Local inhibition of the fibrinolytic system in patients with massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

The effect or oral tranexamic acid on massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage was evaluated in a randomized double-blind study. Totally 50 patients entered the trial and seven were excluded, leaving 22 placebo treated and 21 tranexamic acid treated for analysis. The groups were comparable regarding sex, age, diagnosis, and initial laboratory data. Transfusions requirements and operation frequency did not differ. Mortality was slightly reduced and death delayed in tranexamic acid treated patients.