Tranexamic Acid: Current Knowns and Unknowns

In this issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, a special article by Patel et al brings readers up to date on the current status of tranexamic acid (TXA). As an inhibitor of plasmin, TXA has gained wide popularity for its capacity to inhibit fibrinolysis and thus, reduce operative blood loss and the rate of blood transfusion. An expansive range of surgical disciplines have employed this drug and their track records convene on a general favorability of TXA. Authors of the cited article give us insight into how TXA can be utilized in cardiac, pediatric, neurosurgical, obstetric orthopedic and trauma settings as summarized in this infographic. Further studies are warranted to better characterize the use of this valuable adjunctive agent in the management of perioperative blood loss. The reader is encouraged to review this article for an in depth understanding of TXA pharmacology, its benefits, and its limitations.