Abstract
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) constitutes a major risk for maternal mortality and morbidity. Unfortunately, the severity of PPH can be underestimated because it is difficult to accurately measure blood loss by visual estimation. The delta neutrophil index (DNI), which reflects circulating immature granulocytes, is automatically calculated in hematological analyzers. We evaluated the significance of the DNI in predicting hemorrhage severity based on the requirement for massive transfusion (MT) in patients with PPH. We retrospectively analyzed data from a prospective registry to evaluate the association between the DNI and MT. Moreover, we assessed the predictive ability of the combination of DNI and shock index (SI) for the requirement for MT. MT was defined as a transfusion of ≥10 units of red blood cells within 24 h of PPH. In total, 278 patients were enrolled in this study and 60 required MT. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the DNI and SI were independent predictors of MT. The optimal cut-off values of ≥3.3% and ≥1.0 for the DNI and SI, respectively, were significantly associated with an increased risk of MT (DNI: positive likelihood ratio [PLR] 3.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5-5.1 and negative likelihood ratio [NLR] 0.48, 95% CI 0.4-0.7; SI: PLR 3.21, 95% CI 2.4-4.2 and NLR 0.31, 95% CI 0.19-0.49). The optimal cut-off point for predicted probability was calculated for combining the DNI value and SI value with the equation derived from logistic regression analysis. Compared with DNI or SI alone, the combination of DNI and SI significantly improved the specificity, accuracy, and positive likelihood ratio of the MT risk. The DNI and SI can be routinely and easily measured in the ED without additional costs or time and can therefore, be considered suitable parameters for the early risk stratification of patients with primary PPH.
Highlights
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) occurs in approximately 3–5% of obstetric patients [1]
The optimal cut-off values of 3.3% and 1.0 for the delta neutrophil index (DNI) and shock index (SI), respectively, were significantly associated with an increased risk of massive transfusion (MT) (DNI: positive likelihood ratio [PLR] 3.54, 95% confidence interval [confidential intervals (CIs)] 2.5–5.1 and negative likelihood ratio [NLR] 0.48, 95% CI 0.4–0.7; SI: PLR 3.21, 95% CI 2.4–4.2 and NLR 0.31, 95% CI 0.19–0.49)
The aims of the present study were as follows: 1) to evaluate the clinical utility of the DNI as an indicator of disease severity based on the requirement for massive transfusion in patients with primary PPH admitted to the emergency department (ED) and 2) to investigate whether the combination of the initial DNI and SI, the latter being a hemodynamic indicator that can be obtained in the ED, can show improved predictive ability for the requirement for massive transfusion
Summary
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) occurs in approximately 3–5% of obstetric patients [1]. Its severity can be underestimated because it is difficult to accurately measure blood loss by visual estimation, and there are no generally accepted cut-off limits for estimated blood loss [5]. Objective parameters are needed for predicting hemorrhage severity and the requirement for massive transfusion in PPH patients [7]. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) constitutes a major risk for maternal mortality and morbidity. The severity of PPH can be underestimated because it is difficult to accurately measure blood loss by visual estimation. We evaluated the significance of the DNI in predicting hemorrhage severity based on the requirement for massive transfusion (MT) in patients with PPH
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
