Tranexamic acid in pediatric trauma: why not?

Crit Care. 2014 Jul 2;18(4):313. doi: 10.1186/cc13965.

Abstract

Trauma is a leading cause of death in pediatrics. Currently, no medical treatment exists to reduce mortality in the setting of pediatric trauma; however, this evidence does exist in adults. Bleeding and coagulopathy after trauma increases mortality in both adults and children. Clinical research has demonstrated a reduction in mortality with early use of tranexamic acid in adult trauma patients in both civilian and military settings. Tranexamic acid used in the perioperative setting safely reduces transfusion requirements in children. This article compares the hematologic response to trauma between children and adults, and explores the potential use of tranexamic acid in pediatric hemorrhagic trauma.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / mortality
  • Hemorrhage / prevention & control
  • Hospital Mortality
  • Humans
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Pediatrics / methods
  • Pediatrics / standards
  • Perioperative Care / methods
  • Perioperative Care / standards*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Survival Analysis
  • Tranexamic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Tranexamic Acid / standards
  • Tranexamic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Wounds and Injuries / complications*
  • Wounds and Injuries / mortality

Substances

  • Antifibrinolytic Agents
  • Tranexamic Acid