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Published in: Critical Care 3/2012

01-06-2012 | Commentary

Tranexamic acid: less bleeding and less thrombosis?

Authors: Anne Godier, Ian Roberts, Beverley J Hunt

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 3/2012

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Abstract

The early administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) to bleeding trauma patients reduces all-cause mortality without increasing the risk of vascular occlusive events. Indeed, the risk of arterial thrombosis appears to be reduced with TXA. In this commentary we hypothesize that TXA has an antithrombotic effect and explore potential mechanisms. These include inhibition of the inflammatory effects of plasmin, effects on platelets and effects on factors V and VIII. If proven, these antithrombotic effects would have major implications for the systemic use of TXA in surgical patients, where TXA has been clearly shown to reduce bleeding.
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Metadata
Title
Tranexamic acid: less bleeding and less thrombosis?
Authors
Anne Godier
Ian Roberts
Beverley J Hunt
Publication date
01-06-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 3/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc11374

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