Data sources: Medline, Embase and the reference lists of identified articles were also scanned for relevant papers.
Study selection: Only randomised controlled trials in English were considered.
Data extraction and synthesis: Two reviewers extracted data independently and study quality was assessed using the Jadad score. Meta-analysis was conducted.
Results: Four RCTs with a total of 183 patients were included. Intraoperative blood loss in the tranexamic acid group was statistically reduced (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -93.56, 95% CI = -132.59-54.52, P < .00001). No statistical difference was seen in the postoperative levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit (WMD = 0.50, 95% CIs = -0.43-1.43, P = .29 and WMD = 0.18, 95% CIs = -1.64-1.99, P = .85, respectively).
Conclusions: This meta-analysis confirms that tranexamic acid can effectively reduce intraoperative blood loss in orthognathic surgery, especially by intravenous administration. But tranexamic acid cannot affect postoperative levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit.