Combining topical and intravenous tranexamic acid in cardiac surgery: does it really matter? - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The benefit-to-risk ratio of administration of intravenous (IV) and topical tranexamic acid (TXA) together in cardiac surgery has not yet been determined. This study aims to evaluate whether the combined approach (IV plus topical TXA) offers superior bleeding control compared to IV TXA alone, while maintaining an acceptable safety profile.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing combined topical and intravenous TXA administration versus IV TXA alone in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The primary outcome was cumulative blood loss. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, transfusion-free status, and the number of transfused blood products. A random-effe

SUBMITTER: Onyeji PC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12719039 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature