Can Tranexamic Acid Stop Postpartum Hemorrhage?

Abstract Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. This chapter reviews the World Maternal Antifibrinolytic (WOMAN) trial that tested whether the administration of tranexamic acid prevents death and other adverse events from postpartum hemorrhage. The study found a statistically significant decrease in death from postpartum hemorrhage in patients who received tranexamic acid compared to those who received placebo, but with a large number needed to treat of 250. However, given that there were no complications associated with tranexamic acid treatment, this trial supports its use in postpartum hemorrhage, which is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide.