Management Of Postpartum Hemorrhage Research Articles

The Role of Thromboelastography during the Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage: Background, Evidence, and Practical Application.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a common cause of significant maternal morbidity and mortality that can be associated with coagulopathy, especially hypofibrinogenemia. There is interest in point-of-care viscoelastic hemostatic assays (POC-VHA) in PPH because prompt knowledge of coagulation status can aid diagnosis, identify cases of severe coagulopathy, and allow ongoing monitoring during rapid bleeding. The incidence of coagulopathy in most cases of PPH is low because of the procoagulant state of pregnancy, including raised fibrinogen levels of around 4 to 6 g/L. A Clauss fibrinogen of >2 g/L or POC-VHA equivalent has been found to be adequate for hemostasis during PPH. POC-VHA has been used successfully to diagnose hypofibrinogenemia (Clauss fibrinogen of ≤2 g/L) and guide fibrinogen treatment which has reduced bleed size and complications of massive transfusion. There are uncertainties about the use of POC-VHA to direct fresh frozen plasma and platelet administration during PPH. Several POC-VHA algorithms have been used successfully incorporated in the management of many thousands of PPHs and clinicians report that they are easy to use, interpret, and aid decision making. Due to the relative cost of POC-VHA and lack of definitive data on improving outcomes, these devices have not been universally adopted during PPH.

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The most common cause of maternal death in Korea is complications related to the postpartum period (obstetric embolism), accounting for 37.5%, while complications of labor and delivery (uterine atony, PPH, etc.) were the second most common cause, accouning for 21.9%. The effective treatment of PPH often requires multidisciplinary intervention. When managing PPH, multiple interventions (medical, mechanical, invasive, and nonsurgical and surgical procedures), which require different levels of skill and technical expertise, may be used to control bleeding. The healthcare provider needs to begin resuscitative efforts quickly, establish the cause of the hemorrhage, and possibly enroll the assistance of other care providers, such as an obstetrician, anesthetist or radiologist. Avoiding delays in diagnosis and treatment will have a significantly impact on sequelae and chances of survival. This review discusses the causes, identification, management, prevention and prediction of PPH.

Conservative surgical treatment of post-partum hemorrhage: Should we reconsider compression penetrating sutures?

ObjectivesEvaluate the prevalence of uterine synechia after total uterine ligation (TUL) in comparison to TUL associated with compression-penetrating-sutures (CPS) in the conservative surgical management of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). MethodsProspective observational study of pregnant women that underwent conservative surgical management for PPH in a single French tertiary referral center. We compared the risk of uterine synechia with TUL, in comparison to performing TUL in addition to CPS. The synechia rate was calculated after uterine cavity assessment by 3D hysterosonography. Hysterectomies, women with placenta accreta spectrum and patients that received additional embolization treatment were excluded. ResultsOver 6 years, 36 pregnant women underwent surgical treatment for PPH in 21,944 deliveries (1.64 per 1000). The median blood loss was 2700 [1570–3000] milliliters. Twenty-eight (77.7%) women underwent TUL, 8/36 (22.2%) underwent TUL in addition to CPS. Thirty-four (94,4%) cavity assessments were performed 2-to-6 months after delivery, since one woman of each group was lost to follow-up. When TUL was performed in addition to CPS, the prevalence of synechia was 42.9% (n = 3/7), versus 3.7% (n = 1/27) in TUL (p = 0.021; RR = 16.88, 95%CI [1.1–1051]). Synechia was absent in 30/34 (88.2%) women. ConclusionThe prevalence of synechia was very low after TUL unlike CPS. Further studies should evaluate TUL in the conservative surgical management of PPH, to confirm the lower prevalence of synechiae in TUL and evaluate its impact on fertility.

Review of maternal death audits in refugee camps in UNHCR East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes Region, 2017-2019.

To review the quality of maternal death audits and identify factors contributing to refugee maternal deaths in the East and Horn of Africa. Maternal death audits submitted to The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) from 2017 to 2019 in 43 refugee camps in eight countries were analyzed for completeness, obstetric history, cause of death, and contributing factors. A total of 191 refugee maternal death audits were retrieved. The mean age of the deceased was 28 years (range, 15-45 years), and 13% were adolescents and 17% were of advanced maternal age. Most patients (55%) were grand multigravida (≥5 pregnancies). The majority (86%) attended antenatal care visits, with 51% attending four or more visits. Among women who delivered (n= 140), 91% were facility-based deliveries. Most (68%) deaths occurred postpartum. Obstetric hemorrhage (49%) was the leading direct cause of death (with 77 cases of postpartum hemorrhage), followed by hypertensive disorder (19%) and infection (15%). Delays in care were identified in 185 (97%) cases. Delays in receiving care were more prevalent (81%) than in seeking (61%) and reaching (26%) care. Factors contributing to delays in receiving care highlight the capacity gaps in provision of emergency obstetric care, including management of postpartum hemorrhage, requiring urgent additional investments. Audit findings also show the need for attention and action towards family planning, contraception, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health services.

Management of primary postpartum haemorrhage

No abstract available

Management of postpartum hemorrhage by midwives in selected healthcare facilities in Ekiti State: An exploratory qualitative study

ObjectivesMaternal mortality continues to pose a critical challenge in obstetric practice, with postpartum haemorrhage as one of the major causes. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of midwives regarding the management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). MethodsThe study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach. Participants were selected using purposive sampling technique, and 15 participants were recruited for the study. Data collection was done using a semi-structured interview guide for in-depth interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, and data analysis was done using thematic analysis. ResultsTwo themes emerged from the analysis, including 1) management practices adopted against PPH and 2) hospital protocol for the management of PPH. The major management practices adopted by the midwives were using uterotonics, especially oxytocin, and other management practices such as anti-shock garments, stimulation of contractions by rubbing the uterus, and assessment of the cause of bleeding and suturing of lacerations. It was also deduced that different healthcare facilities had policies for managing postpartum haemorrhage. Barriers affecting the effective management of PPH were understaffing, unavailability of suitable facilities and equipment, restrictions on nurses/midwives in managing PPH, unfavourable hospital policy and lack of communication among the healthcare team. ConclusionThe participants’ experiences suggest they are somewhat satisfied with PPH management in their facilities. However, barriers such as understaffing, unavailability of equipment, poor communication among healthcare teams and restrictions on nurses in PPH management should be addressed to improve midwives' experiences in PPH management.

Barriers to effective management of primary postpartum haemorrhage following in-hospital births in northwest Ethiopia: healthcare providers’ views using a qualitative approach

BackgroundData showed that postpartum haemorrhage contributed to over 40% of in-hospital deaths of Ethiopian women. However, little is known about the barriers to effective management of primary postpartum haemorrhage. This study aims to explore the views and experiences of maternity healthcare professionals about the barriers to managing primary postpartum haemorrhage following in-hospital births in northwest Ethiopia using the ‘Three Delays’ model as a conceptual framework.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study was employed at two tertiary referral hospitals between December 2018 and May 2019. Forty-one maternal healthcare providers, including midwives, midwifery unit managers, and obstetricians, participated in this study. Individual face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and self-administered open-ended questionnaires were used to collect data. A framework analysis approach was used for the qualitative data analysis. Themes were identified based on the Three Delays model of ‘delay the decision to seek care’, ‘delay arrival at a health facility’, and ‘delay the provision of appropriate and quality care’.ResultsParticipants reported several modifiable issues when managing primary postpartum haemorrhage, and all were linked to a delay in receiving appropriate and quality care due to limited resources. Five sub-themes were identified: ‘workforce’, ‘communication issues between healthcare providers’, ‘systemic issues’, ‘education, training, and resourcing issues’, and ‘lack of identification and referral’.ConclusionMaternal healthcare providers in these hospitals require training in managing a birthing emergency. In addition, the birth units need adequate supplies and continuous essential services.

