Inhaled Tranexamic Acid for Hemoptysis Treatment

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage secondary to haemophilus influenzae in a vaping patient

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is known to occur from several infectious and non-infectious aetiologies. Among the infectious aetiologies, Haemophilus influenzae, an organism known to cause community-acquired pneumonia, has not been reported in association with DAH prior to this case. On the other hand, vaping, an evolving epidemic concern, has been linked to various types of lung injury, including DAH. However, DAH related to vaping is only limited to several case reports. Our case describes H. influenzae pneumonia with DAH in a patient known to have vaped until the night prior to elective lobectomy for lung cancer and developed DAH within 24 hours of hospitalisation. He subsequently recovered with treatment. DAH requires immediate recognition, and healthcare providers need to be aware that neither haemoptysis nor decrease in haemoglobin level is necessarily associated. Prior to diagnosis, empirical treatment with intravenous steroids and antibiotics can be life-saving.

Cardiovascular complications in cystic fibrosis: A review of the literature

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, leading to dysfunction of the CFTR protein. CFTR dysfunction leads to disease in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Disorders of the cardiovascular system in individuals with CF are usually attributed to secondary effects from progressive lung disease. However, CFTR has been localized to vascular endothelium and smooth muscle, suggesting that CFTR dysfunction may directly impact cardiovascular function. As treatments for CF improve and life-expectancy increases, the risk of vascular disease may increase in prevalence related to primary and secondary CFTR dysfunction, chronic systemic inflammation, nutritional health and hyperglycemia in individuals with CF related diabetes. Here we review the available literature on CF and the cardiovascular system, examining the secondary effects and evidence for direct CFTR dysfunction in the heart, aorta, pulmonary vessels, and vasculature, as well as future directions and treatment options.

A role for nebulized tranexamic acid in veno-venous ECMO patients

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Although pulmonary haemorrhage as a complication of ECMO has been well documented, optimal management is not fully elucidated. We describe the role of nebulized tranexamic acid as a therapeutic alternative.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case series of three patients with ARDS on ECMO complicated by pulmonary haemorrhage. These patients were treated with 500 mg of nebulized tranexamic acid via the endotracheal tube. Key observations included significant stabilization of haemodynamics, reduced circuit changes and less time off of anticoagulation.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

This series demonstrates successful bleeding management with nebulized tranexamic acid, reducing the frequency of ECMO circuit changes, time off of anticoagulation and blood loss.

Randomised trial of first-line bronchial artery embolisation for non-severe haemoptysis of mild abundance

Background

Whereas first-line bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) is considered standard of care for the management of severe haemoptysis, it is unknown whether this approach is warranted for non-severe haemoptysis.

Research question

To assess the efficacy on bleeding control and the safety of first-line BAE in non-severe haemoptysis of mild abundance.

Study design and methods

This multicentre, randomised controlled open-label trial enrolled adult patients without major comorbid condition and having mild haemoptysis (onset <72 hours, 100–200 mL estimated bleeding amount), related to a systemic arterial mechanism. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to BAE associated with medical therapy or to medical therapy alone.

Results

Bleeding recurrence at day 30 after randomisation (primary outcome) occurred in 4 (11.8%) of 34 patients in the BAE strategy and 17 (44.7%) of 38 patients in the medical strategy (difference −33%; 95% CI −13.8% to −52.1%, p=0.002). The 90-day bleeding recurrence-free survival rates were 91.2% (95% CI 75.1% to 97.1%) and 60.2% (95% CI 42.9% to 73.8%), respectively (HR=0.19, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.67, p=0.01). No death occurred during follow-up and no bleeding recurrence needed surgery.

Four adverse events (one major with systemic emboli) occurred during hospitalisation, all in the BAE strategy (11.8% vs 0%; difference 11.8%, 95% CI 0.9 to 22.6, p=0.045); all eventually resolved.

