose. One-stage meta-analysis was performed as a sensitivity analysis. The credibility of outcomes was appraised with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. RESULTS Overall, 36 studies with 10,659 women were included. Tranexamic acid administration was associated with significantly lower total blood loss (Mean difference-MD: -189.44 ml, 95% confidence intervals-CI: -218.63; -160.25), lower hemoglobin drop (MD: 8.22%, 95% CI: 5.54; 10.90), decreased risk of blood loss >1000 ml (Odds ratio-OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.22; 0.60), transfusion requirement (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26; 0.65) and need of additional uterotonics (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.25; 0.52). Subgroup analysis indicated a greater effect of tranexamic acid on total blood loss reduction in low-middle income countries. The outcomes remained stable by separately evaluating women at low bleeding risk. One-stage meta-analysis demonstrated similar outcomes with the primary analysis. The quality of evidence was judged to be moderate regarding total blood loss and hemoglobin percentage change and low for the other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis suggests that prophylactic tranexamic acid administration is effective among women undergoing cesarean delivery in lowering postpartum blood loss and limiting hemoglobin drop. Further research is needed to test its efficacy in high-risk populations and to verify its safety profile.
PICO Summary
Population
Women undergoing caesarean delivery (36 studies, n= 10,659).
Intervention
Tranexamic acid.
Comparison
Standard uterotonic agents alone.
Outcome
Tranexamic acid administration was associated with significantly lower total blood loss (Mean difference (MD): -189.44 ml), lower haemoglobin drop (MD: 8.22%), decreased risk of blood loss >1000 ml, transfusion requirement and need of additional uterotonics. Subgroup analysis indicated a greater effect of tranexamic acid on total blood loss reduction in low-middle income countries. The outcomes remained stable by separately evaluating women at low bleeding risk. One-stage meta-analysis demonstrated similar outcomes with the primary analysis. The quality of evidence was judged to be moderate regarding total blood loss and haemoglobin percentage change and low for the other outcomes.
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Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Blood Loss in Lower Segment Cesearean Section: A Randomised Controlled Study
Hemapriya L, More G, Kumar A
Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology of India. 2020;70(6):479-484
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of tranexamic acid in decreasing blood loss in elective/emergency LSCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective randomised case control study was done in 200 pregnant women undergoing elective/emergency LSCS in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Mysuru, from December 2018 to September 2019. Women in the age group of 18-35 years were included in the study. Those with anaemia (Hb < 10 gm%), hypertension in pregnancy, bleeding diathesis, GDM on insulin, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, cardiac and chronic liver disorders were excluded from the study. Two hundred women undergoing emergency/elective LSCS were divided into case (group 1) or control (group 2) groups using a computer-generated random number table. Tranexamic acid (10 mg/Kg) was given in 100 ml Normal Saline 10 mins prior to skin incision to women in the first group, along with routine care (10 Units of Oxytocin IM soon after extraction of the baby). Routine care, as per institutional protocol, was followed in the second group. The primary outcome was to estimate the intraoperative blood loss. Blood loss was measured by weighing pads, mops, drapes before and after surgery and blood in the suction container after surgery. Two separate suction catheters and containers were used, in order to minimise mixing of blood and amniotic fluid. Total blood loss was calculated as the difference in the weight of the pads, mops and drapes before and after surgery and the sum of the amount of blood in suction container. The difference between the pre-operative and post-operative haemoglobin and haematocrit was compared. The pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative hemodynamics were also compared. RESULTS Statistical analysis was done using MS Excel and R-3.5.1 software. Unpaired and paired t test were used. In our study, there was a significant decrease in intraoperative bleeding in women receiving tranexamic acid. Women in the control group had a significant fall in the postoperative hemoglobin when compared to women who received tranexamic acid. Also, women who received tranexamic acid did not develop any significant hemodynamic changes during or immediately after the surgery. CONCLUSION Tranexamic acid can be safely used as a prophylactic agent to reduce bleeding during elective and emergency LSCS.
PICO Summary
Population
Pregnant women undergoing elective or emergency lower segment caesarean section (n= 200).
Intervention
Tranexamic acid (10 mg/Kg) in 100 ml Normal Saline 10 mins prior to skin incision to along with routine care (n= 100).
Comparison
Routine care, as per institutional protocol (n= 100).
Outcome
There was a significant decrease in intraoperative bleeding in women receiving tranexamic acid. Women in the control group had a significant fall in the postoperative haemoglobin when compared to women who received tranexamic acid. Also, women who received tranexamic acid did not develop any significant hemodynamic changes during or immediately after the surgery.
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10.
Intraoperative cell salvage for obstetrics: a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial
Liu Y, Li X, Che X, Zhao G, Xu M
BMC pregnancy and childbirth. 2020;20(1):452
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND The latest basic studies and clinical evidence have confirmed the safety and efficacy of intraoperative autologous blood cell transfusion in cardiac surgery and orthopaedics. However, in caesarean section, there are still concerns about the contamination of amniotic fluid and foetal components, and consequently the application of intraoperative autologous blood cell transfusion is not universal. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of intraoperative autologous blood cell transfusion in obstetric surgery. METHODS A prospective, randomized, controlled, feasibility study was performed in women undergoing caesarean section. One hundred sixteen participants were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio into either the intraoperative cell salvage group or the control group. Allogeneic blood cells were transfused into patients with haemoglobin concentrations < 80 g/dL in both the intraoperative cell salvage group and the control group. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the two groups in age, weight, maternal parity, history of previous caesarean section, gestational weeks of delivery, etc. However, compared with the control group, patients in the intraoperative cell salvage group had a significantly lower amount of allogeneic blood cell transfusion, lower incidence of postoperative incision infection, delayed wound healing, perioperative allergy, adverse cardiovascular events, hypoproteinaemia and shorter hospital stay. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that the use of autologous blood cell transfusion is safe and effective for patients with obstetric haemorrhage. TRIAL REGISTRATION All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the Institutional and/or National Research Committee of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University (2016-XJS-003-01) as well as the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or other comparable ethical standards. The clinical trials were registered (ChiCTR-ICC-15,007,096) on September 28, 2015.
PICO Summary
Population
Women undergoing caesarean section (n= 116).
Intervention
Intraoperative cell salvage (n= 58).
Comparison
Control group, allogeneic red blood cell infusion when the haemoglobin concentration was < 80 g/L (n= 58).
Outcome
Patients in the intraoperative cell salvage group had a significantly lower amount of allogeneic blood cell transfusion, lower incidence of postoperative incision infection, delayed wound healing, perioperative allergy, adverse cardiovascular events, hypoproteinaemia and shorter hospital stay.