Does prophylactic tranexamic acid safely reduce bleeding without increasing thrombotic complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery?

Abstract

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether prophylactic tranexamic acid can safely reduce bleeding without increasing thrombotic complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Altogether 334 papers were found using the reported search, of which 12 represented the best evidence on this topic. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses were tabulated. We conclude that tranexamic acid clearly reduces blood loss, requirement for blood transfusion, and the risk of reoperation for bleeding, and although no study has yet looked directly at vein graft patency with tranexamic acid, no randomized studies have raised concerns over its safety.