Conclusion

In non-severe haemoptysis of mild abundance, BAE associated with medical therapy had a superior efficacy for preventing bleeding recurrences at 30 and 90 days, as compared with medical therapy alone. However, it was associated with a higher rate of adverse events.

Trial registration number

NCT01278199

"Peanut saves the day": an innovative solution to massive, cryptogenic haemoptysis-a case study

Massive (or life-threatening) haemoptysis is a time-sensitive emergency encountered by a physician that requires an interdisciplinary, collaborative effort to arrest the bleeding in a prompt and timely manner. Placement of an endobronchial Watanabe spigot (EWS) to halt haemoptysis is a relatively recent technique finding its wide application in airway pathology, with the current extension of its use to bronchial bleeding. However, the lack of immediate access to EWS gives rise to the need to innovate with day-to-day materials used in routine surgical practice and available in resource-limited settings, which may serve the purpose of a spigot. In this report, we bring to light a case of life-threatening, cryptogenic haemoptysis that was managed by a novel technique of using peanut gauze as a spigot resulting in a successful endobronchial tamponade.

Does tranexamic acid reduce risk of mortality on patients with hemoptysis?: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although tranexamic acid (TXA), a readily accessible antifibrinolytic agent, is widely adopted in hemorrhage scenarios, its role on mortality in patients with hemoptysis remains uncertain. New evidence is yet to be generated to evaluate the risk of mortality after using TXA in patients with hemoptysis.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to May 2020. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies that evaluated the effect of TXA on patients with hemoptysis were included. Data were independently extracted by 2 reviewers and synthesized using a random-effects model.

MAIN RESULTS

Five studies with a total of 20,047 patients were analyzed. When compared with the control, administration of TXA was associated with a reduction in short-term mortality (risk ratio = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.85; I2 = 0), shorter bleeding time (mean difference = - 24.61 hours, 95% CI - 35.96 to -13.26, I2 = 0), shorter length of hospital stay (mean difference = -1.94 days, 95% CI -2.48 to -1.40, I2 = 0), and lower need for intervention (risk ratio = 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.87, I2 = 0) in patients with hemoptysis. Compared with control, administration of TXA did not cause increased major or minor adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

TXA provided benefits in terms of a lower short-term mortality rate, less bleeding time, shorter length of hospital stays, and less need for intervention in patients with hemoptysis. Use of TXA was not associated with increased adverse effects.

Life-Threatening Hemoptysis

Life-threatening hemoptysis (LTH) is any amount of hemoptysis that causes significant hemodynamic decompensation or respiratory distress which may lead to death if left untreated. While the amount of hemoptysis that qualifies as massive hemoptysis has continued to be debated, any amount between 100 to 1,000 mL/day is considered significant. Up to 15% cases of hemoptysis are LTH and need urgent life-saving intervention. Understanding of pulmonary vascular anatomy is of paramount importance to manage LTH. The goal of treatment lies in airway protection, appropriate oxygenation, and prevention of exsanguination. Once the airway is stabilized, a quick diagnosis and control of bleeding site is targeted. This chapter highlights current practices and approach to LTH including medical management, bronchoscopic approach, and advanced therapies such as bronchial artery embolization and surgical resection. We review situations, such as bronchiectasis, vascular malformation, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and tracheostomy bleed and specific approach to management of these conditions in a systematic and evidence-based manner.

COVID-19-Associated Hyper-Fibrinolysis: Mechanism and Implementations

The emerging novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 presents with high infectivity, morbidity and mortality. It presenting a need for immediate understanding of its pathogenicity. Inflammation and coagulation systems are over-activated in COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 damages endothelial cell and pneumocyte, resulting in hemostatic disorder and ARDS. An influential biomarkers of poor outcome in COVID-19 are high circulating cytokines and D-dimer level. This latter is due to hyper-fibrinolysis and hyper-coagulation. Plasmin is a key player in fibrinolysis and is involved in the cleavage of many viruses envelop proteins, including SARS-CoV. This function is similar to that of TMPRSS2, which underpins the entry of viruses into the host cell. In addition, plasmin is involved in the pathophysiology of ARDS in SARS and promotes secretion of cytokine, such as IL-6 and TNF, from activated macrophages. Here, we suggest an out-of-the-box treatment for alleviating fibrinolysis and the ARDS of COVID-19 patients. This proposed treatment is concomitant administration of an anti-fibrinolytic drug and the anticoagulant.

Inhaled Tranexamic Acid for Massive Hemoptysis in the Setting of Oral Anticoagulation: A Case Report

Introduction

We discuss a case of massive hemoptysis in the setting of a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) successfully managed with nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA).

Case Report

Per the American College of Cardiology and the American Society of Hematology, it is recommended that significant bleeding associated with a DOAC be treated with either 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate or andexanet alfa. However, our patient was at high risk for thrombotic complications given a recent pulmonary embolism.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that it is reasonable to trial nebulized TXA given its low cost, ease of administration, and safety profile. Additionally, this report discusses a unique dosing strategy and a previously unreported complication associated with nebulization of undiluted TXA.

Prophylactic use of tranexamic acid for decreasing the blood loss in elective cesarean section: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Tranexamic acid is used as a known treatment of post-partum hemorrhage both in natural vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections, but its use in elective cesarean as a prophylactic measure to decrease the blood loss is not so common.

OBJECTIVE

This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in decreasing the bleeding in women undergoing elective cesarean section.

METHOD

200 term singleton pregnant women who were scheduled for elective cesarean section were randomized to 2 groups and received a bolus of 1 gm tranexamic acid if body weight was <90 kg and 1.5 g if body weight was >90 kg diluted in 15 ml of 5% dextrose intravenously, or 5 ml of distilled water in 15 ml of 5% dextrose as placebo (before skin incision). Intra-operative and post-operative blood loss and hemoglobin levels were compared.

RESULTS

Tranexamic acid decreased the mean blood loss by 25.3 % in our studied women. Mean volume of intra-operative blood loss was 391.1 (±67.4) ml in tranexamic acid group and 523.8 (±153.4) ml in control group which was statistically significant lesser with a 132.7 ml difference. Rate of >1000 ml and >500 ml bleeding and need to blood transfusion were also statistically significant lower in tranexamic acid group., mean hemoglobin level was statistically significant lower in placebo group than tranexamic acid group (11.77 ± 0.50 versus 11.31 ± 0.56) 6 h after cesarean section. No adverse reaction was documented.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic use of intravenous tranexamic acid decreases the blood loss safely in women undergoing elective cesarean section.

Recurrent Hemoptysis: A Bronchial Dieulafoy's Lesion in a Pediatric Patient

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents a case of a bronchial Dieulafoy's lesion in a pediatric patient with recurrent hemoptysis.

CASE REPORT

A 11-year old female presented multiple times with dry cough and hemoptysis to an outside hospital, each time leading to a diagnosis of epistaxis and subsequent discharge. When she arrived to our tertiary center with heavy hemoptysis and no evidence of epistaxis, the patient was urgently taken to the operating room by both the otolaryngology and pediatric pulmonology services. Active bleeding from a Dieulafoy's lesion on the right lower bronchus was found and selective embolization of two tortuous arteries was subsequently performed. The patient was discharged in stable condition without recurrence of hemoptysis over the last two months.

CONCLUSION

While rare, especially in pediatric patients, bronchial Dieulafoy's lesions may cause severe hemoptysis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis when the etiology for hemoptysis is unclear.

Prophylactic use of tranexamic acid for prevention of bleeding during transbronchial lung biopsies - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Although massive bleeding following transbronchial lung biopsies (TBLB) is rare, even minor hemorrhage may prolong the procedure and result in inadequate sampling. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent, which reduces bleeding in numerous scenarios, however, its prophylactic use in mitigating post-TBLB bleeding has not been investigated. We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine whether topical infusion of TXA prior to TBLB would reduce bleeding, shorten procedure duration and increase the number of biopsies obtained.

