Management Of Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage Research Articles

Clinical and biological factors associated with red blood cell transfusion during severe postpartum haemorrhage – A single-center retrospective cohort study

IntroductionRed blood cell (RBC) transfusions are of utmost importance in the management of severe post-partum haemorrhage. Although the recommendations for blood transfusion protocols are regularly issued, there are significant differences in management depending on the context and the medical teams involved. ObjectiveTo determine during the first 24 h, the clinical and biological factors associated with the decision for RBC transfusion during severe PPH (≥1000 mL) for vaginal and caesarean deliveries. Study designMonocentric retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care university maternity unit (CHI-Creteil) including all parturients from November 23th 2018 to 31th December 2020 with severe PPH (≥1000 mL). ResultsOver the study period, we reported 7103 deliveries, out of which 682 were complicated by PPH (9.6 %) with 200 cases of PPH ≥1000 mL (2.8 %). In our study, 40 % of patients (80/200) required a RBC transfusion”. After multivariate analysis, severe PPH caused by placental abruption, uterine rupture or placental implantation disorders (aOR = 3.48 IC95 [1.27–9.52], p < 0.001), estimated blood loss ≥1500 mL (aOR = 9.60 IC95 [3.69–24.95], p < 0. 001), invasive measures such as uterine balloon tamponade, arterial ligation and uterine packing (aOR = 4.15 IC95 [1.80–9.61], p < 0.001), pre-labor hemoglobin <10 g/dL (aOR =4.88 IC95 [1.57–15.15], p < 0.001) or abnormal biological results in the acute phase (including hemoglobin <7.0 g/dL and/or fibrinogen <2 g/L and/or platelets <100 G/L) (aOR =356 IC95 [1,05–12,10], p < 0.001) were significantly and independently associated with the decision to initiate RBC transfusions. ConclusionsIn a monocentric retrospective study including 200 consecutive cases of severe PPH (≥1000 mL) we identified groups of clinical and biological factors directly accessible to clinicians, significantly and independently associated with RBC transfusion in the first 24 h of management.

Role of recombinant factor VIIa in the clinical management of severe postpartum hemorrhage: consensus among European experts

Objectives There have been significant advances in the medical management of severe postpartum hemorrhage (sPPH) over recent decades, which is reflected in numerous published guidelines. To date, many of the currently available national and international guidelines recommend recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) to be used only at a very late stage in the course of sPPH, as a “last resort”, before or after hysterectomy. Based on new safety data, rFVIIa has recently been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Swissmedic for use in sPPH, if uterotonics are insufficient to achieve hemostasis, which in fact is significantly earlier in the course of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). We therefore aimed to develop expert consensus guidance as a step toward standardizing care with the use of rFVIIa for clinicians managing women experiencing life-threatening sPPH. Methods The consensus process consisted of one face-to-face meeting with a group of nine experts, including eight obstetrician-gynecologists and a hematologist highly experienced in sPPH care in tertiary care perinatal centers. The panel was representative of multidisciplinary expertise in the European obstetrics community and provided consensus opinion in answer to pre-defined questions around clinical practice with rFVIIa in the management of sPPH. Recommendations have been based on current national and international guidelines, extensive clinical experience, and consensus opinion, as well as the availability of efficacy and new safety data. Results The expert panel developed 17 consensus statements in response to the 13 pre-defined questions on the use of rFVIIa in the management of sPPH including: available efficacy and safety data and the need for interdisciplinary expertise between obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and hematologists in the management of sPPH. Based on novel data, the experts recommend: (1) earlier administration of rFVIIa in patients with sPPH who do not respond to uterotonic administration to optimize the efficacy of rFVIIa; (2) the importance of hematological parameter prerequisites prior to the administration of rFVIIa to maximize efficacy; and (3) continued evaluation or initiation of further invasive procedures according to standard practice. Furthermore, recommendations on the timing of rFVIIa treatment within the sPPH management algorithm are outlined in a range of specified clinical scenarios and settings, including vaginal delivery, cesarean section, and smaller birthing units before transfer to a tertiary care center. The panel agreed that according to available, and new data, as well as real-world experience, there is no evidence that the use of rFVIIa in patients with sPPH increases the risk of thromboembolism. The authors acknowledge that there is still limited clinical effectiveness data, as well as pharmacoeconomic data, on the use of rFVIIa in sPPH, and recommend further clinical trials and efficacy investigation. Conclusions This expert panel provides consensus guidance based on recently available data, clinical experience, and expert opinion, augmented by the recent approval of rFVIIa for use in sPPH by the EMA. These consensus statements are intended to support clinical care for sPPH and may help to provide the impetus and a starting point for updates to existing clinical practice guidelines.