Comparative satisfaction and effectiveness of virtual simulation and usual supervised work for postpartum hemorrhage management: a crossover randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBecause virtual simulation promotes learning and cognitive skill development, it may be useful for teaching students to manage postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and its complex decision algorithm.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the satisfaction and effectiveness of virtual simulation with usual supervised work in producing knowledge and satisfaction.MethodsThis two-center two-stage crossover randomized controlled trial included student midwives. One group underwent the virtual simulation intervention in the first period (January 2018) and the usual supervised classroom work in the second (May 2018); the other group followed the reverse chronology. Satisfaction was the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was knowledge of the PPH management algorithm, assessed by responses to a case vignette after each intervention session.ResultsThe virtual simulation -supervised work (VS-SW) chronology was allocated to 48 students, and its inverse (SW-VS) to 47; Satisfaction was significantly higher for the virtual simulation for its overall grade (6.8 vs. 6.1, P = 0.009), engagingness (very good 82.1% vs. 24.3%, P < 0.001), and ease of use (very good 77.9% vs. 46.1%, P < 0.001). Knowledge did not differ between the two groups (respectively, 89.5% versus 83.5%, P = 0.3).ConclusionSatisfaction is higher with virtual simulation without lowering knowledge scores, which argues for the use of such innovative teaching strategies. This could lead to an increase in students’ motivation to learn.

IS THE BAKRI BALLOON EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING HYSTERECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE?

Objective: To determine the efcacy of the Bakri balloon in the prevention of hysterectomy due to postpartum hemorrhage versus conventional management with uterotonics. Material and method: Retrospective observational cross-sectional study in women with postpartum uterine hemorrhage treated at La Samaritana University Hospital in the city of Bogotá, Colombia, between 2013 and 2019. Clinical records were reviewed and divided into two groups: Bakri balloon and uterotonics (no Bakri balloon). Results: Overall, 81 patients with postpartum uterine hemorrhage were included, 27 patients (33.3%) were considered exposed (Bakri balloon) and 54 patients (66.6%) unexposed (no Bakri). The success rate dened as stopping the bleeding and not requiring hysterectomy with the Bakri balloon was 96.3%, versus the no Bakri group, 68.52% (p = 0.04). In addition, the Bakri balloon reduced the risk of hysterectomy by 99% (OR = 0.01; 95% CI 0.008-0.38; p = 0.01), when adjusting for age and gestations. Conclusions: The use of the balloon demonstrated a high rate of effectiveness, decreased the risk of hysterectomy and was shown to be an easy and safe method for the management of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony. aThe Bakri balloon is available to health institutions in countries with limited resources such as ours, where it constitutes an essential tool to deal with a pathology associated with a high risk of mortality as is the case with postpartum hemorrhage.

ENSEMBLE LEARNING BASED POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE DIAGNOSIS FOR 5G REMOTE HEALTH CARE

The fifth-generation (5G) communications enables various promising applications that were once impossible, e.g. remote healthcare with the help of fast and reliably delivery of medical data. Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) refers to the massive blood loss after the birthing stage (within 24 hours), i.e.&gt;500ml for the vaginal delivery, and &gt;1000ml for the cesarean section. PPH is by far the most common cause of the mortality rate of pregnant women, as well as a primary cause of current pregnant mortality in China. Despite the great potential of prediction of PPH, there is currently no effective tool based on the limited raw data from the clinical trials. In the study, we retrospectively study the 3842 vaginal delivery cases in 2017 collected from Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. In particular, we obtain the prediction based diagnostic model relying on machine learning, and we adopt the ensemble learning to accomplish this task, by combining the results of various candidate methods. According to the experimental results, the accuracy of correct PPH diagnosis would approach 96.7%; the total disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) prediction accuracy approaches 90.3%. In this regard, we may conclude the proposed model based on machine learning would allow us to predict successfully the risk of PPH, and assess the critical level of PPH patient. We anticipate our study results would contribute to the reduction the mortality of pregnant women. According to the 2013 World Health Statistics, the maternal mortality rate in low-income countries were 410/100,000 live births. The majority of maternal deaths occurred mainly in Asian and African countries. Major causes of maternal deaths are similar across low-income countries, often obstetric in origin including hemorrhage, hypertensive diseases and maternal infections. 94% of births in Ethiopia are estimated to occur at home and 10% of maternal deaths are attributed to PPH. Uterine atony, or lack of effective contraction of the uterus, is the most common cause of PPH followed by infection, sub involution of the placental site, and inherited coagulation deficits. The majority of these fatal obstetric complications occur during labor and immediately after birth. In the low-income countries, more than three-quarters of maternal deaths due to the direct obstetric causes occur during and after birth. Organized diagnosis and management of PPH, including administration of uterotonic agents, controlled cord traction, and uterine massage after delivery of the placenta, are required to avoid maternal death.

