Efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2022

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine if tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces the need for operative re-cauterization in the setting of a post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH).

METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 1428 adult and pediatric patients who underwent tonsillectomy over a two-year period at a tertiary care hospital with continuous otolaryngologic coverage. Collected data of PTH patients included age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, length of stay (LOS), the requirement of a blood transfusion, day of PTH, TXA usage and route, complications from TXA administration, and TXA failure requiring operative intervention.

RESULTS: The incidence of pediatric PTH during the study period was 5.7 %. Twenty-seven out of fifty-five PTH patients received topical, nebulized, or intravenous TXA. No adverse effects were noted with TXA administration. TXA usage provided resolution of the PTH in 77.8 % of patients. No significant differences were found in age, gender, BMI, LOS, ASA classification, rate of blood transfusion, or TXA treatment modality between the patients that received TXA and those that did not.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of PTH with TXA appears to reduce the need for operative control of PTH. In the setting of reducing operative risk, improving health care utilization, or in a setting without immediate otolaryngologic provider coverage, the role of TXA is promising. Further larger clinical or multi-institution studies are needed to determine the efficacy of TXA, its route of administration, and its optimal dosage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Retrospective cohort study.

Volume

43

Issue

5

First Page

103582

Last Page

103582

ISSN

1532-818X

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics

PubMedID

35988367

Department(s)

Department of Pediatrics, Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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