Intrauterine Tamponade Balloon for Management of Severe Postpartum Haemorrhage: Does Early Insertion Change the Outcome? A Retrospective Study on Blood Loss.

To evaluate the role of the timing of IUTB insertion and to assess the correlation between the time of insertion and outcome. A retrospective study in two tertiary care centres, including patients transferred for severe PPH management. A total of 81 patients were included: 52 patients with IUTB inserted before 15 min (group 1) and 29 patients with IUTB inserted after 15 min (group 2). The mean volume of blood loss in the group of patients with IUTB inserted before 15 min was significantly lower than in group of patients with IUTB set after 15 min. An IUTB could be inserted simultaneously with a uterotonic agent, within 15 min and not after 15 min as suggested by local guidelines, but further prospective studies are required to confirm this.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on the Use of Uterine Tamponade in the Management of Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage in Public Health Facilities of Niger State

Background: Obstetric hemorrhage is a contributor to worldwide maternal morbidity and mortality in low-resource countries. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices on the use of uterine tamponade in managing severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) by healthcare personnel.&#x0D; Method: The study was descriptive and cross-sectional. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect data on uterine tamponade from untrained and trained health workers who take deliveries in labour wards of selected health facilities. Respondents were selected by cluster sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Frequencies were determined and chi-square was used to test the hypothesis. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35 years ± 11.7. Slightly less than half of the respondents 62 (42.5%) had poor knowledge of uterine tamponade. The majority of respondents 120 (82.2%) had positive attitudes about uterine tamponade. This was associated with point of service, professional group, and previous training on uterine tamponade insertion (p&lt;0.05). About 70% (46; 69.7%) of respondents who had managed cases of refractory postpartum hemorrhage, had never conducted uterine tamponade. Reasons include inadequate knowledge (29; 63.0%) and unavailability of the commodities (9; 19.6%)&#x0D; Conclusion: Though knowledge about uterine tamponade was poor, attitude towards uterine tamponade in managing severe post- partum hemorrhage was good. However, this did not translate to good practices on the use of uterine tamponade in managing severe PPH. Training and re-training on the application of uterine tamponade should be conducted and commodities made available in every health facility.

Success Rate and Long-Term Effects of Embolization of Pelvic Arteries for the Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of peripartal maternal mortality and accounts for 25% of all maternal deaths worldwide. The most common reasons of PPH are uterine atony, retained placenta, or placenta accreta spectrum. Treatment of PPH depends on the etiology and corresponds to a stepwise approach, which follows the German, Austrian and Swiss guideline for the diagnosis and therapy of PPH in Switzerland. In severe ongoing PPH, hysterectomy has been the ultima ratio for many decades. Nowadays, interventional embolization of the pelvic arteries (PAE) has become a popular alternative. Besides being a highly effective minimally invasive method, PAE avoids hysterectomy with consecutively reduced morbidity and mortality. However, data on the long-term effects of PAE on fertility and menstrual cycle are scarce. Methods: We performed a monocentric study consisting of a retro- and a prospective part including all women who had undergone a PAE between 2012 and 2016 at University Hospital Zurich. Descriptive characteristics of patients and efficacy of PAE defined as cessation of bleeding were analyzed retrospectively. In the prospective part, all patients were contacted for a follow-up questionnaire regarding menstruation and fertility after embolization. Results: Twenty patients with PAE were evaluated. Our data showed a success rate of PAE in 95% of patients with PPH; only 1 patient needed a second, then successful, PAE. No patient needed a hysterectomy or any other surgical intervention. In our study, an association between mode of delivery and identified etiology of PPH is observed. After spontaneous delivery (n = 6), the main reason of severe PPH was retained placenta (n = 4), while after cesarean section (n = 14), uterine atony was identified in most cases (n = 8). Regarding menstruation after embolization, all women reported regular menstruation after the breastfeeding period (100%). The majority reported a regular pattern with a shorter or similar duration (73%) and lower or similar intensity (64%). Dysmenorrhea decreased in 67% of patients. Four patients planned another pregnancy, of whom only one had become pregnant with assisted reproductive technology and ended up in a miscarriage. Discussion: Our study confirms the efficacy of PAE in PPH, thus obviating complex surgical interventions and associated morbidity. The success of PAE does not depend on the primary cause of PPH. Our results may encourage the prompt decision to perform PAE in the management of severe PPH in case of failure of conservative management and help physicians in the post-interventional counseling regarding menstruation patterns and fertility.

