Efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss during and after cesarean section

Objective: To assess effect of tranexamic acid on blood loss during and after cesarean section. Methodology: We performed a randomized controlled trial at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from March to December 2013. A total of 120 parturient women with singleton gestation planned to have cesarean section (CS) at ≥37 weeks were randomized to receive 1 g tranexamic acid slowly intravenously over 10 minutes or placebo injection 20 minutes before CS. Blood loss was measured during and for up to two hours after the operation. Any side effects, complications, medications required, and duration of hospital stay were recorded. Results: Sixty women received transexamic acid and 60 received placebo. Mean blood loss was 260±11 ml vs 485±16 ml in the tranexamic acid group versus the control group (p = 0.003). Only mild, transient adverse effects like nausea and visual disturbances were observed in study group. Conclusions: Administration of tranexamic acid was associated with reduced blood loss during and after CS. This could be of benefit for anemic women or those who either refuse blood transfusion or can’t arrange donors.