Efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss after cesarean section.

AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss at caesarian section (CS).

METHOD

A prospective randomised study conducted on 90 primiparas divided into two groups who underwent CS. The study group, 45 women, received tranexamic acid immediately before CS, whereas the control group, 45 women received placebo. Blood loss volume was measured from the end of CS to 2 h postpartum and compared between the two groups. Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) were tested 24 h after CS and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Tranexamic acid significantly reduced the blood loss from the end of CS to 2 h postpartum; 28.02 +/- 5.53 mL in the tranexamic group versus 37.12 +/- 8.97 mL in the control group (p = 0.000). Hb 24 h after CS was significantly greater in tranexamic group than control group (12.57 +/- 1.33 in the tranexamic group and 11.74 +/- 1.14 in the control group, p = 0.002). No complications or side effects were reported in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Tranexamic acid statistically reduces blood loss from end to 2 h after CS and its use was not associated with any side effects or complications. Consequently, tranexamic acid can be used safely and effectively to reduce bleeding resulting from CS.