Use of tranexamic acid in trauma patients requiring massive transfusion protocol activation: a reassessment of prescribing behaviours in a major trauma centre in New Zealand

AIM: To re-investigate prescribing behaviours for tranexamic acid (TXA) use in the early management of severe trauma, and to compare against the standards considered to be best practice and the same study conducted at this centre two years prior. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective analysis of trauma patients requiring massive transfusion protocol (MTP) activation across a 26-month period. Physical and electronic inpatient records and ambulance documentation were reviewed to determine dose and timing of TXA administration. RESULTS: During the period studied, 53 trauma patients requiring activation of the MTP were identified. Of those for whom TXA was indicated, 90.9% received at least an initial dose of TXA and 50.0% received both doses. In total, 16.7% of patients received a dose within one hour of injury, 73.8% between one and three hours and 9.52% outside three hours. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the previous study, the utilisation of TXA is now more consistent with what is considered best practice. Delayed administration beyond the three-hour therapeutic window was less than the 26.3% figure previously reported, and comparable to that of major trauma centres internationally. Persistent issues include the under-utilisation of the second dose and the potential for much earlier use, as has been achieved at centres where pre-hospital administration is the norm.