Published online Dec 16, 2014. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i12.893
Revised: October 28, 2014
Accepted: October 31, 2014
Published online: December 16, 2014
Processing time: 266 Days and 22.9 Hours
AIM: To conduct a detailed systematic review of the current evidence on the administration and efficacy of tranexamic acid in patients with menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids.
METHODS: We conducted an electronic search on the following databases PubMed and Medline (1950-2013); (1980-2013); Cochrane library (1993-2013).
RESULTS: A total of 36 articles were retrieved after the initial electronic search. Careful assessment of the retrieved studies led to the final selection of 5 articles for inclusion in the review.
CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid may reduce blood loss perioperatively in myomectomies. It may reduce the menorrhagia in patients with fibroids, however a stratification of fibroids by size and location is required to define the responses. It is safe in general, with mild adverse effects observed in some cases. More studies with a double-blind randomized design and larger numbers of participants are necessary to reach more precise and safe conclusions.
Core tip: Uterine fibroid tumors are the most common gynecologic causes for menorrhagia. Tranexamic acid is a safe non-hormonal medication that significantly reduces abnormal menstrual bleeding. We conducted a systematic review of the contemporary evidence on the administration and efficacy of tranexamic acid in patients with menorrhagia associated with fibroid tumors of the uterus. Antifibrinolytic treatment may reduce blood loss perioperatively in myomectomies, and reduce menorrhagia in patients with fibroids. More double randomized studies with larger numbers of participants are necessary to reach more precise and safe conclusions.