According to the CRASH-2 trial, tranexamic acid administered to trauma patients with significant haemorrhage reduces mortality when given within what time window from injury, with harm suggested if delayed beyond it?

• A Within 3 hours ✓
• B Within 1 hour
• C Within 6 hours
• D Within 8 hours

Explanation

CRASH-2 showed that tranexamic acid, a lysine analogue that blocks plasminogen binding to fibrin, reduces all-cause mortality in bleeding trauma patients only when given early, and the accepted window is within three hours of injury. Treatment started later than three hours was associated with increased death due to bleeding, which is why the delayed windows in options C and D are incorrect.

Reference: Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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