Lukes 2010.
Methods | Multi‐centre (40 clinical sites), double‐blind, parallel‐group study Randomization via permuted block randomization scheme, with a block size of 8 (5 allocated to intervention arm, and 3 to placebo arm) Blinding: participants, investigators, sponsor, statisticians, clinical data management staff, and clinical monitors were all blinded Duration of trial: 2 control cycles pre‐treatment; 6 cycles of treatment |
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Participants | Country: USA Age: 18 to 49 years old Number of participants: 196 women randomized Inclusion criteria: history of at least 3 days of HMB over at least 4 of their last 6 cycles; confirmed during 2 cycles before treatment phase commenced; normal pelvic examination and Pap smear; no "clinically important" findings on transvaginal ultrasound; willingness to use non‐hormonal contraception during the trial Exclusion criteria: history of significant medical problem; severe anaemia (Hb < 8 g/dL); pregnant/lactating; endometrial abnormalities; cervical carcinoma; anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding; glaucoma; ocular hypertension; use of anticoagulants; aspirin; dong quai; aminocaproic acid; hydroxychloroquine Note: uterine fibroids were only an exclusion criteria if thought to require surgical management |
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Interventions | TXA 1.3 g 3 times daily (123 participants), commenced with the onset of HMB, for up to 5 days versus placebo (73 participants) 3 times daily, commenced with the onset of HMB, for up to 5 days | |
Outcomes | Objective measurement of MBL: alkaline haematin method (change scores) Subjective improvements in MBL: MIQ; occurrence of large blood stains Hb and ferritin concentrations Side effects |
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Notes | 11 of 12 authors report receiving funding from 1 (or more) drug company/companies | |
Risk of bias | ||
Bias | Authors' judgement | Support for judgement |
Random sequence generation (selection bias) | Low risk | Permuted block randomization schedule |
Allocation concealment (selection bias) | Low risk | Allocation managed by an independent group ("Fisher Clinical Services") |
Blinding (performance bias and detection bias) All outcomes | Low risk | Participants, investigators and assessors were all blinded |
Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias) All outcomes | Low risk | 28% participants (55/196) withdrew, but proportions were similar in each study arm, and 95% were included in a modified intention‐to‐treat analysis |
Selective reporting (reporting bias) | Low risk | All pre‐specified outcomes reported |
Other bias | Unclear risk | Imbalances between groups in baseline MBL |