The Use of Tranexamic Acid in Tactical Combat Casualty Care: TCCC Proposed Change 20-02

J Spec Oper Med. 2020 Fall;20(3):36-43. doi: 10.55460/ZWV3-5CBW.

Abstract

The literature continues to provide strong support for the early use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in severely injured trauma patients. Questions persist, however, regarding the optimal medical and tactical/logistical use, timing, and dose of this medication, both from the published TXA literature and from the TCCC user community. The use of TXA has been explored outside of trauma, new dosing strategies have been pursued, and expansion of retrospective use data has grown as well. These questions emphasize the need for a reexamination of TXA by the CoTCCC. The most significant updates to the TCCC Guidelines are (i) including significant traumatic brain injury (TBI) as an indication for TXA, (ii) changing the dosing protocol to a single 2g IV/IO administration, and (iii) recommending TXA administration via slow IV/IO push.

MeSH terms

  • Antifibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tranexamic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antifibrinolytic Agents
  • Tranexamic Acid