Vogel, Joshua P., Olufemi T. Oladapo, Therese Dowswell et al., “Updated WHO Recommendation on Intravenous Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Post-Partum Haemorrhage,” The Lancet Global Health (October 2017), doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(17)30428-X

URL: www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(17)30428-X/fulltext

Abstract

Post-partum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality globally.¹ The majority of deaths resulting from post-partum haemorrhage occur during the first 24 h after birth, most of which could be avoided by routine prevention through active management of the third stage of labour and prompt and effective management of post-partum haemorrhage, including the use of uterotonics and fluid replacement. Tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic drug, was identified as a promising candidate to be included in recommended packages for treatment of post-partum haemorrhage, since it has shown efficacy in reducing blood loss and mortality following surgical trauma.

In light of new research that demonstrates the benefit of tranexamic acid for the treatment of post-partum haemorrhaging, WHO now “strongly recommends early use of intravenous tranexamic acid [within 3 hours of birth only], in addition to standard care for women with clinically diagnosed post-partum haemorrhage following vaginal birth or caesarean section.”