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.

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.

Impact of efforts to prevent maternal deaths due to obstetric hemorrhage on trends in epidemiology and management of severe postpartum hemorrhage in Japan: a nationwide retrospective study

BackgroundThe Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued the guidelines and recommendations on postpartum hemorrhage since 2010 and have been conducted widespread educational activities from 2012. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of these efforts by the Societies to prevent maternal deaths due to obstetric hemorrhage on trends in epidemiology and management of severe postpartum hemorrhage in Japan.MethodsA national retrospective cohort study was conducted using the national database of health insurance claims for the period 2012 and 2018. The subjects were all insured women who received a blood transfusion for postpartum hemorrhage. The primary endpoints of this study were hysterectomy and maternal mortality. The etiology of hemorrhage, treatment facility, type of procedure, and blood transfusion volume were tabulated.ResultsWomen with postpartum hemorrhage that underwent transfusion increased from 3.5 to 5.5 per 1000 deliveries between 2012 and 2018. The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage was atonic hemorrhage. After insurance coverage in 2013, the intrauterine balloon tamponade use increased to 20.3% of postpartum hemorrhages treated with transfusion in 2018, while the proportion of hysterectomy was decreased from 7.6% (2013–2015) to 6.4% (2016–2018) (p < 0.0001). The proportion of postpartum hemorrhage in maternal deaths decreased from 21.1% (2013–2015) to 14.1% (2016–2018) per all maternal deaths cases (p = 0.14). Cases with postpartum hemorrhage managed in large referral hospitals was increased (65.9% in 2012 to 70.4% in 2018) during the study period (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe efforts by the Societies to prevent maternal mortality due to obstetric hemorrhage resulted in a significant decrease in the frequency of hysterectomies and a downward trend in maternal mortality due to obstetric hemorrhage.

Obstetrical and Fertility Outcomes Following Transcatheter Pelvic Arterial Embolization for Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Cohort Follow-Up Study.

Objectives: Management of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) includes transcatheter pelvic arterial embolization (TAE). Data regarding subsequent fertility and obstetrical outcomes is limited, as most fertility outcomes derive from TAE in uterine fibroma. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing TAE, particularly concerning subsequent fertility and following pregnancies. Material and methods: We included 28 patients who underwent TAE for PPH at our institution between 2009 and 2018 in a retrospective cohort study. Data were assessed by reviewing patients’ charts and by contacting the patients. Results: Ten patients had prophylactic balloon occlusion before cesarean section because of anticipated PPH, with planned hysterectomy by placenta increta/percreta. All these patients were excluded from the analysis regarding fertility. 16 (73%) patients reported having regular menstruation after TAE. In total, 11 women had no desire for subsequent pregnancy. Seven of the remaining 11 patients (63.6%) had a total of 13 spontaneous pregnancies, nine of these resulted in miscarriages. Four patients delivered a live baby (36.4%). Two of these (50%) had recurrent PPH and treatment was conservative. Of the patients with infertility (n = 4, 36.4%), two (18.1%) underwent assisted infertility treatment without success. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the fertility of patients undergoing TAE due to PPH is limited. In women who conceive, the risk for first trimester miscarriage as well as recurrent PPH seems to be increased. If this is a consequence of the underlying cause of PPH or the TAE remains unknown. Larger follow-up cohorts are needed. In the meantime, patients who desire pregnancy after TAE should be counseled accordingly.

Peripartum hysterectomy due to severe postpartum hemorrhage: A hospital-based study.

