Antifibrinolytic agents for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Acute obstetric coagulopathy secondary to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is associated with poor outcome. There is evidence that Tranexamic Acid (TA), an antifibrinolytic drug, is an efficient tool of patient blood management in association with uterotonics to reduce mortality due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Recent trials investigated its preventive administration before PPH. This review summarizes their major results and introduces the ongoing debate on a systematic prophylaxis of coagulopathy before PPH occurs.

Keywords

• Tranexamic acid
• Postpartum hemorrhage
• Fibrinolysis
• Prevention