Pharmacological Interventions in Labor and Delivery.

While there is not a wide range of pregnancy-specific drugs, there are some very specific high-risk areas of obstetric care for which unique pharmacological approaches have been established. In preterm birth, labor induction and augmentation, and the management of postpartum hemorrhage, these pharmacological approaches have become the bedrock in managing some of the most common and problematic areas of antenatal and intrapartum care. In this review, we summarize the existing established and emerging evidence that supports and broadens these pharmacological approaches to obstetric management and its impact on clinical practice. It is clear that existing therapeutics are limited. They have largely been developed from our knowledge of the physiology of the myometrium and act on hormonal receptors and their signaling pathways or on ion channels influencing excitability. Newer drugs in development are mostly refinements of these two approaches, but novel agents from plants and improved formulations are also discussed.

Highlights from the International Twins Congress 2021

Highlights from the International Twins Congress 2021

Rotational thromboelastometry for the transfusion management of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean or vaginal delivery: A single-center randomized controlled trial

Rotational thromboelastometry for the transfusion management of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean or vaginal delivery: A single-center randomized controlled trial

Bilateral Internal iliac artery ligation: A life saving conservative management to control postpartum haemorrhage- clinical experiences

It has been since long, that severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) was surgically treated by peripartum hysterectomy. Bilateral ligation of Internal iliac artery is an emerging technique by which we can control PPH efficiently and can conserve uterus. The aim of our study, is to estimate the effectiveness of bilateral Internal iliac artery ligation (IILA) for conservation of uterus in the management of postpartum haemorrhage and outcome on the patients.This observational study was carried out on the admitted patients in between March, 2016 and February, 2020in a hospital having a tertiary obstetric care. Internal iliac artery ligation done to control postpartum haemorrhage of hospital admitted patients, was our study subject. Collected data were analysed in mean, median, percentage and proportion as applicable by using of SPSS version 24 statistical software.In the study population, out of forty-one patients, uterine conservation was possible in thirty-six (87.8%) patients. Most commonly sixteen (39%) patients had an indication of uterine atony for Internal iliac artery ligation. Caesarean section, thirty-four (82.9%) was the most common mode of delivery and general anaesthesia was used most commonly, thirty-seven (90.2%) for Internal iliac artery ligation. Procedure related complications were e.g. relaparotomy one (2.4%), Internal iliac vein injury two (4.9%) and wound infection two (4.9%).Internal iliac artery ligation is an effective means to control PPH. It can effectively preserve reproductive potential of women by avoiding peripartum hysterectomy in many cases. Postpartum hemorrhage is a life threatening complication of child birth. Peripartum hysterectomy is the last resort to tackle such complications. Our study, confirmed that bilateral internal iliac artery ligation can be a good alternative to tackle such disaster from postpartum hemorrhage and also conserve uterus of women for future reproduction.

How Learning from Trauma Benefits the Obstetric Population? Damage Control Surgery

Abstract The recent implementation of trauma-validated damage control strategies in severe postpartum hemorrhage proves the importance of interdisciplinary management in the obstetric patient. Massive hemorrhage control techniques and damage control surgery are clear examples of how learning from trauma can benefit the obstetric population. Currently, most obstetric programs do not include training in this type of interventions. Nevertheless, it has been shown that these interventions are useful in the management of severe postpartum hemorrhage. The aim of this article is to introduce the application of damage control surgery principles in the management of massive obstetric hemorrhage. We propose to include appropriate training and the implementation of damage control surgery in obstetric management protocols. The prompt application of damage control principles can be considered in patients with persistent hemodynamic instability despite control of the source of bleeding.

