Intrathecal tranexamic acid during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery: A lethal drug error

Abstract

The National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths recently received notification of a death in South Africa caused by inadvertent intrathecal administration of tranexamic acid (TXA). TXA is increasingly used during caesarean delivery following updated recommendations from the World Health Organization in 2017. However, its greater availability has led to an international rise in drug errors during obstetric spinal anaesthesia. This case highlights a growing clinical risk, of which all operating theatre staff should be aware. Review of existing operating theatre drug handling practices is required in order to decrease this risk. Recommendations are made that aim to minimise drug errors associated with the use of this potentially life-saving intervention.