METHODS

We blindly randomized patients undergoing TBLB to receive topical TXA or placebo in the lobar bronchus prior to biopsies. Vital signs, procedure length, fluid balance (as a measure of the amount of bleeding), operator's assessment of bleeding, and number of biopsies obtained were measured. Data was analyzed using the two-tailed Student's T-Test, Chi-square or Mann-Whitney tests as appropriate.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were randomized, 26 to the TXA arm. The bleeding in the TXA group was significantly lower (P = 0.0037), with more specimens being obtained (placebo 7 (6, 9) (median and interquartile range) vs. TXA 9 (8, 10), P = 0.023) and no difference in procedure length (placebo 30 min (29.3, 34.3) vs. TXA 30 (24.8, 36), P = 0.90). There were no clinically significant adverse events in any of the groups up to one month of follow up.

CONCLUSION

Endobronchial installation of TXA prior to obtaining TBLB results in less bleeding and allows more biopsies to be obtained with no additional adverse events. The prophylactic use of TXA during TBLB may be considered as standard.

A Case Report of Nebulized Tranexamic Acid for Post-tonsillectomy Hemorrhage in an Adult

Introduction

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening, postoperative complication that is commonly encountered in the emergency department (ED).

Case Report

Herein, we describe the case of a 22-year-old male who presented to the ED with an active post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. He rapidly became hypotensive and experienced an episode of syncope. Immediate interventions included intravenous fluids, emergency release blood and nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA). After completion of the nebulized TXA, the patient’s bleeding was controlled.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first case in the emergency medicine literature that describes the use of nebulized TXA in an adult to achieve hemostasis in post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.

Nebulized tranexamic acid for recurring hemoptysis in critically ill patients: case series

BACKGROUND

Hemoptysis is a clinical condition encountered in the emergency department (ED) and must be managed and investigated urgently to maintain the patient's hemostasis. The management of hemoptysis depends on treating the underlying cause. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic drug used to systemically control bleeding. There are a few studies available that investigate the use of nebulized tranexamic acid for hemoptysis with contradictory results. Our paper demonstrates three cases where patients presented with significant hemoptysis and had significant improvement in symptoms following the administration of nebulized tranexamic acid. The overall need for blood transfusion was reduced.

RESULTS

Three patients presented to the emergency room for evaluation of hemoptysis. All three patients had different underlying pathologies resulting in their hemoptysis and were monitored in the ICU. Initial conventional medical therapies including the correction of coagulopathy and discontinuing offending agents were utilized for treatment. After persistent symptoms, nebulized TXA at a dose of 500 mg three times a day was administered. The patients were all discharged from the hospital with improvement in their symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Tranexamic acid may be considered in the treatment of hemoptysis regardless of the underlying cause. This may be utilized pending further workup and investigation into the underlying source of the bleeding.

Palliative care in pulmonary medicine

Palliative care was initially developed for patients with advanced cancer. The concept has evolved and now encompasses any life-threatening chronic disease. Studies carried out to compare end-of-life symptoms have shown that although symptoms such as pain and dyspnea are as prevalent in patients with lung disease as in patients with cancer, the former receive less palliative treatment than do the latter. There is a need to refute the idea that palliative care should be adopted only when curative treatment is no longer possible. Palliative care should be provided in conjunction with curative treatment at the time of diagnosis, by means of a joint decision-making process; that is, the patient and the physician should work together to plan the therapy, seeking to improve quality of life while reducing physical, psychological, and spiritual suffering.