A peripartum hysterectomy is typically performed as a lifesaving procedure in obstetrics to manage severe postpartum hemorrhage. Severe hemorrhages that lead to peripartum hysterectomies are mainly caused by uterine atony and placenta accreta spectrum disorders. In this study, we aimed to estimate the incidence, risk factors, causes and management of severe postpartum hemorrhage resulting in peripartum hysterectomies, and to describe the complications of the hysterectomies. Eligible women had given birth at gestational week 23+0 or later and had a postpartum hemorrhage ≥1500 mL or a blood transfusion, due to postpartum hemorrhage, at Oslo University Hospital, Norway, between 2008 and 2017. Among the eligible women, this study included those who underwent a hysterectomy within the first 42 days after delivery. The Norwegian Medical Birth Registry provided the reference group. We used Poisson regression to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals to identify clinical factors associated with peripartum hysterectomy. The incidence of hysterectomies with severe postpartum hemorrhage was 0.44/1000 deliveries (42/96313). Among the women with severe postpartum hemorrhage, 1.6% ended up with a hysterectomy (42/2621). Maternal age ≥40, previous cesarean section, multiple pregnancy and placenta previa were associated with a significantly higher risk of hysterectomy. Placenta accreta spectrum disorders were the most frequent cause of hemorrhage that resulted in a hysterectomy (52%, 22/42) and contributed to most of the complications following the hysterectomy (11/15 women with complications). The rate of peripartum hysterectomies at Oslo University Hospital was low, but was higher than previously reported from Norway. Risk factors included high maternal age, previous cesarean section, multiple pregnancy and placenta previa, well known risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum disorders and severe postpartum hemorrhage. Placenta accreta spectrum disorders were the largest contributor to hysterectomies and complications.

Utilization and Comparative Effectiveness of Uterine Artery Embolization versus Hysterectomy for Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage: A National Inpatient Sample Study

PurposeTo identify differences in mortality or length of hospital stay for mothers treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) or hysterectomy for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), as well as to analyze whether geographic or clinical determinants affected the type of therapy received. Materials and MethodsThis National Inpatient Sample study from 2005 to 2017 included all patients with live-birth deliveries. Severe PPH was defined as PPH that required transfusion, hysterectomy, or UAE. Propensity score weighting–adjusted demographic, maternal, and delivery risk factors were used to assess mortality and prolonged hospital stay. ResultsOf 9.8 million identified live births, PPH occurred in 31.0 per 1,000 cases. The most common intervention for PPH was transfusion (116.4 per 1,000 cases of PPH). Hysterectomy was used more frequently than UAE (20.4 vs 12.9 per 1,000 cases). The following factors predicted that hysterectomy would be used more commonly than UAE: previous cesarean delivery, breech fetal position, placenta previa, transient hypertension during pregnancy without pre-eclampsia, pre-existing hypertension without pre-eclampsia, pre-existing hypertension with pre-eclampsia, unspecified maternal hypertension, and gestational diabetes (all P < .001). Delivery risk factors associated with greater utilization of hysterectomy over UAE included postterm pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, cervical laceration, forceps vaginal delivery, and shock (all P < .001). There was no difference in mortality between hysterectomy and UAE. After balancing demographic, maternal, and delivery risk factors, the odds of prolonged hospital stay were 0.38 times lower with UAE than hysterectomy (P < .001). ConclusionsDespite similar mortality and shorter hospital stays, UAE is used far less than hysterectomy in the management of severe PPH.

B Lynch Suture and Intrauteribne Balloon Tamponade for Management of Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Comparative Study

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of intrauterine balloon tamponade and B lynch suture for management of severe postpartum hemorrhage. Study Design: Randomized Control trial Place and Duration: The study was conducted at Gynae &amp; Obs department of Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, Nowshera KPK for six months duration from January to 2021 to June 2021. Methods: There were one hundred and twenty patients with ages 20-45 years were presented in this study. All women had severe postpartum hemorrhage were included in this study. Demographically detailed of enrolled cases age, body mass index, gestational age and parity were recorded after taking informed written consent. Patients were equally divided into 2-groups I and II. Group I had 60 patients and received Lynch suture while in group II 60 patients received intrauterine balloon tamponade. Post-operative success rate among both groups were assessed and compared in terms of bleeding control within 10-15 minutes. SPSS 24.0 version was used to analyze the complete data. Results: In group I mean age was 29.09±2.53 years with mean BMI 25.11±7.64 kg/m2 while in group II mean age was 29.02±3.62 years with mean BMI 24.87±6.32 kg/m2. Mean gestational age in group I was 37.87±3.29 weeks and in group II mean gestational age was 38.19±6.41 weeks. Mean parity in group I was 4.03±1.19 and in group II it was 4.01±0.87. Frequency of success rate in group I was significantly higher among 54 (90%) cases as compared to group II 39 (65%) with p value &lt; 0.05. We found that patients of group I was significantly satisfied than that of patients who received intrauterine balloon tamponade. Conclusion: In this research we concluded that lynch suture for the management of severe postpartum hemorrhage among females had higher effectiveness in terms of bleeding control within 15 minutes and with higher satisfaction among patients as compared to those females who received intrauterine balloon tamponade. Keywords: Postpartum hemorrhage, Lynch Suture, intrauterine balloon tamponade, Success Rate

