Anti-fibrinolytic agents in bleeding disorders – A clinical perspective

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic antifibrinolytic drug used widely used to control bleeding complications in a wide variety of clinical situations. Soon after its development in the 1960s it found use in treatment of women with menorrhagia, and in inherited bleeding disorders. Subsequently it was used in surgery and with proven efficacy to reduce transfusion requirements and bleeding complications. Recent meta-analysis have provided further evidence of efficacy and safety. Tranexamic acid is now on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of essential drugs, and is the focus of ongoing worldwide trials. Similarly, there is increasing evidence base in both congenital and acquired bleeding disorders. We present a clinical narrative of the antifibrinolytic system and associated drugs to accompany the pharmacy review by Chaplin et al, with the aim of highlighting the evolution of TXA use in bleeding disorders over recent decades.