title: Safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid in bleeding paediatric trauma patients: a systematic review protocol.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Trauma is the leading cause of death among children aged 1-18. Studies indicate that better control of bleeding could potentially prevent 10-20% of trauma-related deaths. The antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TxA) has shown promise in haemorrhage control in adult trauma patients. However, information on the potential benefits of TxA in children remains sparse. This review proposes to evaluate the current uses, benefits and adverse effects of TxA in the bleeding paediatric trauma population.
  
  
  METHODS
  A structured search of bibliographic databases (eg, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL) has been undertaken to retrieve randomised controlled trials and cohort studies that describe the use of TxA in paediatric trauma patients. To ensure that all relevant data were captured, the search did not contain any restrictions on language or publication time. After deduplication, citations will be screened independently by 2 authors, and selected for inclusion based on prespecified criteria. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be performed independently and in duplicate. Meta-analytic methods will be employed wherever appropriate.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This study will not involve primary data collection, and formal ethical approval will therefore not be required. The findings of this study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and at relevant conference meetings.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  CRD42016038023.
authors.affiliation: Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Denisa
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Urban
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Ruben
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dehaeck
authors.affiliation: O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Institute of Health Economics, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lorenzetti
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guilfoyle
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology/Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Division of Hematology/Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Division of Hematology/Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Man-Chiu
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Poon
authors.affiliation: Section of Pediatric Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: MacGregor
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steele
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesia, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lardner
authors.affiliation: Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Irene Wai Yan
authors.initials: IW
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Mary Elizabeth
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Brindle
keywords: TRAUMA MANAGEMENT