Predictors of Failed Intrauterine Balloon Tamponade in the Management of Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage.

To identify the factors predicting intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT) failure for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after delivery, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent IUBT for severe PPH after delivery from October 1, 2016 until September 30, 2017. The failure of IUBT was defined as the need of additional surgical procedures or uterine embolization. A total of 99,650 deliveries occurred during the study period. Among the patients, 106 cases of severe PPH were managed with IUBT, and the global success rate was 70.8% (75/106). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was performed to select the potential risk factors predicting IUBT failure. The associated risk factors—obesity, multiple gestation, cesarean delivery, estimated blood loss (EBL), and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS)—were included in multivariate logistic models. Ultimately, these models identified multiple gestation, EBL, and PAS as independent risk factors for IUBT failure. In conclusion, IUBT is an effective method for severe PPH. The presence of factors affecting IUBT failure should be recognized early, and other modalities of management should be anticipated.

485 Efficacy of early versus late intrauterine balloon tamponade in the management of severe postpartum hemorrhage

Intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT) is used to achieve hemostasis in refractory postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) unresponsive to uterotonic therapy. Its optimal timing is unknown: as final first-line therapy, with prostaglandin administration, or as initial second-line therapy after prostaglandin treatment has failed. This open multicenter randomized trial included women aged ≥18 years, with a vaginal delivery ≥35 weeks and PPH unresponsive to oxytocin. Exclusion criteria were PPH due to cervicovaginal lacerations without uterine hemorrhage, uterine rupture, or placenta accreta. Women were randomized into: A study group: IV infusion of sulprostone (prostaglandin) started simultaneously with IUBT (ebb®, Clinical Innovation). If bleeding persisted 30 minutes afterwards, an invasive emergency procedure was performed. A control group: IV sulprostone infusion only. If bleeding persisted ≥30 minutes, IUBT was performed. If bleeding persisted 30 minutes after IUBT, an invasive emergency procedure took place. The primary binary composite outcome was calculated peripartum blood loss >1000 mL and/or transfusion of at least 3 RBC units (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02226731). Between February 2017 and December 2019, 403 women were included. After exclusion of 11 (6 secondarily ineligible, 5 withdrew consent), the intention-to-treat analysis included 392 women, and the per protocol group 331. The groups were similar for women's baseline characteristics, except the rate of women with an estimated blood loss > 1000 mL when sulprostone administration began was higher in the study group (Table 1). After adjustment for this characteristic, the primary outcome was significantly lower in the study group: 67.2% vs 74.3%, aRR (95% CI), 0.87 (0.77-0.99); number needed to treat (95%CI):13.95 (6.22-52.25). Secondary outcomes did not differ between the groups. Per protocol results were similar (Table 2). Early IUBT used as final first-line therapy, together with prostaglandin administration, reduced the risk of severe PPH, compared with later placement.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Predictors of change of health workers' knowledge and skills after the Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding after Birth (HMS BAB) in-facility training in Tanzania.

