The efficacy and application of tranexamic acid in emergency medicine: Emergency Medicine Association of Türkiye clinical policy- 2024

Abstract

The clinical policy of the Emergency Medicine Association of Türkiye (EMAT) provides guidance on the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in emergency settings. TXA, an antifibrinolytic drug, is used to control bleeding by inhibiting plasminogen. Its applications have expanded from hemophilia and severe menstrual bleeding to include various forms of trauma and surgery-related bleeding. Despite its potential benefits, the use of TXA in emergency settings must be carefully evaluated due to its associated risks, including venous thromboembolism. This policy aimed to offer evidence-based recommendations on the indications and contraindications of TXA in different clinical scenarios encountered in the emergency departments. The guidelines were developed using the “Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations” approach, incorporating systematic literature reviews, and expert consensus from the EMAT Research Committee. This document focuses on critical clinical questions regarding the efficacy and safety of TXA in situations such as gastrointestinal bleeding, multitrauma, traumatic brain injury, nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage, hemoptysis, and epistaxis. By addressing these issues, the policy seeks to assist emergency physicians in making informed decisions about the use of TXA, ultimately aiming to improve the patient outcomes.

Keywords

• brain injury
• emergency department
• epistaxis
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• hemoptysis
• intracranial hemorrhage
• policy
• tranexamic acid
• trauma