The antifibrinolytic agent could be a treatment for bloody stroke

A common bleeding-reducing drug could be a treatment for bloody stroke, particularly if administered quickly, according to advanced science presented today at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2020. The conference, February 19-21, is in Los Angeles, a worldwide meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to stroke science and brain health.

The Spot Sign and Tranexamic acid on the prevention of IC ICH growth). ICH is a severe form of acute stroke with few treatment options.

Tranexamic acid is currently used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from trauma, surgery, tooth removal, nosebleeds and heavy menstruation. For this study, one hundred patients with active brain hemorrhage received intravenous tranexamic acid or placebo within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Researchers analyzed brain CT scans performed during the 24-hour period after treatment with tranexamic acid or placebo.

Researchers found a trend towards reduced bleeding expansion in the tranexamic acid group, especially those treated within 3 hours of cerebral hemorrhage. However, this trend was not statistically significant. The finding was consistent with previous research on the use of the drug.

Further studies with tranexamic acid are underway and focus on ultra-early treatment – within 2 hours. This is where there seems to be the greatest opportunity for intervention.

Tranexamic acid is inexpensive, safe and widely available. Our results and others provide a great impetus for further targeted research using this treatment. “

Nawaf Yassi, M.B.B.S., B.Sc., Ph.D., experimental investigator and consultant neurologist at Royal Melbourne Hospital

Larger studies focusing on patient outcomes are needed for this therapy to enter routine clinical practice.