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OBJECTIVE: To characterize the relationship between tranexamic acid (TXA) use and patient outcomes in a severely injured civilian cohort, and to determine any differential effect between patients who presented with and without shock. BACKGROUND: TXA has demonstrated survival benefits in trauma patients in an international randomized control trial and the military setting. The uptake of TXA into civilian major hemorrhage protocols (MHPs) has been variable. The evidence gap in mature civilian trauma systems is limiting the widespread use of TXA and its potential benefits on survival. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of severely injured adult patients (Injury severity score > 15) admitted to a civilian trauma system during the adoption phase of TXA into the hospital's MHP. Outcomes measured were mortality, multiple organ failure (MOF), venous thromboembolism, infection, stroke, ventilator-free days (VFD), and length of stay. RESULTS: Patients receiving TXA (n = 160, 42%) were more severely injured, shocked, and coagulopathic on arrival. TXA was not independently associated with any change in outcome for either the overall or nonshocked cohorts. In multivariate analysis, TXA was independently associated with a reduction in MOF [odds ratio (OR) = 0.27, confidence interval (CI): 0.10-0.73, P = 0.01] and was protective for adjusted all-cause mortality (OR = 0.16 CI: 0.03-0.86, P = 0.03) in shocked patients. CONCLUSIONS: TXA as part of a major hemorrhage protocol within a mature civilian trauma system provides outcome benefits specifically for severely injured shocked patients.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/SLA.0000000000000717

Type

Journal article

Journal

Ann surg

Publication Date

02/2015

Volume

261

Pages

390 - 394

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Antifibrinolytic Agents, Drug Administration Schedule, Female, Hemorrhage, Humans, Injury Severity Score, Male, Middle Aged, Multivariate Analysis, Prospective Studies, Shock, Hemorrhagic, Tranexamic Acid, Treatment Outcome, Wounds and Injuries, Young Adult