Every year at least 70,000 women die due to hemorrhage after Birth, about a quarter of all women who give birth worldwide. This finding is part of a clinical trial led by scientists from the ‘School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine’ in London, who found that tranexamic acid (TXA) can be safely injected into women during childbirth.
In order to stop postpartum hemorrhage, the WHO also recommends giving the intravenous drug, which helps blood clot faster, within 3 hours. Yes indeed, every 15 minutes of delay in the administration of TXA reduces its benefit by approximately 10%.
“The drug is only effective if it’s given as soon as possible after the bleeding starts, and it’s no good after three hours.”the researchers confirm.
This warning in relation to the key time for its administration states that midwives —who are not allowed to administer intravenous injections— should not only be trained to do so —many are— but it should be legally allowed to avoid delays and effectiveness .
An investigation that would save the lives of thousands of women
In the study, which included 120 women at risk of postpartum haemorrhage in Pakistan and Zambiaparticipants received an injection, a pill version, and a placebo of TXA before the start of the bleeding.
TXA works as a ‘clot stabilizer’, which means it prevents the body from breaking up clots when someone is bleeding heavily. Although the injection and the pills were considered safe for mothers and their babies, the latter taking an hour to reach a high enough concentration to have any benefit. But it took just 10 minutes via injection.
“The military was the first to express interest in an injectable form of TXA, which soldiers could take into the field to use if they are injured.”they confirm. The vast majority of cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia., and a large number are preventable. In addition to severe bleeding, infections, childbirth complications, high blood pressure, and unsafe abortions are the leading causes of death.
“No mother should have to fear for her life while bringing a baby into the world, especially when the knowledge and tools are in place to treat common complications.”they add.
The researchers are now launching a Phase 3 trial with 30,000 women to further test the efficacy. If successful, it should pave the way for the injections to be used worldwide within the next 3 years, a result they are optimistic about given previous studies.
