Contents:
Background
Bleeding can cause distress for patients, families and professional, often resulting in unwanted, unplanned hospital admissions, particularly in patients with a palliative diagnosis (1) Significant bleeding causes a multitude of complexities and is said to occur in around 6-10% of palliative patients (2). An increased risk of bleeding in palliative care can be attributed to both cancer and non-cancer causes.Common primary cancer sites at risk of bleeding:
- Lung
- Head and neck
- Upper GI
Non cancer causes include:
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Haematological conditions
- Iatrogenic
- Trauma
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic antifibrinolytic that prevents or reduces bleeding by impairing fibrin dissolution (3) Tranexamic acid stops blood clots being broken down by preventing the body making an enzyme that dissolves blood clots and is often used to reduce blood loss and control bleeding.
Disclaimer
These Guidelines are intended for use by healthcare professionals and the expectation is that they will use clinical judgement, medical, and nursing knowledge in applying the general principles and recommendations contained within. They are not meant to replace the many available texts on the subject of palliative care.
Some of the management strategies describe the use of drugs outside their licensed indications. They are, however, established and accepted good practice. Please refer to the current BNF for further guidance.
Whilst SPAGG takes every care to compile accurate information , we cannot guarantee its correctness and completeness, and it is subject to change. We do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or expense resulting from the use of this information.