Which agent is an antifibrinolytic used in postpartum hemorrhage management?

Which agent is an antifibrinolytic used in postpartum hemorrhage management?

• A. Oxytocin.
• B. Tranexamic acid.
• C. Misoprostol.
• D. Prostaglandin E2.

Answer: (B)

In postpartum hemorrhage, preventing excessive bleeding involves stabilizing clots rather than just making the uterus contract. An antifibrinolytic does exactly that by blocking the breakdown of clots that have formed. Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine analog that binds plasminogen and plasmin, inhibiting fibrinolysis and helping to maintain clot integrity. Giving it early after delivery reduces ongoing blood loss and can lower mortality when added to standard measures, a finding supported by major trials and incorporated into guidelines for PPH management. The other agents listed work by promoting uterine contraction or facilitating delivery rather than preventing clot breakdown. Oxytocin is a uterotonic to stimulate the uterus to contract and compress bleeding vessels. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin used as an uterotonic in settings without reliable IV access. Prostaglandin E2 is another prostaglandin used primarily for cervical ripening or induction, not as an antifibrinolytic. So the antifibrinolytic used in postpartum hemorrhage management is tranexamic acid.

In postpartum hemorrhage, preventing excessive bleeding involves stabilizing clots rather than just making the uterus contract. An antifibrinolytic does exactly that by blocking the breakdown of clots that have formed. Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine analog that binds plasminogen and plasmin, inhibiting fibrinolysis and helping to maintain clot integrity. Giving it early after delivery reduces ongoing blood loss and can lower mortality when added to standard measures, a finding supported by major trials and incorporated into guidelines for PPH management.

The other agents listed work by promoting uterine contraction or facilitating delivery rather than preventing clot breakdown. Oxytocin is a uterotonic to stimulate the uterus to contract and compress bleeding vessels. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin used as an uterotonic in settings without reliable IV access. Prostaglandin E2 is another prostaglandin used primarily for cervical ripening or induction, not as an antifibrinolytic.

So the antifibrinolytic used in postpartum hemorrhage management is tranexamic acid.