Nebulized Tranexamic Acid in the Management of Hemoptysis: An Integrative Review

Objective: This integrative review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA) in managing hemoptysis, assessing its potential as a non-invasive alternative to traditional invasive procedures.

Methods: An integrative review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024584812). The search included databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, encompassing studies published up to August 7, 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on human studies that utilized nebulized TXA for hemoptysis, with reported outcomes on bleeding cessation, recurrence, and adverse effects. Extracted data included patient demographics, underlying conditions, TXA dosing, administration methods, clinical outcomes, and reported adverse events.

Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria: five original research studies, and nine case reports involving 13 patients. The majority of patients were older adults with underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and infections. Nebulized TXA demonstrated high efficacy in controlling hemoptysis across studies, with most patients experiencing rapid cessation of bleeding. In a randomized controlled trial, 96% of patients receiving TXA achieved complete resolution of hemoptysis within five days, compared to 50% in the placebo group. TXA use was also associated with shorter hospital stays and a decreased need for invasive interventions. The safety profile of nebulized TXA was favorable. However, the long-term safety of nebulized TXA, remains unexplored.

Conclusion: Nebulized tranexamic acid appears to be an effective and safe non-invasive treatment option for hemoptysis, particularly in non-massive cases. It provides rapid control of bleeding and may reduce the requirement for invasive procedures. However, further large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings and to establish optimal dosing regimens.