Outcome of re-pregnancy in women with uterine artery embolization for postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

To evaluate the outcome of re-pregnancy in women with uterine artery embolization(UAE)for postpartum hemorrhage(PPH). Clinical data of 117 pregnant women with previous PPH admitted in Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital from January 2010 to January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them 40 cases were treated with UAE (UAE group) and 77 cases were not treated with UAE (control group). The outcomes of re-pregnancy were followed up and compared between two groups. There were significant differences in the incidence of induced abortion in early pregnancy and cesarean scars pregnancy (CSP) between the two groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the UAE group, the incidence of PPH, placental accretion and hysterectomy rate was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that UAE was independent risk factor for CSP, placenta accretion, PPH and hystere-ctomy (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The overall fertility and re-pregnant outcomes in women with previous UAE for PPH are favorable. However, the risk of CSP, placenta accretion and associated recurrence of PPH and hysterectomy is higher in women receiving UAE during subsequent pregnancy.