Open AccessComparison of the efficacy of intravenous tranexamic acid with and without topical administration versus placebo in urgent endoscopy rate for acute gastrointestinal bleeding: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Tavakoli Nader,
Mokhtare Marjan,
Agah Shahram,
Azizi Ali,
Masoodi Mohsen,
Amiri Hassan,
Sheikhvatan Mehrdad,
Syedsalehi Bahare,
Behnam Behdad,
Arabahmadi Mehran,
Mehrazi Maryam
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
ueg journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.667
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 2050-6414
pISSN - 2050-6406
DOI - 10.1177/2050640617714940
Subject(s) - medicine , tranexamic acid , endoscopy , placebo , gastrointestinal bleeding , randomized controlled trial , anesthesia , antifibrinolytic , therapeutic endoscopy , blood transfusion , surgery , blood loss , alternative medicine , pathology
Background Tranexamic acid (TXA), a synthetic antifibrinolytic drug, is effective as a treatment for serious hemorrhage, including bleeding arising from major trauma and post‐operative interventions. Significant acute gastrointestinal bleeding may have a poor outcome despite routine medical and endoscopic treatments. The aim of this study was to assess whether early intravenous and/or intravenous plus topical administration of TXA reduces the need for urgent endoscopy for acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Method This double‐blind randomized clinical trial included 410 patients with proven acute gastrointestinal bleeding. All patients received conventional therapy. The subjects were randomized to three groups: (A) 138 patients received intravenous TXA (1 g q6h); (B) 133 patients received topical TXA (1 g single dose by nasogastric tube) plus systemic TXA; and (C) 139 patients received a placebo (sodium chloride 0.9%) for 24 hours. Subgroup statistical analyses were conducted for urgent endoscopy, mortality, re‐bleeding, blood transfusion, endoscopic and/or surgical intervention rates, and health status. Results The time to endoscopy was significantly shorter in group C (15.58 ± 7.994, p < 0.001). A need for urgent endoscopy was seen in 14.49%, 10.52%, and 30.21% of patients in groups A, B, and C, respectively ( p < 0.001). No significant statistical differences were seen between treatment groups regarding mortality, re‐bleeding, blood transfusion, and endoscopic and/or surgical intervention rates. No thromboembolic event was documented during the 1‐week follow up. Conclusions Our results showed that the antifibrinolytic properties of TXA can aid in changing an urgent endoscopy to an elective procedure, with better outcomes for both physicians and patients.