Reducing postpartum hemorrhage with oral tranexamic acid

Postpartum Hemorrhage Reduction With Oral Tranexamic Acid (PROTECT): a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT06025916

This study is testing if giving oral tranexamic acid to women after vaginal delivery can help prevent severe bleeding.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT06025916 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded phase IV study aims to evaluate the effect of oral tranexamic acid (TA) on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in 1000 women after vaginal delivery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either tranexamic acid or a placebo during labor. The primary endpoint is the rate of PPH, defined as blood loss of 500ml or more, assessed 24 hours post-delivery. The study is conducted across multiple sites in Sweden and South Africa, focusing on the potential of oral TA to prevent severe bleeding, which is a leading cause of maternal mortality.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older, at least 36 weeks pregnant, and planning to deliver vaginally.

Not a fit: Patients with known bleeding disorders, allergies to tranexamic acid, or those undergoing treatment for venous thrombosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, thereby improving maternal health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in reducing bleeding, but the specific use of oral TA in vaginal deliveries is less explored, making this approach novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Enrolled women will be ≥18 years, ≥36 gestational weeks, and planned for vaginal delivery. Women with known bleeding disorders, known allergy to TA, ongoing treatment for venous thrombosis, or inability to make an informed consent will be ineligible.

Exclusion Criteria:

Opposite of above

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PPH
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.