BackgroundOur study aimed to assess the effect of Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding after Birth on knowledge and skills of health workers and whether such effect varies by health workers characteristics.MethodsNested in a cluster-randomised trial to assess the effect of the training on health outcomes, we assessed changes in knowledge and simulated skills in 61 facilities. The assessments were done i) before, ii) immediately-after training session and iii) at 10-month follow-up for subset of health-workers of implementation facilities as defined by the trial. We used a self-administered questionnaire and Objective Structures Clinical Examinations to assess three skill sets: Active Management of Third Stage of Labour, removal of retained placenta and management of severe postpartum haemorrhage. We computed summary statistics and used the paired t-test to assess change of knowledge and skills immediately post-training and at 10-month follow-up. Linear regression was done to assess association of scores and health worker characteristics.ResultsOf the 636 health workers included, 606 (96.7%) and 591 (91.4%) completed the knowledge and skills assessments, respectively. Majority of the participants (68%) were nurse-midwives. Knowledge scores increased by 15 percentage-points from 77.5% to 93% (95% CI 14.3, 16.3, p-value <0.000), and skills scores by 47 percentage-points (95% CI 46.5, 49.2, p-value <0.000) from 37.5% to 83%. There was a 4.0% decline of skills at 10-month follow-up. The decline was higher in auxiliary staff (-11.8%) and least in nurse-midwives (-2.1%) p-value <0.001. Health workers who assisted less than 5 deliveries in the last month, those who never attended postpartum haemorrhage in-service training and profession experience >8 years were associated with lower mean skill change immediately post-training.ConclusionOur study supports the potential of the Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding after Birth training to increase knowledge and skills of postpartum haemorrhage among all professional groups. Auxiliary staff benefited most from the training but also showed higher skill decline at 10-month. Our study highlights the importance to disaggregate knowledge and skills by health workers characteristics.

Bimanual examination for clot evacuation: a retrospective cohort study of women with postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal delivery

BackgroundBimanual clot evacuation (BCE) is a simple clinical manoeuvre that may reduce need for surgical intervention in the management of severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). We sought to determine whether performing BCE in cases of severe PPH after vaginal birth reduces the need for surgical intervention.MethodsA retrospective chart review of women who delivered vaginally with a severe PPH between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014 in a single tertiary women’s hospital in Sydney, Australia was conducted. Severe PPH was classified as a blood loss ≥1000mls. The need for surgical management (including operating theatre uterine exploration or evacuation, intrauterine balloon tamponade, repair of significant trauma, uterine or internal iliac artery ligation, B-Lynch suture insertion or hysterectomy) was the primary outcome measure, as expressed by need for operating theatre utilisation.ResultsFrom a cohort of 438, 149 women (34.0%) had BCE, of whom 29 (19.5%) required surgical management compared to 103 of 289 women with no BCE (35.6%); an odds ratio (OR) of 0.38 for BCE (confidence interval 0.20–0.72; p = 0.003). Early BCE (< 1 h of delivery) was associated with a further reduction in surgery (OR 0.24; confidence interval 0.08–0.70; p = 0.009) compared to late BCE (> 1 h of delivery). There was no reduction in estimated blood loss (p = 0.86) or blood transfusion (p = 0.71) with BCE.ConclusionOur study suggests BCE reduces theatre utilisation in the context of severe PPH following vaginal delivery. Prospective trials are needed to determine whether BCE should be endorsed as a treatment modality for PPH post-vaginal delivery.

Next Generation Medical Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality of women of childbearing age worldwide. Trends in both incidence and severity of postpartum hemorrhage are increasing which makes it imperative to identify drugs that could target prevention and/or treatment of these postpartum hemorrhages for women living in high, middle and low-income countries. We have reviewed current advances in the medical management of postpartum hemorrhage focusing on non-uterotonic therapy. We specifically describe the use and mechanism of action of tranexamic acid (TXA) and fibrinogen concentrate. Furthermore, we address the existing data for using these medications in postpartum hemorrhage, highlighting both strengths and limitations. This review describes a new generation of medications that are promising for the prevention and/or treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. For patients at risk for significant hemorrhage, TXA has been shown to reduce intraoperative blood loss and can be given as a prophylactic agent. For the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, early use of TXA has the potential to reduce mortality. In addition, some data exists supporting the use of fibrinogen concentrate, though more studies are required to help formulate guidelines for its use. A promising new approach for the management of severe postpartum hemorrhage is using medications that alter coagulation. More data are needed to describe ideal patient populations, dosing, the time of administration, and infusion rate.

