Topical tranexamic acid for spontaneous epistaxis.

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.