Risk factors for Bakri balloon tamponade failure in the management of postpartum hemorrhage.

To predict risk factors for Bakri balloon tamponade (BBT) failure in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The data of 599 patients who underwent BBT were retrospectively analyzed from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021 in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, East China. The patients were divided into the failure group and the success group. Failure was defined as the inability to control bleeding, which required surgical interventions. Maternal characteristics, PPH characteristics, PPH management approaches, and maternal complications were compared between the groups. The independent predictors of BBT failure were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. The overall success rate of BBT was 83.0% (497/599). The blood loss before and after balloon insertion in the failure group was significantly greater than that in the success group. Of the 102 failures, B-Lynch suture was performed in one patient, uterine artery embolization was performed in 99 patients (with one failure), and total hysterectomy was performed in three patients. Some risk factors, including twin gestation (odds ratio [OR] 9.68), placenta accreta spectrum with/without placenta previa (OR 4.45), estimated blood loss at least 1135 ml at balloon insertion (OR 3.35), multiparous (OR 2.72), and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (OR 2.00) were strongly associated with BBT failure. BBT seemed to be a less effective tool in the management of PPH due to placenta accreta spectrum with/without placenta previa and twin gestation.

A before and after study of the impact of simulation training on practitioner confidence in complex operative deliveries

The aim of this before and after study was to evaluate the efficacy of a complex operative obstetrics course in improving practitioner confidence. The course covered rotational instrumental vaginal delivery, vaginal breech delivery, cervical cerclage, management of postpartum haemorrhage, and complex caesarean section. Participants filled in a pre- and postcourse questionnaire using a Likert scale to rate confidence from 1 (not confident) to 5 (very confident) in 15 key skills. Data were analysed using a two-sample t-test for comparison of means. Data were collected from 67 participants. Practitioner confidence increased across all skills studied. The largest increases in mean confidence scores were seen in classical caesarean section (score increase 2.45; p < 0.05) and management of head entrapment at breech (score increase 2.24; p < 0.05). The course was successful in improving practitioner confidence across a range of obstetric skills. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Team-based training for obstetric emergencies has been shown to improve practitioner knowledge, team behaviours and patient outcomes. Simulation training in operative vaginal delivery improves operator technique and reduces adverse outcomes for mothers and babies. What do the results of this study add? Hands-on simulator training in complex operative obstetrics improves practitioner confidence in managing a range of obstetric emergencies including those less frequently encountered. These include rotational instrumental delivery, vaginal breech delivery, complex caesarean section, postpartum haemorrhage and cervical cerclage. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? This study supports the increased use of simulation in advanced obstetric training with an easily replicated cost efficient course. Further research is warranted to determine whether simulation training improves practitioner competence and patient outcomes.

Risk Factors for Intrauterine Tamponade Failure in Postpartum Hemorrhage.

To identify factors associated with intrauterine tamponade failure after vaginal or cesarean delivery. This was a nationwide population-based cohort study that used data from the French Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information. This study compared the failure and effectiveness of intrauterine tamponade among all women who received the procedure in France from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. Failure was defined as the use of a second-line method (uterine artery embolization, conservative or radical surgery, or death) within 7 days of intrauterine tamponade. Factors associated with intrauterine tamponade failure were identified by univariate analyses and tested using multivariate generalized logistic regression models (with a random intercept on institution) to obtain adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% CI statistics. A total of 39,193 patients presented with postpartum hemorrhage in 474 French maternity wards. Of these patients, 1,761 (4.5%) received intrauterine tamponade for persistent bleeding. The effectiveness rate of intrauterine tamponade was 88.9%. For 195 women (11.1%), a second-line method was indicated. Patients for whom intrauterine tamponade failed had a higher maternal age, a lower mean gestational age, and more frequent instances of placental abnormalities, preeclampsia, cesarean birth, and uterine rupture. The multivariate analysis revealed that cesarean birth (aOR 4.2; 95% CI 2.9-6.0), preeclampsia (aOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3-4.0), and uterine rupture (aOR 14.1; 95% CI 2.4-83.0) were independently associated with intrauterine tamponade failure. Cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, and uterine rupture are associated with intrauterine tamponade failure in the management of postpartum hemorrhage.

