Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage Trial: A Phase 2 Randomized Control Trial

BACKGROUND: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where neurosurgical access is limited, early nonsurgical medical interventions in primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has potential benefits. This study assesses the efficacy of early intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA), in reducing expansion of hematoma and improving long-term outcomes in ICH patients. METHODS: We conducted a phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Besides controlling blood pressure, patients with primary ICH presenting within 24 hours were randomly assigned to receive either 1g intravenous TXA or a placebo. The primary outcome was hematoma size change at 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included neurological recovery, survival, healthcare utilization, and complications. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: A total of 154 patients were enrolled, with 78 in the TXA group. At 48 hours, the TXA group had a mean reduction in hematoma size of -0.434 ± 2.23 mL, while the placebo group exhibited increase of 0.462 ± 3.02 mL (P = 0.038). Nonprogression of hematoma occurred in 58.1% of the TXA group versus 43.7% in the placebo group (NNT = 7). Mortality at 180 days was significantly lower in the TXA group (25.6%) compared with the placebo group (38.2%, P = 0.047). Surgical intervention rates were also lower in the TXA group (15.4% vs. 26.3%, P = 0.048). No adverse events related to TXA were reported. CONCLUSION: Intravenous TXA administered within 24 hours reduced hematoma progression, mortality, and surgical intervention in primary ICH. These findings support its safety and potential benefit, particularly in LMICs, pending confirmation in larger trials.