Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage Research Articles

Rare complications of cesarean scar

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and cesarean scar dehiscence (CSD) are the most dreaded complications of cesarean scar (CS). As the incidence of CS is increasing worldwide, so is the incidence of CSP, especially in cases with assisted reproduction techniques. It is of utmost importance to diagnose CSP in the early first trimester, as it can lead to myometrial rupture with fatal outcome. On the other hand, CSD may be encountered during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. CSD in the postpartum period is very rare and can cause secondary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) leading to increased maternal morbidity or even death if not diagnosed and managed promptly. Both complications can be diagnosed on ultrasonography (USG) and confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These two conditions carry high morbidity and mortality. In this article, we highlight the role of imaging in the early diagnosis and management of these conditions.

May–Hegglin anomaly and pregnancy

May-Hegglin anomaly (MHA) is an autosomal dominant disorder, characterized by a variable degree of thrombocytopaenia, large platelets and inclusion bodies in white blood cells. Bleeding manifestations are generally mild, but severe bleeding episodes have been reported. This is a systematic review of literature for MHA during pregnancy. The review revealed 26 articles (25 case reports and one case series) including 75 pregnancies (five twin pregnancies) in 40 women. In 11 women, first presentation was incidental thrombocytopaenia during routine antenatal blood test. Of these, five women were misdiagnosed as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), including three who underwent splenectomy for resistant ITP. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and bleeding after miscarriage were presenting symptoms in two women. Antiplatelet antibody was found in three pregnancies. Only one of them required intervention with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to prevent neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopaenia. PPH was reported in four pregnancies; three were primary PPH, of which one had blood transfusion, one had platelet and cryoprecipitate transfusion and the third was managed conservatively. There was one secondary PPH that was treated conservatively. Neonatal outcome included 78 live neonates and two intrauterine fetal deaths. Thirty-four neonates had thrombocytopaenia and subsequently were diagnosed with MHA, three of them required platelet transfusion prophylactically as they developed very low platelet counts and one neonate with platelet count of 29 × 10 cells/l and received IVIG, as the mother had a positive antiplatelet antibody during pregnancy. No obvious bleeding complications were reported among the neonates. MHA can present challenges during pregnancy and be associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcome because of bleeding complications. Joint management by obstetrician and haematologists is required to minimize these risks.

“Post partum hemorrhage: causes and management”

BackgroundPost partum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss of 500 ml or above. It is the most common cause of pre-mature mortality of women world wide. Our objective was to evaluate the most common etiology and method of management of Post partum Hemorrhage in a tertiary care hospital of Karachi.FindingsIt was a cross sectional study conducted at Liaquat National Hospital Karachi, during the period of July 2011 to May 2012. Review include mode of delivery, possible cause of postpartum hemorrhage, supportive, medical and surgical interventions. All the women admitted with post partum hemorrhage or develop PPH in hospital after delivery were included in our study. Bleeding disorder and use of anticoagulants were set as exclusion criteria. Diagnosis was made on the basis of blood loss assessment which was made via subjective and objective evaluation.During the targeted months, out of total 1493 deliveries (26/1493 = 1.741%) 26 cases of post partum hemorrhage were reported with a mean age of 26.153 ± 7.37. No deaths were reported and all cases were referred and unbooked cases. All Patients were conscious, tachycardiac and hypotensive. Most of the women were suffering from hemorrhage during or after the birth of their 1st child. Primary post partum hemorrhage emerge as the most common type of post partum hemorrhage and uterine atony was detected as the most common cause of primary post partum hemorrhage. Retained products of conception was the most common cause of secondary post partum hemorrhage and hysterectomy was found to be the most frequent method of management of post partum hemorrhage.ConclusionThis study highlights the existing variable practices for the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Hemorrhage associated morbidity and mortality can be prevented by critical judgment, early referral and resuscitation by attendants. Introduction of an evidence-based management model can potentially reduce the practice variability and improve the quality of care.

Migration of Bakri balloon through an unsuspected uterine perforation during the treatment of secondary postpartum hemorrhage

The current case describes an unreported complication of Bakri balloon placement: the migration of the Bakri balloon to the broad ligament through an unsuspected uterine rupture. Finally, a hysterectomy had been required. The Bakri balloon may be involuntary introduced in an unexpected uterine rupture, even if the balloon is placed with ultrasound guidance.

