Effectiveness and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Trauma and Hemorrhage of Military Personnel in Combat Zones

Authors

Rachel Walker, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Massive and uncontrolled hemorrhage accounts for nearly one-third of deaths in trauma patients, making rapid interventions critical. The use of antifibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid (TXA) has been found to help control hemorrhage and reduce mortality in civilian trauma patients. Severe multi-injury trauma and subsequent hemorrhage are commonly seen in US military personnel in combat zones. Treatment options that can quickly and effectively stabilize patients and reduce blood loss are vital in tactical medicine and can help reduce mortality rates. However, due to the extreme severity and need for massive transfusion protocols, there remains a question as to how TXA should be used in combat zones. This review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of TXA in controlling hemorrhage among trauma patients, with emphasis on its use with combat casualties.

Electronic databases, such as PubMed and Cochrane Library, were utilized in search of articles that discussed TXA administration, effectiveness, and safety in patients with traumatic injuries and hemorrhage in both civilian and combat situations. This reviewer selected articles with information from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCT) that evaluated TXA use in patients with traumatic injuries and massive hemorrhage. Evidence suggests that TXA can significantly reduce all-cause mortality due to bleeding without increased risk of adverse events such as vascular occlusion events for both civilian and military populations.

Recommended Citation

Walker R. Effectiveness and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Trauma and Hemorrhage of Military Personnel in Combat Zones. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2025; 7(3).