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Published on December 10, 2018 | http://doi.org/10.5867/medwave.2018.08.7371

Topical tranexamic acid for spontaneous epistaxis

Ácido tranexámico tópico para la epistaxis espontánea

María Jesús Santander, Andrés Rosenbaum, Matías Winter

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Spontaneous epistaxis is one of the most frequent problems in emergency services. New treatment alternatives have emerged, including topical tranexamic acid. However, there is controversy about the actual efficacy of this alternative.

METHODS We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We identified five systematic reviews that analyzed only one primary study, corresponding to a randomized trial. We concluded it is not clear whether topical tranexamic acid has any impact on hemostasis or risk of rebleeding because the certainty of the evidence is very low. On the other hand, its use could increase adverse effects.

Problem

Epistaxis is one of the most frequent problems in emergency services. It can result in significant blood loss, particularly in anticoagulant treatment users or in people with comorbidities [1]. The most common approach is cauterization of the bleeding vessel. When the bleeding site is not visible, nasal plugs are used, but they generate discomfort [2], so new therapeutic alternatives are actively sought.
Among many potential treatments for this condition, is tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic agent which has proven effective in reducing bleeding in different surgeries, trauma and non-surgical diseases [1], [3]. However, the efficacy and safety of topical tranexamic acid in spontaneous epistaxis is unclear

Methods

We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others, to identify systematic reviews and their included primary studies. We extracted data from the identified reviews and reanalyzed data from primary studies included in those reviews. With this information, we generated a structured summary denominated FRISBEE (Friendly Summary of Body of Evidence using Epistemonikos) using a pre-established format, which includes key messages, a summary of the body of evidence (presented as an evidence matrix in Epistemonikos), meta-analysis of the total of studies when it is possible, a summary of findings table following the GRADE approach and a table of other considerations for decision-making. 

Key messages

  • It is not clear whether the use of topical tranexamic acid impacts hemostasis or rebleeding because the certainty of the evidence is very low.
  • The use of tranexamic acid could increase adverse effects, but the certainty of the evidence is low.

About the body of evidence for this question

What is the evidence.
See evidence matrix  in Epistemonikos later

We found five systematic reviews [1], [3], [4], [5], [6], which included only one primary study that answered the question of interest [2], corresponding to a randomized trial.

This table and the summary in general are based on this trial [2].

What types of patients were included*

The trial [2] included patients aged 18 years or older, with spontaneous epistaxis, coming from both upper, posterior and/or Kiesselbach area of the nasal septum.

Patients with a fracture of the skull or nose and perforation of the nasal septum were excluded, as well as patients with a history of hemostasis alteration.

What types of interventions were included*

The trial [2] compared the use of 10% tranexamic acid gel (15 ml) against a glycine gel. After the application, both groups received a piece of cotton that they had to keep for 30 minutes in the nostril.

What types of outcomes
were measured

The trial reported multiple outcomes, which were presented by the different systematic reviews as follows:

  • Severity of epistaxis
  • Bleeding frequency
  • Duration of hospitalization
  • Safety

The follow-up of the trial was 10 days.

* The information about primary studies is extracted from the systematic reviews identified, unless otherwise specified.

Summary of findings

The information on the effects of topical tranexamic acid is based on only one randomized trial that included 68 patients [2].

The trial reported hemostasis at 30 minutes (68 patients), rebleeding at 10 days (47 patients) and adverse effects (68 patients).

The summary of findings is the following: 

  • It is not clear whether the use of topical tranexamic acid impacts haemostasis because the certainty of the evidence is very low.
  • It is not clear whether the use of topical tranexamic acid decreases rebleeding because the certainty of the evidence is very low.
  • The use of tranexamic acid might increase adverse effects, but the certainty of the evidence is low.

Follow the link to access the interactive version of this table (Interactive Summary of Findings – iSoF)

Other considerations for decision-making

To whom this evidence does and does not apply
  • The evidence presented in this summary applies to adults with spontaneous epistaxis, without signs of nasal or skull fracture, perforation of the nasal septum or a history of altered hemostasis. The bleeding could come from upper, posterior or Kiesselbach area of the nasal septum.
About the outcomes included in this summary
  • The outcomes presented in the summary of findings table are those considered critical for decision-making by the authors of this summary, and in general coincide with those selected by main systematic reviews identified.
Balance between benefits and risks, and certainty of the evidence
  • It is difficult to make a balance between the risks and benefits of tranexamic acid for epistaxis due to the high level of uncertainty. Although they might increase the adverse effects, these were mild and with questionable clinical relevance.
Resource considerations
  • The cost of tranexamic acid is relatively high. However, it is difficult to make a balance between costs and benefits due to the uncertainty about the latter.
What would patients and their doctors think about this intervention
  • Variability in the decision-making regarding this intervention can be expected. Patients and clinicians who place more value on an uncertain benefit could lean in favor of its use. Those who put more value on the certainty of the evidence, the costs or the adverse effects, are likely to lean against it.
  • However, most clinicians should lean against the use of this intervention, as it is an alternative of uncertain benefit and relatively high cost.