Major obstetric hemorrhage management

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is to this day one of the leading causes of maternal death and its diagnosis is still highly subjective, as it relies on unprecise estimates of the amount of blood loss. There are three areas in which PPH outcomes can be improved: prevention, treatment and rescue. PPH can escalate to a graver clinical picture of Severe Acute Maternal Morbidity (SAMM) due to an inaccurate estimate of the blood loss, inability to identify an at-risk patient, delays in testing and availability of hemoderivatives, and lack of clear guidelines and interdisciplinary communication. Many factors can predispose to PPH and in clinical practice the many causes of its insurgence are summarized with the 4T formula: Tone (uterine atony), Trauma (laceration/hematoma), Tissue (retained tissue/invasive placenta), Thrombin (coagulation). Some precautions can be taken in preventing PPH such as the use of uterotonics, the administration of oxytocin, the timing of umbilical cord clamping, and the monitoring of anemia and the platelet to fibrinogen concentration ratio. In recent years studies have been published with the goal of leading PPH diagnosis and management through universal guidelines, point-of-care testing and interdisciplinary approaches. The proposed algorithms, albeit not yet validated, are useful in the clinical practice; similarly beneficial is the use of reliable predictive panels such as the Modified Early Obstetric Warning System.

Prophylactic effect of rectal and sublingual misoprostol on postpartum hemorrhage in mothers with preeclampsia following cesarean section surgery; a double-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostpartum hemorrhage is one of the three major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, so delay in the diagnosis and proper management of postpartum hemorrhage is of great importance. The present study aimed to determine the prophylactic effect of misoprostol on postpartum hemorrhage in patients with preeclampsia. MethodsThis was a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial performed on 128 pregnant women with preeclampsia undergoing cesarean section in Kamali hospital in Karaj. After cesarean delivery, immediately after clamping the umbilicus, the first group was administered 400 μg of rectal misoprostol and the second group was given 400 μg of sublingual misoprostol. The third group (control) was given 30 units of oxytocin during surgery and within 12 h after surgery, respectively. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were measured 24 h later. The estimated bleeding rate by the physician, the need for additional medication to control bleeding, and the amounts of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the first 24 h were compared in the three groups. Finally, the obtained information was entered into SPSS version 21 and analyzed using statistical tests. ResultsThe mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels 6 and 12 h after cesarean section were significantly lower in the oxytocin group than in the sublingual and rectal misoprostol groups (Hemoglobin level (mg/dl) for oxytocin group 10.39 ± 0.73 and 9.53 ± 1.09 vs. sublingual misoprostol 11.05 ± 0.71 and 10.39 ± 0.84 vs. rectal misoprostol 10.92 ± 0.85 and 10 ± 1.01; hematocrit level for Hemoglobin level (%) for oxytocin group 31.27 ± 2.29 and 28.64 ± 2.93 vs. sublingual misoprostol 33.09 ± 2.20 and 31.05 ± 2.37 vs. rectal misoprostol 32.54 ± 2.7 and 29.92 ± 2.86) (p < 0.005). The mean estimation of visual bleeding in the oxytocin group was higher than the other three groups, followed by the rectal and the sublingual groups, respectively. However, there was no significant difference between the three groups regarding visual bleeding. There was no significant difference in hemoglobin and hematocrit between the two groups of sublingual and rectal misoprostol before and 6 and 12 h after the surgery (P > 0.05). ConclusionIt seems that sublingual or rectal misoprostol administration along with oxytocin is associated with a reduction in postpartum cesarean section bleeding compared to oxytocin administration alone.