Tranexamic acid labelling deaths

The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has released an article warning of the danger caused by the mistaken application of tranexamic acid for caesarean delivery instead of the correct anaesthesia due to similar labelling, resulting in high mortality rates.

The article recommends hospitals educate their staff on the danger of applying tranexamic acid intrathecally and to devise policies and procedures to minimise risk of incorrect application via separation from other anaesthetics.

An article about tranexamic acid and labelling deaths, authored by Dr Victoria Eley, has been published in the Spring edition of that ANZCA Bulletin.