CRASH-2 Study of Tranexamic Acid to Treat Bleeding in Trauma Patients: A Controversy Fueled by Science and Social Media. (7th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Binz, Sophia; McCollester, Jonathon; Thomas, Scott; Miller, Joseph; Pohlman, Timothy; Waxman, Dan; Shariff, Faisal; Tracy, Rebecca; Walsh, Mark
• Other Names: Wendel Silvano Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of blood transfusion. Volume 2015(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-09-07
• Subjects: Blood -- Transfusion -- Periodicals; Blood Transfusion; Blood -- Transfusion; Periodical; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.39
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/874920
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-9187

Abstract

Abstract : This paper reviews the application of tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic, to trauma. CRASH-2, a large randomized controlled trial, was the first to show a reduction in mortality and recommend tranexamic acid use in bleeding trauma patients. However, this paper was not without controversy. Its patient recruitment, methodology, and conductance in moderate-to-low income countries cast doubt on its ability to be applied to trauma protocols in countries with mature trauma networks. In addition to traditional vetting in scientific, peer-reviewed journals, CRASH-2 came about at a time when advances in communication technology allowed debate and influence to be leveraged in new forms, specifically through the use of multimedia campaigns, social media, and Internet blogs. This paper presents a comprehensive view of tranexamic acid utilization in trauma from peer-reviewed evidence to novel multimedia influences.