Abstract
Background: Primary postpartum haemorrhage continues to cause considerable global maternal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for composite adverse outcomes in postpartum haemorrhage using multivariable logistic regression. The findings could potentially be used to anticipate and prevent composite adverse outcomes in postpartum haemorrhage. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out at Mpilo Central Hospital, a government tertiary referral centre, covering the period 1 July 2016 to 30 November 2019. Participants were included in the study if they had a diagnosis of postpartum haemorrhage. Those variables that had a p<0.2 from the univariate logistic regression analyses were considered for multivariable logistic regression. The association between independent variables and the dependent variable was assessed using odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals, to identify independent risk factors for composite adverse outcomes in PPH. Results: The independent risk factors for composite adverse outcomes in postpartum haemorrhage were place of dwelling (AOR 4.57, 95% CI 1.87-11.12, p=0.01), prior history of a Caesarean section (AOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.10-6.00, p=0.03), APH (AOR 5.45, 95% CI 2.23-13.27, p<0.0001), antenatal haemoglobin level (AOR 19.64, 95% CI 1.44-268.50, p=0.03), and delivery by Caesarean section (AOR 10.21, 95% CI 4.39-23.74, p<0.0001). Blood loss was also an independent risk factor for composite adverse outcomes in postpartum haemorrhage with the following blood loss; 1001-1500 ml (AOR 9.94, 95% CI 3.68-26.88, p<0.0001), 500-1000 ml (AOR 41.27, 95% CI 11.32-150.54, p<0.0001), and 2001 ml (AOR 164.77, 95% CI 31.06-874.25, p<0.0001). Conclusions: This study found that the independent predictors for composite adverse outcomes in PPH were rural dwelling, prior history of a Caesarean section, antenatal haemoglobin level, delivery by Caesarean section, and blood. In low- and middle-income countries, such information should help in increasing clinical vigilance and preventing maternal deaths.
Highlights
Primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is defined as a cumulative blood loss from the genital tract of ≥500 mL or more following a normal vaginal delivery or ≥1,000 mL or more following a cesarean section within 24 hours of delivery evidenced by a rise in the pulse rate, and falling blood pressure[1,2,3].In 2017, approximately 810 women died from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, and 94% of all maternal deaths occurred in low and lower middle-income countries[4]
This study found that the independent predictors for composite adverse outcomes in PPH were rural dwelling, prior history of a Caesarean section, antenatal haemoglobin level, delivery by Caesarean section, and blood
History of Caesarean section Women with a prior history of a Caesarean section were statistically significantly associated with composite adverse outcomes in PPH
Summary
Primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is defined as a cumulative blood loss from the genital tract of ≥500 mL or more following a normal vaginal delivery or ≥1,000 mL or more following a cesarean section within 24 hours of delivery evidenced by a rise in the pulse rate, and falling blood pressure[1,2,3].In 2017, approximately 810 women died from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, and 94% of all maternal deaths occurred in low and lower middle-income countries[4]. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for composite adverse outcomes in postpartum haemorrhage using multivariable logistic regression. The association between independent variables and the dependent variable was assessed using odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals, to identify independent risk factors for composite adverse outcomes in PPH. Results: The independent risk factors for composite adverse outcomes in postpartum haemorrhage were place of dwelling (AOR 4.57, 95% CI 1.87-11.12, p=0.01), prior history of a Caesarean section (AOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.10-6.00, p=0.03), APH (AOR 5.45, 95% CI 2.2313.27, p
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