Differences between this summary and other sources
  • This summary presents information concordant with the five included systematic reviews, because they conclude it cannot be established if this intervention is effective and safe, due to the limitations of the existing evidence.
  • No relevant international guidelines addressing this question were identified.
Could this evidence change in the future?
  • The probability that future evidence changes the conclusions of this summary is high due to the existing uncertainty.
  • We identified one ongoing systematic review [7] in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Registries (PROSPERO) and one ongoing trial [8] in the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform of the World Health Organization, which could provide additional relevant information regarding the efficacy of topical tranexamic acid for the management of spontaneous epistaxis.

How we conducted this summary

Using automated and collaborative means, we compiled all the relevant evidence for the question of interest and we present it as a matrix of evidence.

Follow the link to access the interactive version: Tranexamic acid for the management of spontaneous epistaxis.

Notes

The upper portion of the matrix of evidence will display a warning of “new evidence” if new systematic reviews are published after the publication of this summary. Even though the project considers the periodical update of these summaries, users are invited to comment in Medwave or to contact the authors through email if they find new evidence and the summary should be updated earlier.

After creating an account in Epistemonikos, users will be able to save the matrixes and to receive automated notifications any time new evidence potentially relevant for the question appears.

This article is part of the Epistemonikos Evidence Synthesis project. It is elaborated with a pre-established methodology, following rigorous methodological standards and internal peer review process. Each of these articles corresponds to a summary, denominated FRISBEE (Friendly Summary of Body of Evidence using Epistemonikos), whose main objective is to synthesize the body of evidence for a specific question, with a friendly format to clinical professionals. Its main resources are based on the evidence matrix of Epistemonikos and analysis of results using GRADE methodology. Further details of the methods for developing this FRISBEE are described here (http://dx.doi.org/10.5867/medwave.2014.06.5997)

Epistemonikos foundation is a non-for-profit organization aiming to bring information closer to health decision-makers with technology. Its main development is Epistemonikos database (www.epistemonikos.org).

Potential conflicts of interest

The authors do not have relevant interests to declare.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Esta licencia permite el uso, distribución y reproducción del artículo en cualquier medio, siempre y cuando se otorgue el crédito correspondiente al autor del artículo y al medio en que se publica, en este caso, Medwave.

Authors

María Jesús Santander

Andrés Rosenbaum

Matías Winter

mwinterd@gmail.com.

Centro Evidencia UC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 476, Santiago, Chile

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History

Citation Santander M, Rosenbaum A, Winter M. Topical tranexamic acid for spontaneous epistaxis. Medwave 2018;18(08):e7371 doi: 10.5867/medwave.2018.08.7371

Submission date 16/11/2018

Acceptance date 30/11/2018

Publication date 10/12/2018

Metrics

Not available at the moment.

Notes

Keywords

Tranexamic acid, epistaxis, Epistemonikos, GRADE

Origin and peer review

Con revisión por pares sin ciego por parte del equipo metodológico del Epistemonikos Evidence Synthesis Project.

References

  1. Kamhieh Y, Fox H. Tranexamic acid in epistaxis: a systematic review. Clinical Otolaryngology. 2016;41(6):771-776.
  2. Tibbelin A, Aust R, Bende M, Holgersson M, Petruson B, Rundcrantz H et al. Effect of Local Tranexamic Acid Gel in the Treatment of Epistaxis. ORL. 1995;57(4):207-209.
  3. Montroy J, Hutton B, Moodley P, Fergusson NA, Cheng W, Tinmouth A, Lavallée LT, Fergusson DA, Breau RH. The efficacy and safety of topical tranexamic acid: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Transfus Med Rev. 2018; 32(3):165-178.
  4. Williams A, Biffen A, Pilkington N, Arrick L, Williams RJ, Smith ME, Smith M, Birchall J. Haematological factors in the management of adult epistaxis: systematic review. J Laryngol Otol. 2017 Dec;131(12):1093-1107.
  5. Musgrave KM, Powell J. A systematic review of anti-thrombotic therapy in epistaxis. Rhinology. 2016 Dec 1;54(4):292-391.
  6. Ker K, Beecher D, Roberts I. Topical application of tranexamic acid for the reduction of bleeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jul 23;(7):CD010562.
  7. Gary Peksa, Michael Gottlieb. Efficacy of tranexamic acid for the management of epistaxis. PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018084158.
  8. Wendy Ingram.Novel use of TXA to reduce the need for nasal packing in epistaxis. ICTRP 2018. ISRCTN34153772.