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Am J Perinatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2353-0832
Original Article

When Are Pregnant Patients Receiving Tranexamic Acid during Delivery Hospitalization in the United States?

Julia Whitley 
1   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Seyedeh A. Miran
2   Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Phillip Ma
2   Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
,
George Saade
3   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
,
Ian Roberts
4   Clinical Trials Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
,
Homa K. Ahmadzia 
5   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
6   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia
› Author Affiliations Funding This work was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (grant no.: K23HL141640).
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Abstract

Objective The World Health Organization recommends tranexamic acid (TXA) in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). However, the role of TXA in PPH prevention and the optimal timing of TXA administration remain unknown. Our objective was to describe the timing of TXA administration, differences in timing of TXA administration by mode of delivery, and current trends in TXA administration in the United States.

Study Design We conducted a descriptive study of trends in TXA administration using the Cerner Real-World Database. We identified 1,544,712 deliveries occurring at greater than 24 weeks' gestation from January 1, 2016, to February 21, 2023. Demographic data were collected including gestational age, mode of delivery, and comorbidities. The timing of TXA administration and differences in TXA timing by mode of delivery were also collected.

Results In our cohort, 21,433 patients (1.39%) received TXA. The majority of patients who received TXA were between ages 25 and 34 years old (55.3%), White (60.7%), and delivered between 37 and 416/7 weeks (81.4%). The TXA group had a higher prevalence of medical comorbidities including obesity (32.9 vs. 19.0%, p < 0.00001), preeclampsia (19.6 vs. 6.81%, p < 0.00001), and pregestational diabetes (3.27 vs. 1.36%, p < 0.00001). Among women who received TXA, 15.4% received it within 3 hours before delivery. Among patients who received TXA after delivery, 23.6% received TXA within 3 hours after delivery, whereas 35.7% received TXA between 10 and 24 hours after delivery. A total of 80.4% of patients who received TXA before delivery had a cesarean delivery.

Conclusion While TXA is most commonly administered after delivery, many patients are receiving TXA prior to delivery in the United States without clear evidence to guide the timing of administration. A randomized trial is urgently needed to determine the safety and efficacy of TXA when administered prior to delivery.

Key Points

  • TXA is used in the treatment of PPH.

  • The role of TXA in prevention of PPH is unclear.

  • Fewer than 2% of patients in the United States receive TXA at delivery.

  • TXA administration before delivery in the United States is rising.

Keywords

cesarean - morbidity - postpartum hemorrhage - tranexamic acid


Publication History

Received: 18 April 2024

Accepted: 20 June 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
26 June 2024

Article published online:
18 July 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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