Tranexamic acid, as an adjunct to oxytocin prophylaxis, in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in women undergoing elective caesarean section: A single-centre double-blind randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing blood loss during elective caesarean sections in women with and without risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). DESIGN: A double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: An academic tertiary referral centre in Singapore. POPULATION: Multiethnic women aged 21 years or older undergoing elective caesarean section. METHODS: Randomisation to intravenous TXA or normal saline (placebo) 10 minutes before skin incision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Calculated estimated blood loss (cEBL), derived from blood volume and haematocrit levels. RESULTS: Between June 2020 and October 2021, 200 women were randomised to the placebo or TXA groups. Women who received prophylactic TXA had a significantly lower mean cEBL compared with those receiving placebo (adjusted mean difference -126.4 mL, 95% CI -243.7 to -9.1, p = 0.035). The effect was greatest in those at high risk for PPH, with a reduction in cEBL (mean difference -279.6 mL, 95% CI -454.8 to -104.3, p = 0.002) and a lower risk of cEBL ≥500 mL (risk ratio [RR] 0.54, 95% CI 0.36-0.83, p = 0.007) and cEBL ≥1000 mL (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.98, p = 0.016). Subgroup analysis showed benefit for women with preoperative haemoglobin <10.5 g/dL (mean difference -281.9 mL, 95% CI -515.0 to -48.8, p = 0.019). There was no significant difference in need for additional medical or surgical interventions. There were no maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic TXA should be considered in women with risk factors for PPH, and those most likely to benefit are those with preoperative haemoglobin <10.5 g/dL.

Successful management of massive postpartum haemorrhage in a woman with acquired haemophilia A.

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency and a leading cause of severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Timely and accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of PPH is critical in achieving optimal care for the patient as any potential delays may result in severe morbidity and even mortality. We present a rare case of a patient presenting with PPH secondary to acquired haemophilia. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management in achieving optimal management of this complex condition.

Closure of Long-Tunnel PFOs With the Coherex Flatstent EF - A Tailored Approach.

AIMS: Despite rapid progress in device technologies for patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure over the past decade, long-tunnel anatomies still constitute a challenge. The present study investigated the performance of a novel in-tunnel device (Flatstent EF; Coherex Medical) in long-tunnel PFOs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three different umbrella devices (n = 61) and the Coherex Flatstent (n = 27) were used for PFO closure. The Flatstent was the preferred device in long-tunnel anatomies. Seven patients with long PFO tunnels underwent "detunnelization" by stepwise inflation of a low-pressure balloon followed by implantation of an umbrella device. Complete occlusion or trivial residual shunting ("clinical" occlusion) was achieved in 93% of the Flatstent and 92% of the umbrella device procedures (P=.92). Device performance in long-tunnel anatomies was in favor of the Flatstent (n = 24) compared with conventional occluders (n = 7), with "clinical" occlusion of 96% vs 86% (P=.24) and procedure time of 44 ± 16 minutes vs 59 ± 21 minutes (P=.04). Furthermore, postprocedural arrhythmias were significantly less frequent after Flatstent implantations (0.0% vs 9.1%; P=.03). CONCLUSION: In long-tunnel PFOs, the Flatstent device was quicker to deploy, was at least as equally efficacious as umbrella devices, and reduced the incidence of symptomatic arrhythmias following PFO closure.

Personalized in vitro cancer modeling - fantasy or reality?

With greater technological advancements and understanding of pathophysiology, "personalized medicine" has become a more realistic goal. In the field of cancer, personalized medicine is the ultimate objective, as each cancer is unique and each tumor is heterogeneous. For many decades, researchers have relied upon studying the histopathology of tumors in the hope that it would provide clues to understanding the pathophysiology of cancer. Current preclinical research relies heavily upon two-dimensional culture models. However, these models have had limited success in recreating the complex interactions between cancer cells and the stroma environment in vivo. Thus, there is increasing impetus to shift to three-dimensional models, which more accurately reflect this phenomenon. With a more accurate in vitro tumor model, drug sensitivity can be tested to determine the best treatment option based on the tumor characteristics. Many methods have been developed to create tumor models or "tumoroids," each with its advantages and limitations. One significant problem faced is the replication of angiogenesis that is characteristic of tumors in vivo. Nonetheless, if three-dimensional models could be standardized and implemented as a preclinical research tool for therapeutic testing, we would be taking a step towards making personalized cancer medicine a reality.