Fibrinolytic shutdown: Fascinating theory but randomized controlled trial data are needed

Abstract

Administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) to bleeding trauma patients who are within 3 hours of injury has been shown to safely reduce mortality in bleeding trauma patients. However, some believe that thromboelastography (TEG or ROTEM) can be used to subdivide these patients into those that will benefit from TXA and those that will be harmed by it. If thromboelastography can be used in this way there could be important patient benefits. However, if the approach is misguided, patients could be denied a lifesaving treatment. I believe that rather than debate the theoretical basis of this hypothesis, it should be tested by conducting a randomized controlled trial. Bleeding trauma patients who are within 3 hours of injury should be randomly allocated to receive TXA treatment or thromboelastometry-guided TXA treatment with the risk of death and complications compared between the groups. An adequately powered clinical trial would better serve patient interest than ongoing debate.