Advances in pregnancy management in carriers of hemophilia

Recent advances in prenatal diagnosis and multidisciplinary management has improved the reproductive outlook for carriers of hemophilia and their offspring. Pre-pregnancy planning allows the woman and her partner to explore reproductive options and prepares the family for the potential delivery of an affected male infant. Non-invasive methods of prenatal diagnosis are advancing, with the aim of providing a definitive test for hemophilia. Carriers of hemophilia have an increased risk of primary and secondary postpartum hemorrhage. The affected male offspring is potentially at risk of cranial bleeding during delivery. A multidisciplinary approach provides advanced planning for the optimum mode of delivery and provision of appropriate haemostatic cover to reduce the risk of bleeding complications. This review summarises current recommendations for pregnancy management in carriers of hemophilia, from the initial pre-pregnancy counseling through to delivery and care of the neonate.

Massive Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage with Uterine Artery Pseudoaneurysm after Cesarean Section

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but serious complication of cesarean section. If inadequately treated, it can lead to life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage. Herein, we report the case of a 28-year-old woman who developed secondary postpartum hemorrhage resulting from uterine artery pseudoaneurysm and cesarean scar dehiscence after cesarean section. Angiographic embolization is a safe and effective procedure for treating postpartum hemorrhage resulting from pseudoaneurysm in hemodynamically stable patients. However, uterine artery ligation may be the surgical procedure of choice for hemodynamically unstable patients when fertility preservation is desired.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia with an unusual presentation of secondary postpartum hemorrhage

TO THE EDITOR: Acute leukemia during pregnancy is rare [1-8]. The exact incidence of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in pregnant women is unknown; however, approximately 50 such cases have been reported in the literature [1-4, 7, 8]. APL is a unique type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by proliferation of neoplastic promyelocytes bearing a specific chromosomal translocation t(15;17). We report a case of APL with an unusual presentation of secondary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Impact of inherited bleeding disorders on pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhage

Inherited bleeding disorders are caused by various genetic defects in the proteins involved in haemostasis. Female patients or carriers are faced with the risk of haemorrhage throughout life. During pregnancy and postpartum, this complication affects the health of either the mother or the baby, or both. This retrospective cohort study was designed to assess the occurrence of obstetric bleeding in the three trimesters of pregnancy, along with primary and secondary postpartum haemorrhage among 100 women with inherited bleeding disorders. A questionnaire was designed in order to collect historical data. The patients were evaluated in three groups: haemophilia carriers, von Willebrand disease (VWD) and rare bleeding disorders. In comparison with normal women, significantly severe bleeding was observed among patients in all of the five stages. VWD patients showed a higher frequency of bleeding in first trimester but the rate of miscarriage was lower. Haemophilia carriers were threatened with bleeding complications during the prenatal period, but they also had the highest frequency of postpartum haemorrhage. Based on our results, vaginal bleeding is a serious threat in all three patient groups, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Uterine artery embolization for the management of secondary postpartum haemorrhage associated with placenta accreta

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization for the management of secondary postpartum haemorrhage associated with placenta accreta. Between January 2005 and August 2011, 45 women with placenta accreta, which was discovered during delivery, were managed conservatively in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. They did not experience severe bleeding during delivery. Ten patients (mean age 31 ± 6.4 years) developed secondary postpartum haemorrhage and underwent uterine artery embolization. The complications, control of haemorrhage, and outcome of the placenta left inside the uterus were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent transcatheter embolization of bilateral uterine arteries. The median time between delivery and uterine artery embolization was 11 days (range 3-76 days). The technical success rate of embolization was 100%. Bleeding was controlled in all patients during follow-up (11 ± 6.9 months; range 3-24 months), and no further bleeding occurred. One patient developed lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis after uterine artery embolization, and no other major complications occurred. The placentae that were left inside the uteri gradually decreased in size during follow-up, except in one case. Nine patients resumed normal menstruation. One patient subsequently became pregnant and had an uneventful intrauterine pregnancy carried to term. Uterine artery embolization is safe and effective for the management of secondary postpartum haemorrhage associated with placenta accreta.