Management of life-threatening hemoptysis

It is estimated that 5-14% of patients presenting with hemoptysis will have life-threatening hemoptysis, with a reported mortality rate between 9 and 38%. This manuscript provides a comprehensive literature review on life-threatening hemoptysis, including the etiology and mechanisms, initial stabilization, and management of patients. There is no consensus on the optimal diagnostic approach to life-threatening hemoptysis, so we present a practical approach to utilizing chest radiography, computed tomography, and bronchoscopy, alone or in combination, to localize the bleeding site depending on patient stability. The role of angiography and embolization as well as bronchoscopic and surgical techniques for the management of life-threatening hemoptysis is reviewed. Through case presentation and flow diagram, an overview is provided on how to systematically evaluate and treat the bronchial arteries, which are responsible for hemoptysis in 90% of cases. Treatment options for recurrent hemoptysis and definitive management are discussed, highlighting the role of bronchial artery embolization for recurrent hemoptysis.

Management of bleeding in palliative care patients in the general internal medicine ward: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Palliative care patients, those suffering from at least one chronic lifelong medical condition and hospice care patients, those with a life expectancy less than 6 months, are regularly hospitalised in general internal medicine wards. By means of a clinical case, this review aims to equip the internist with an approach to bleeding in this population. Firstly, practical advice on platelet transfusions will be provided. Secondly, the management of bleeding in site-specific situations will be addressed (from the ENT/pulmonary sphere, gastrointestinal - urogenital tract and cutaneous ulcers). Finally, an algorithm pertaining to the management of catastrophic bleeding is proposed.

METHODS

Electronic databases, including EMBASE, Pubmed, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library were studied as primary resources, in association with local guidelines, to identify papers exploring platelet transfusions and alternative management of site-specific bleeding in palliative care patients.

RESULTS

Haemorrhagic complications are frequent in palliative care patients in the internal medicine ward. Current guidelines propose a therapeutic-only platelet transfusion policy. Nonetheless, prophylactic and/or therapeutic transfusion remains a physician-dependent decision. Site-specific therapeutic options are based on expert opinion and case reports. While invasive measures may be pertinent in certain situations, their application must be compatible with patient goals. Catastrophic bleeding requires caregivers' comforting presence; pharmacological management is secondary.

CONCLUSION

Literature is lacking regarding management of bleeding in the palliative care population hospitalised in an acute medical setting. Recommendations are of limited quality, the majority based on case reports or expert opinion. Further studies, exploring for example the impact on patient quality of life, are desirable to improve the management of this frequently encountered complication.

Inhaled Tranexamic Acid As a Novel Treatment for Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients: An Observational Study

Objectives:

To describe the use of inhaled or endotracheally instilled tranexamic acid in critically ill pediatric patients for the treatment of pulmonary hemorrhage, which can be severe, life-threatening, and include potentially high-risk management procedures.

Design:

Retrospective observational study from 2011-2018 with patients followed until hospital discharge.

Setting:

Free-standing children’s hospital with an annual ICU volume of more than 3,500 yearly admissions.

Patients:

Pediatric patients, ages 0 to 18 years, admitted to an ICU and who received at least one dose of inhaled or endotracheally instilled tranexamic acid were included.

Interventions:

Inhaled or endotracheally instilled tranexamic acid.

Measurements and Main Results:

This study described the efficacy and adverse effects of patients who received inhaled or endotracheally instilled tranexamic acid. A total of 19 patients met inclusion criteria; median age was 72 months (11–187 mo), most patients were female (11, 58%), and almost half our patients (8, 42%) had congenital heart disease. Nine of 19 encounters (47%) had diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, four (21%) had pulmonary hemorrhage related to major aortopulmonary collateral arteries, two (11%) had mucosal airway bleeding, two (11%) were iatrogenic, one had a pulmonary embolism, and one patient did not have their etiology of pulmonary hemorrhage determined. Cessation of pulmonary hemorrhage was achieved in 18 of 19 patients (95%) with inhaled tranexamic acid with no major adverse events recorded.

Conclusions and Relevance:

We demonstrate that inhaled tranexamic acid may be safely used to treat pulmonary hemorrhage from varied etiologies in critically ill pediatric patients. Prospective studies are required in this vulnerable population to determine optimal dosing and delivery strategies, as well as to define any differential effect according to etiology.

The many roles of tranexamic acid: An overview of the clinical indications for TXA in medical and surgical patients

Clinically significant bleeding can occur as a consequence of surgery, trauma, obstetric complications, anticoagulation, and a wide variety of disorders of hemostasis. As the causes of bleeding are diverse and not always immediately apparent, the availability of a safe, effective, and non-specific hemostatic agent is vital in a wide range of clinical settings, with antifibrinolytic agents often utilized for this purpose. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is one of the most commonly used and widely researched antifibrinolytic agents; its role in postpartum hemorrhage, menorrhagia, trauma-associated hemorrhage, and surgical bleeding has been well defined. However, the utility of TXA goes beyond these common indications, with accumulating data suggesting its ability to reduce bleeding and improve clinical outcomes in the face of many different hemostatic challenges, without a clear increase in thrombotic risk. Herein, we review the literature and provide practical suggestions for clinical use of TXA across a broad spectrum of bleeding disorders.

Nebulized Tranexamic Acid for the Use of Epistaxis: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent and functions as a competitive inhibitor of plasminogen activation, promoting hemostasis. Topical application of tranexamic acid for the control of epistaxis has been described in the literature, mainly through administration with gauze and packing. There is limited evidence for the use of tranexamic acid via alternative routes of administration such as nebulization.

CASE REPORT

We describe a patient who presented to the emergency department with epistaxis who was treated with nebulized tranexamic acid. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Our case provides an alternative treatment modality using nebulizing tranexamic acid to help manage epistaxis in patients that cannot be managed with topical antifibrinolytic therapy administered by other means.

Effect of tranexamic acid on mortality in patients with haemoptysis: a nationwide study

Background

Although tranexamic acid is widely used in patients with haemoptysis, whether it improves mortality has not been well investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tranexamic acid on in-hospital mortality among patients with haemoptysis.

Methods

This was a retrospective study using data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database. We identified all cases of emergency admission due to haemoptysis from July 2010 to March 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: a control group, and a tranexamic acid group (those who received tranexamic acid on the day of admission). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, with secondary outcomes of hospital stay length and total healthcare cost. The data were evaluated using a propensity score matching analysis.

Results

Among 28,539 included patients, 17,049 patients received tranexamic acid and 11,490 patients did not. Propensity score analysis generated 9933 matched pairs. Compared to the control group, patients in the tranexamic acid group had significantly lower in-hospital mortality (11.5% vs. 9.0%; risk difference, − 2.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI), − 3.5 to − 1.6%), shorter hospital stays (18 ± 24 days vs. 16 ± 18 days; risk difference, − 2.4 days; 95% CI, − 3.1 to − 1.8 days), and lower total healthcare costs ($7573 ± 10,085 vs. $6757 ± 9127; risk difference, $− 816; 95% CI, $− 1109 to − 523).

Conclusions

Tranexamic acid may reduce in-hospital mortality among patients with haemoptysis requiring emergency admission.

Nebulized Vasopressin for the Control of Hematemesis and Hemoptysis in a Child With Recurrent, Refractory Stage III Burkitt Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Bleeding occurs with some regularity at the end of life. Patients often endure fatigue, weakness, pain, dyspnea and anxiety. These symptoms are magnified in visually apparent bleeds. Management can be particularly challenging as we attempt to balance therapies with goals of care. Children are at risk for such complications and symptoms; providers must ensure comfort for both the patient and family.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 7-year-old male with recurrent, refractory Burkitt lymphoma was frequently hospitalized for palliative chemotherapy and disease complications. On his final admission, he experienced gross hemoptysis and hematemesis: he was short of breath, fatigued and anxious due to his blood loss. His and his family's angst were heightened by "seeing" his bleed. Potential, especially invasive, treatments were limited by our goals to promote comfort, limit interventions, maintain alertness, poor intravenous access and a small bowel obstruction. Nebulized vasopressin, 10 units in 4ml of normal saline given over 10 minutes provided JC with needed relief. His bleeding remitted and he tolerated its administration.

