25.1.14
Bleeding
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 25, Palliative Care.
Clinical Description
- Common causes (see relevant chapter for details)
Signs and Symptoms
- Cancer of cervix, oral cavity, head and neck
Investigations
- Depend on suspected cause.
Non-pharmacological
- Reassure patient and relieve anxiety, use of dark colored / green cloths to mop up blood loss.
Pharmacological
- Tranexamic acid 500mg 8 hourly - start as soon as bleeding commences and stop once bleeding stops.
Complications and Referral Criteria
- Consider referral for transfusion in case of massive or persistent bleeding
Check doses against the printed guideline and your clinical judgement before treating a patient. Spotted an error? Report it from the contact links below.
Need this without data?
The app holds every guideline on your device, with calculators, bookmarks and notes.