Utility of Multidetector CT in Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. According to the time when postpartum hemorrhage develops, it is classified as (a) primary, or early, postpartum hemorrhage (within the first 24 hours after delivery) or (b) secondary, or late, postpartum hemorrhage (>24 hours to 6 weeks after delivery). Primary postpartum hemorrhage may be caused by uterine atony (75%-90% of cases), trauma of the lower portion of the genital tract, uterine rupture, uterine inversion, bladder flap hematoma, retention of blood clots or placental fragments, and coagulation disorders. Secondary postpartum hemorrhage may be caused by uterine subinvolution, coagulopathies, and abnormalities of the uterine vasculature. Extrauterine sources of bleeding include rectus sheath hematoma, direct arterial injuries, and the HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome. Severe postpartum hemorrhage is a life-threatening condition that is diagnosed on the basis of the findings from clinical examination, with or without ultrasonography. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging are useful in the characterization of postpartum hemorrhage when medical treatment fails. Multidetector CT has an important role when intraabdominal bleeding is suspected and can be considered in cases of recurrent bleeding after embolization, as well as for the evaluation of postsurgical complications. A proposed clinical and CT imaging algorithm for postpartum hemorrhage is presented. A multidisciplinary approach to postpartum hemorrhage is essential to optimize the role of diagnostic and interventional radiology in obstetric hemorrhage, to avoid hysterectomy and thus preserve fertility.

P27.04: 3D ultrasound of the uterine body and cavity in women with secondary postpartum hemorrhage

P27.04: 3D ultrasound of the uterine body and cavity in women with secondary postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum haemorrhage and haematological management

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent report of the Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE) in the United Kingdom, which was previously called Confidential Enquiries into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH), confirmed a reduction in maternal deaths during the last Triennium (2006–2008). This is attributed to improvements in timely diagnosis and prompt and aggressive treatment. PPH is now the sixth most common direct cause of maternal deaths in the U.K. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that postpartum haemorrhage accounts for 25% of maternal deaths worldwide. Substandard care and ‘too little being done too late’ remain a significant contributor of maternal deaths.Primary PPH refers to a blood loss from the genital tract of 500 ml or more within 24 h of delivery (or >1000 ml during caesarean section). Secondary PPH refers to an excessive blood loss between 24 h and 6 weeks after birth. Massive PPH refers to a blood loss of over 2000 ml (or >30% of blood volume) and is associated with increased maternal morbidity and mortality. A timely, multi-disciplinary and systematic approach to restore the volume, clotting system and the oxygen carrying capacity of blood, whilst steps are taken to arrest bleeding, is essential to save life.Primary postpartum haemorrhage is caused by uterine atony, genital tract trauma, retained placental tissue and membranes after birth or coagulopathy. The latter may not only be a cause of PPH, but also could be an effect of massive haemorrhage due to a ‘washout phenomenon’. Rapid and profuse bleeding results in loss of platelets and clotting factors, that get ‘washed out’. This may lead to a depletion of coagulation factors and resultant bleeding.

Management of post partum haemorrhage

Primary post partum haemorrhage is the most common form of major obstetric haemorrhage. The traditional definition of primary post partum haemorrhage is the loss of 500 ml or more of blood from the genital tract within 24 hours of the birth of a baby. Post partum haemorrhage can be minor (500-1000 ml) or major (more than 1000 ml). Major could be divided to moderate (1000-2000 ml) or severe (more than 2000 ml). The recommendations in this article apply to women experiencing primary post partum haemorrhage of 500 ml or more. Secondary post partum haemorrhage is defined as abnormal or excessive bleeding from the birth canal between 24 hours and 12 weeks postnatally. The main causes of the secondary form are: inflammations (endometritis), placental tissue retention, inadequate involution of the uterus and malignancy. Because of its importance as a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, obstetric haemorrhage must be considered as a priority topic. According to the tragic and dramatic outcomes of this morbidity, and to the fact that most cases of post partum haemorrhage have no identifiable risk factors, the practical obstetricians should be aware of the accurate diagnosis and management of this illness.

Conservative approach to the management of morbidly adherent placentae

To determine the effect of conservative management of morbidly adherent placentae on maternal morbidity and mortality and to review management options All case notes of patients with placenta accreta and percreta between June 2008 and August 2010 were studied retrospectively. Eight placentae percretae and 4 placentae accretae were identified out of a total of 11,358 deliveries.All 12 patients underwent caesarean section. Placentae percretae were intentionally left in situ. Interventional radiology was used in these cases. There was one emergency hysterectomy for massive obstetric haemorrhage,one case of disseminated intravascular coagulation,one case of early sepsis and 3 cases of delayed sepsis.Average blood loss was 2490 ml with the mean volume transfused being 1425 ml. The mean hospital stay was 7 days and 2 patients were admitted to intensive care. One patient was readmitted with sepsis complicated by a utero-cutaneous fistula (complete placenta praevia).Another patient required re-embolisation 5 months post delivery for persistent haemorrhage. No ureteric or bladder injuries occurred. Conservative management of placenta percreta is an alternative to caesarean hysterectomy. It is associated with lower maternal morbidity rates.However, monitoring for sepsis and secondary postpartum haemorrhage is essential. Rare complications such as utero-cutanus fistulae may occur.