CONCLUSION

There are many treatments for hemorrhage; however, given the challenges of goals of care, administration, side-effects and tolerability, further investigation into nebulized vasopressin as a potential therapy for hemoptysis and hematemesis at the end-of-life is warranted.

Management of hemoptysis in patients with lung cancer

Hemoptysis related to malignancy is common and accounts for nearly a quarter of all cases of hemoptysis in the US, and approximately 20% of patients with lung cancer will experience some degree of hemoptysis during their disease course. Both minor and massive hemoptysis come with diagnostic and treatment challenges and are associated with increased mortality. We will discuss the definition and epidemiology of hemoptysis related to malignancy, outline our approach to the initial evaluation and diagnostic workup, and extensively review the management of minor and massive hemoptysis. Specific emphasis will be on relevant signs and symptoms, imaging, and the role of bronchoscopy, and the differences in approach for minor hemoptysis compared to massive hemoptysis. While the role of surgical management is very limited in this patient population, the role of endobronchial and endovascular management will be discussed in detail.

Nebulized Tranexamic Acid Therapy for Hemoptysis Associated with Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

Hemoptysis and pulmonary embolism (PE) are life-threatening pulmonary emergencies that, when present together, create a therapeutic conundrum. We present an illustrative case of a 65-year-old man with unprovoked submassive PE and moderate hemoptysis due to pulmonary infarction. Hemoptysis precluded systemic anticoagulation. Failing a conservative management strategy, we administered nebulized tranexamic acid. After four doses of nebulized tranexamic acid 500 mg, 6 hours apart, hemoptysis had ceased. Systemic anticoagulation with intravenous heparin was then successfully commenced 12 hours after the last episode of hemoptysis. The patient was weaned off high-flow nasal oxygen therapy over the course of the next 5 days with no hemoptysis recurrence. Noting the absence of trial evidence, but good pharmacological rationale and our positive experience, we suggest tranexamic acid is a useful noninvasive treatment option for the management of such conditions. Consent for this publication was obtained from the patient.

Antifibrinolytic Agents for Hemoptysis Management in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Hemoptysis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Antifibrinolytic agents have shown efficacy in a broad range of bleeding disorders and conditions.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to examine the use of antifibrinolytic agents in managing hemoptysis in CF. We developed a clinical treatment pathway for inpatient and outpatient use, and rates of admission for bleeding prior to and following implementation of the pathway are reported.

METHODS

All adult patients with CF treated with systemic antifibrinolytic agents over a 54-month period according to the treatment pathway were analyzed. Data collected included demographic characteristics, baseline CF-related characteristics, and bleeding and treatment parameters. Effectiveness of the pathway was evaluated via comparison of annualized hemoptysis admission rates prior to and following pathway enrollment.

RESULTS

Seventy-two distinct episodes of hemoptysis treated with antifibrinolytic agents were analyzed in a total of 21 adult patients with CF. Two-thirds of episodes treated involved moderate or massive hemoptysis. Bleeding ceased following a median of 2 days. Outpatient treatment was associated with a 50% reduction in the annualized hemoptysis admission rate following pathway enrollment (2.44 vs 1.23 admissions per year; P = .0024) that was independent of other changes in management. Antifibrinolytic therapy was well tolerated. One central catheter-associated upper extremity DVT was observed in a patient with previous thrombosis in the same vessel.

CONCLUSIONS

A pathway using systemic antifibrinolytic therapy to treat hemoptysis in patients with CF was associated with a reduction in hospital admissions. No serious adverse events were observed. Additional studies are needed to further define the benefits of systemic antifibrinolytic use in patients with CF.