Intraluminal Pressure Difference of Bakri Balloon in the positive Tamponade test During the Management of severe Post-Partum Hemorrhage

Hong Li1, Tong Yu Bai2, Liang Bai*3, Rong Li Yang4, Xiao Guang Shao1 and Xiuhua Xu1 Author Affiliations 1Department of Obstetric, The Women and Children Center of Da Lian, China 2The Thirteenth High Middle School of Da Lian, China 3Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, China 4ICU Department, China Received: February 02, 2019 | Published: March 08, 2019 Corresponding author: Li J, International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, China DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2019.15.002735

Novel subtype of atonic postpartum hemorrhage: dynamic computed tomography evaluation of bleeding characteristics and the uterine cavity

Background: Uterine atony is the leading cause of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH); however, the underlying cause of intractable atonic PPH unresponsive to conventional treatments (such as uterotonics and intrauterine balloon tamponade) remains unclear.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether intractable atonic PPH is associated with the type of bleeding (arterial or nonarterial) and its location, along with variations in the size and shape of the uterine cavity after delivery.Study design: This retrospective study included women who had undergone a dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan for the management of severe PPH at Kyoto University Hospital between April 2011 and March 2017. Patients’ electronic medical records were reviewed, and relevant clinical information was collected. The presence of contrast extravasation (CE) on CT images in the early phase (40 s) was regarded as active arterial bleeding. Bleeding sites and size of the uterine cavity were evaluated using an xyz coordinate system. The size of the uterine cavity was compared between groups with CE into the upper and lower parts of the uterine body.Results: Of the 60 women assessed for eligibility, 30 were included in the current analysis. Contrast extravasation was detected in 19 women, with 14 showing CE in the early phase. The presence of CE in the early phase was significantly associated with the need for transarterial embolization (Fisher’s exact test, p = .0017). The upper and lower parts of the uterine cavity were 97.4 ± 2.7 mm (mean ± standard error of the mean) and 87.2 ± 3.5 mm in length, respectively. The maximum anteroposterior diameters of the upper and lower parts of the uterine cavity were 23.1 ± 2.6 and 76.0 ± 3.0 mm, respectively, and the largest transverse diameters were 67.3 ± 1.9 and 81.1 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. The group that showed CE into the upper uterine cavity had significantly larger qualitative parameters of the upper uterine cavity compared to the group with CE into the lower uterine cavity. The gate from the lower uterine cavity toward the upper uterine cavity was narrow (anteroposterior diameter of 22.6 ± 2.0 mm, transverse diameter of 40.7 ± 3.3 mm), and the intrauterine balloon was always found in the lower uterine cavity on the CT scan. The upper uterine body was characterized by a flat oval-shaped cavity (xy plane), thick uterine wall, and lack of uniformity among bleeding sites (z = 62.4 ± 14.8 mm). In contrast, the lower uterine cavity was a circular shape (xy plane) with thin walls, and bleeding sites were located at lateral sides around the level of the internal os (z = −18.8 ± 4.9 mm).Conclusions: Atonic PPH has a significant subtype, named “PRACE,” which is characterized by PPH, resistance to treatment, and arterial CE. The need for embolization can be predicted by the presence of arterial bleeding and its location, along with the shape of the uterine cavity.

Variation in severe postpartum hemorrhage management: A national vignette-based study.

ObjectivesTo assess variations in management of severe postpartum hemorrhage: 1) between obstetricians in the same situation 2) by the same obstetrician in different situations.Study designA link to a vignette-based survey was emailed to obstetricians of 215 maternity units; the questionnaire asked them to report how they would manage the PPH described in 2 previously validated case-vignettes of different scenarios of severe PPH. Vignette 1 described a typical immediate, severe PPH, and vignette 2 a less typical case of severe but gradual PPH. They were constructed in 3 successive steps and included multiple-choice questions proposing several types of clinical practice options at each step. Variations in PPH were assessed in a descriptive analysis; agreement about management and its timing between vignette 1 and vignette 2 was assessed with the Kappa coefficient.ResultsAnalysis of complete responses from 119 (43.4%) obstetricians from 53 (24.6%) maternity units showed delayed or inadequate management in both vignettes. While 82.3% and 83.2% of obstetricians (in vignettes 1 and 2, respectively) would administer oxytocin 15 minutes after PPH diagnosis, only 52.9% and 29.4% would alert other team members. Management by obstetricians of the two vignette situations was inconsistent in terms of choice of treatment and timing of almost all treatments.ConclusionCase vignettes demonstrated inadequate management as well as variations in management between obstetricians and in different PPH situations. Protocols or procedures are necessary in all maternity units to reduce the variations in practices that may explain a part of the delay in management that leads to PPH-related maternal mortality and morbidity.