In the CRASH-2 trial, tranexamic acid (TXA) was shown to reduce all-cause mortality in trauma patients when given within:

• A 1 hour of injury
• B 6 hours of injury
• C 12 hours of injury
• D 3 hours of injury ✓

Explanation

The CRASH-2 trial (Lancet 2010) demonstrated that TXA reduced all-cause mortality and hemorrhage-related death in trauma patients when given within 3 hours of injury, with the greatest benefit within 1 hour. Critically, TXA given after 3 hours increased mortality, likely due to fibrinolysis shutdown promoting thrombotic complications. Current ATLS and military protocols recommend TXA within 3 hours of injury for hemorrhagic trauma patients. The follow-up CRASH-3 trial validated TXA for traumatic brain injury within 3 hours of head injury.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.