Postpartum Uterine Wound Dehiscence Leading to Secondary PPH: Unusual Sequelae

Secondary postpartum haemorrhage due to partial or complete dehiscence of uterine wound after caesarean section is unusual. Authors present here a patient with secondary postpartum haemorrhage following uterine dehiscence after caesarean delivery. Conservative management failed to control the bleeding, and she eventually needed hysterectomy. All women who have significant PPH following caesarean should undergo evaluation for any defect in the scar. Scar dehiscence has been diagnosed and repaired after many years of caesarean section in women with persistent abnormal bleeding. Therefore, this condition may have long-term implication if missed postpartum.

SECONDARY POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE

Secondary postpartum haemorrhage is defined as any abnormal or excessive bleeding from the birth canal occurring between 24 hours and up to 12 weeks postpartum. The quantity of blood loss that constitutes secondary postpartum bleeding, unlike primary postpartum hemorrhage, is not clearly defined. Subjective estimation of the amount of blood loss constituting ‘haemorrhage’ accounts for at least some of the variation in reported incidence of secondary postpartum haemorrhage from 0.47% to 2%

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm as a cause of secondary postpartum haemorrhage following a caesarean section

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a major direct cause of maternal mortality worldwide, and primary PPH accounts for most of these deaths. Secondary PPH is not usually as catastrophic and certainly less frequent but may still cause significant morbidity, and if not appropriately managed, can also lead to maternal death. The common causes of secondary PPH include subinvolution of the placental site, retained products of conception and endometritis. Rare causes such as uterine or cervical neoplasms as well as vascular abnormalities including uterine artery pseudoaneurysm, should be excluded, especially in patients not responding to uterotonics and antibiotics. Traditionally the treatment of uterine artery pseudoaneurysms would warrant a surgical approach, but recently selective uterine artery embolization (UAE) has become the treatment of choice. Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection of these vascular anomalies has also been successfully used in appropriate cases. With the availability of these uterine-preserving techniques, clinicians should perhaps consider UAE in the haemodynamically stable patient before resorting to surgery.

Secondary postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine artery pseudoaneurysm rupture in von Willebrand disease

We here report a case of a 33-year-old woman who experienced secondary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to uterine artery pseudoaneurysm rupture. She had intrauterine balloon tamponade for unexplained primary PPH after spontaneous vaginal delivery, and subsequent angiography showed no abnormal contrast extravasation. However, profuse vaginal bleeding occurred 22 days postpartum. Color Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated an anechoic mass with turbulent flow in the lower uterine segment, corresponding to uterine artery pseudoaneurysm. She was successfully treated with selective uterine arterial embolization. Decreased levels of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII led to the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease. When it is determined that a patient has unexplained PPH or uterine artery pseudoaneurysm, a high index of suspicion and further investigation for underlying bleeding disorders is warranted.

Successful Pregnancy Outcome in a Patient of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Without Therapy

The management of cancer during pregnancy may pose difficulty for patients, their families and physicians. The concomitant occurrence of pregnancy and CML is very rare since it is a malignancy which is most commonly detected in elderly. A 30 years old female was diagnosed as a case of CML and prescribed hydroxyurea which she stopped on her own after taking for few months. The patient conceived one month after stopping hydroxyurea. She did not agree to terminate the pregnancy even on repeated requests. Though the total leucocyte count was in the range of 150-200X103/ml, she refused to take any form of therapy till delivery. Antenatal period was uneventful and at term she delivered a male child normally. The mother developed secondary postpartum hemorrhage which was controlled after exploration and removal of retained bits of placenta. Hydroxyurea was started 4 weeks after delivery. Both the mother and the child are doing well till date.

Trends in postpartum haemorrhage in Ireland: an eleven-year population-based cohort study

ObjectiveTo derive population-based incidence rates of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and to investigate trends associated with method of delivery and blood transfusion. Specific focus was given to PPH due to atonic...