Aim: This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the impact of primary administration of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) on mortality rates in patients having upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Background: UGIB is a critical medical disorder related with high mortality rates worldwide. TXA, an antifibrinolytic agent, has shown promise in reducing bleeding-related mortality in various clinical settings. However, its effectiveness in UGIB remains uncertain. Our current research sought to address this knowledge gap through examining potential benefits of early TXA administration in UGIB cases. Methods: Data from a retrospective cohort of UGIB patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital between May 2022 to April 2023 were analyzed. Patients were categorized into two sets: those which received TXA within 1 year of admission (early administration group) and those who did not receive TXA or received it later (control group). Propensity score matching was employed to minimize bias. Mortality rates, length of hospital stay, blood transfusion needs, and rebleeding rates were assessed as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included adverse events related to TXA administration. Results: In overall 285 UGIB patients were involved in our research, having individuals in every group. The early administration of TXA was related through the statistically substantial decrease in mortality rates (p < 0.05). Patients who received early TXA also exhibited decreased blood transfusion requirements, shorter hospital stays, and lower rates of rebleeding associated to control group. The incidence of adverse events related to TXA administration was minimal and not statistically significant. Conclusion: Early administration of Tranexamic Acid is connected with the significant decrease in death rates, decreased blood transfusion requirements, shorter hospital stays, and a lower risk of rebleeding in UGIB patients. These findings suggest that TXA may be a valuable adjunctive therapy in the management of UGIB, highlighting the potential to improve patient outcomes in this critical clinical scenario.
Keywords: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding, UGIB, Tranexamic Acid, mortality rates, retrospective cohort study, antifibrinolytic therapy, bleeding management.