Trauma-INTACT Results

The Trauma Intact trial: a clinical trial investigating pharmacokinetics of intramuscular tranexamic acid (TXA) in bleeding trauma patients

TXA a drug that prevents severe bleeding after injury by inhibiting blood clot breakdown, is most effective when given soon after injury. Every 15 minutes treatment delay reduces its lifesaving potential by 10%. However, currently only 3% of UK trauma victims get TXA within an hour of injury.

The drug is usually given by intravenous injection (IV) but securing an intravenous line can take time and the drug has to be injected slowly. This new research shows that TXA can also be given by intramuscular injection (IM), just like a flu jab, which requires less training and takes less time. It was found that the drug is rapidly absorbed from muscles and there were no local adverse effects.

This means TXA can be given by first responders, greatly expanding access to urgent treatment. This could improve trauma care around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries where most trauma deaths occur. 

Click HERE to read the full results publication