Effect of tranexamic acid in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in elective caesarean delivery: a randomized controlled study

ABSTRACT

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is the ugly ghost that most obstetricians believe because many cases unpredicted and may be associated with rapid patient deterioration that may lead mortality or developing serious long-term morbidities. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of slowly intravenous administration of tranexamic acid in prevention and decline the severity of postpartum hemorrhage immediately prior to elective caesarean section.Methods: A double blinded, randomized, case control trial carried out at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Egypt from May 2017 to April 2018. This study was conducted on 500 full term pregnant women underwent elective caesarean section. The patients were divided randomly into Group A (study group) included 250 patients received tranexamic acid 1gm slowly iv over 2 minutes at least 10 minutes before operation started and Group B (control group) included 250 patients that received placebo (normal saline NaCl 0.9%).Results: Incidence of PPH in group A and group B were (4.4% and 6.8) respectively, 1.2% in group A and 2.8% in group B had severe degree of PPH. Amount of blood loss immediately after placental delivery up to first 6 hours postoperative was statistically significant increase in placebo group than tranexamic acid group with p value <0.001.Conclusions: Tranexamic acid administration few minutes prior to elective cesarean section was effective in reducing the incidence and severity of PPH and decreased the use of additional uterotonic drugs and additional surgical interventions.