Role of Tranexamic Acid in Treatment of Patients with Epidural Hematoma

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury is considered as the major cause of mortality and hospitalization of about ten million people across the globe. Most of these patients are young and active people suffering disabilities. Tranexamic acid therapy is commonly used to reduce blood loss and need for blood transfusions in surgical cases. This study aimed at investigating the effect of tranexamic acid drug in patients with epidural hematoma. Methods & Materials/Patients: In a clinical trial study, 100 patients with acute epidural hematoma diagnosed with traumatic brain injury were enrolled. The patients in two groups were matched for age and sex. We treated 50 patients with tranexamic acid drug that were compared with 50 patients in the control group. Hematoma size variations (diameter and volume) between the two groups were studied. Results: We studied 100 patients with traumatic brain injury with a mean age of 34.2 ± 7.9. Of the patients, 69% were male, and 31% were female. Hematoma occurrence rate was 33%, 39%, and 28% in parietal, frontal, and temporal region, respectively. Hematoma diameter was 3.71 ± 1.8 mm after treatment with tranexamic acid, and 4.03 ± 1.6 mm in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The volume of hematoma was 8.04 ± 3.2 cc in patients treated with tranexamic acid, and 10.4 ± 3.7 cc in the control group. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: According to our study, tranexamic acid drug can be effective on bleeding control in patients with acute epidural hematoma. The role of these drugs in elective surgeries has been proven. In cases of brain trauma, they can be useful and improve the prognosis of patients.