Background: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) prevent the breakdown of bradykinin and can lead to life threatening angioedema. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic that inhibits formation of precursors involved in bradykinin synthesis and, in case reports, has been described as a potential treatment for ACE-I angioedema.
Methods: This retrospective study included patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) from January 2018 to August 2021 with angioedema while taking an ACE-I. Patients who received tranexamic acid (treatment group) were compared with patients who did not receive tranexamic acid (control group). Primary outcome was length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes evaluated included ICU admissions, intubations, and safety events.
Results: A total of 262 patients were included in this study (73 treatment; 189 control). Overall, the median ED LOS was longer in the treatment group than controls (20.9 h vs 4.8 h, p < 0.001). ICU admission rates were higher in the treatment group (45% vs 16%, p < 0.001). More patients were intubated in the treatment group (12% vs 3%, p = 0.018). No difference was seen between the treatment group and the controls for return within 7 days, complications related to thrombosis, and death. In patients presenting with severe angioedema symptoms who were admitted to the hospital, median LOS was not different between the two groups (58.7 h vs 55.7 h, p = 0.61).
Conclusions: Patients who received tranexamic acid had increased ED LOS, rates of ICU admission, and need for intubation. This finding may be related to the severity of presentation. Administration of tranexamic acid appears safe to use in ACE-I angioedema. Prospective randomized controlled studies should be considered to determine whether tranexamic acid is an effective treatment for ACE-I angioedema.
Keywords: Allergy; Angioedema; Bradykinin; Emergency medicine; Swelling; Tranexamic acid.
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