Anesthetic management as a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean deliveries

Perioperative outcomes and causes of postpartum hemorrhage in patients undergoing cesarean delivery in Thailand: A comprehensive retrospective study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to identify the characteristics, causes, perioperative anesthetic, and obstetric outcomes of patients experiencing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after cesarean delivery.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent cesarean delivery at the largest university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, during a 5-year period (January 1, 2016-December 31, 2020). PPH was defined as an estimated blood loss (EBL) of ≥ 1000 ml within 24 hours postpartum.

RESULTS

Of 17 187 cesarean deliveries during the study period, 649 patients were included for analysis. The mean EBL was 1774.3 ± 1564.4 ml (range: 1000-26 000 ml). Among the patients, 166 (25.6%) experienced massive PPH (blood loss > 2000 ml). Intraoperative blood transfusions were necessary for 264 patients (40.7%), while 504 individuals (77.7%) needed intraoperative vasopressors. The analysis revealed uterine atony as the leading cause of PPH in 62.7% (n = 407) of the patients, with abnormal placentation following at 29.3% (n = 190). Abnormal placentation was associated with a significantly higher mean EBL of 2345.0 ± 2303.9 ml compared to uterine atony, which had a mean EBL of 1504.0 ± 820.7 ml (P < 0.001). Abnormal placentation also significantly increased the likelihood of blood transfusions and hysterectomies (P < 0.001 for both) and led to more intensive care unit admissions (P = 0.032). The risk of EBL exceeding 2000 ml was markedly higher in patients with abnormal placentation (odds ratio [OR] 5.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.45-7.57, P < 0.001) and in cases involving trauma to the internal organs (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.16-4.71, P = 0.018) than in patients with uterine atony. The study documented three instances of perioperative cardiac arrest, one of which was fatal.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive perioperative management strategies, including the ready availability of adequate blood and blood products, particularly in scenarios predisposed to significant hemorrhage.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov registration number NCT04833556 (April 6, 2021).

A comparative analysis of Postpartum Hemorrhage incidence and influencing factors between nulliparous and multiparous women in Hunan Province, China: A multicenter retrospective cohort study

Objectives

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a common cause of maternal death worldwide, but data on PPH incidence and influencing factors for nulliparous and multiparous women is scarce. So, the study aimed to assess the differences in PPH incidence and influencing factors between nulliparous and multiparous women.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted among women who gave birth at ≥ 28 weeks of gestation in Hunan Province, China, from January 2017 to December 2018. Logistic regression assessed PPH-influencing factors, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) assessed the predictive performance of identified factors.

Results

A total of 144,845 postpartum women were included in the study. The incidence of PPH (blood loss ≥ 500 ml) was 2.1 % and 1.7 % for nulliparous and multiparous women, respectively. Among the nulliparous and multiparous women, similar influencing factors of PPH included erythrocyte suspension transfusion before childbirth, anemia, soft-birth canal avulsion, Cesarean-section, placenta abruption, and general anesthesia administration before birth. Thrombophlebitis was associated [aOR 18.46(1.67-20.31)] with PPH among only the nulliparous women, while instrument-assisted birth [aOR 1.95(1.16-3.28)] and gestational hypertension [aOR 1.57(1.13-2.19)] were associated with PPH among only the multiparous women. The areas under the ROC-curve for the overall-cohort, nulliparous, and multiparous groups were [0.829(0.821-0.838)], [0.828(0.815-0.840)] and [0.833(0.822-0.844)], respectively.

Conclusion

PPH incidence is higher among nulliparous women than among multiparous women, but influencing factors vary relatively by parity. The study findings provide new insights into the use of different approaches to PPH prevention for nulliparous and multiparous women in clinical practice.

Risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage in twin pregnancies with cesarean section

The rates of twin pregnancies and cesarean section have increased in recent years, and both of them are at high risks of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). However, few studies have concentrated on the risks of PPH in twin pregnancies and cesarean deliveries. In this study, we aimed to identify the risk factors for PPH among twin-pregnant women with cesarean section. This was a retrospective observational study including 1,649 women with twin pregnancies delivered by cesarean section from 2016 to 2022 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, China. The eligible women were divided into PPH group (n = 116) and non-PPH group (n = 1,533) according to the blood loss after delivery within 24 h. The baseline maternal and perinatal characteristics were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the potential risk factors for PPH. We found nulliparity, assisted reproductive technology (ART) usage, preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, placenta previa, placenta accreta and general anesthesia were more common in PPH group than non-PPH group (P < 0.05). Women in PPH group had higher maternal body mass index at delivery and higher combined birthweight of the twins than non-PPH group, but had lower parity (P < 0.05). Seven independent risk factors for PPH were identified after logistic regression analysis: ART usage (OR 2.354 95% CI 1.357-4.083, P = 0.002), preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome (OR 2.605, 95% CI 1.471-4.616, P = 0.001), placenta previa (OR 7.325, 95% CI 3.651-14.697, P < 0.001), placenta accreta (OR 6.296, 95% CI 1.316-30.12, P = 0.021), thrombocytopenia (OR 1.636, 95% CI 1.056-2.535, P = 0.027), general anesthesia (OR 2.394, 95% CI 1.223-4.686, P = 0.011), and combined birthweight (OR 1.00032, 95% CI 1.00005-1.00059, P = 0.020). Collectively, in women with twin pregnancies delivered by cesarean section, the use of ART, preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, placenta previa, placenta accreta, thrombocytopenia, general anesthesia and the combined birthweight were identified as independent risk factors for PPH. More attention should be paid to women with these risk factors.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Receipt of General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery

Importance

General anesthesia for cesarean delivery is associated with increased maternal morbidity, and Black and Hispanic pregnant patients have higher rates of general anesthesia use compared with their non-Hispanic White counterparts. It is unknown whether risk factors and indications for general anesthesia differ among patients of differing race and ethnicity.

Objective

To evaluate differences in general anesthesia use for cesarean delivery and the indication for the general anesthetic by race and ethnicity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study, electronic medical records for all 35 117 patients who underwent cesarean delivery at Northwestern Medicine's Prentice Women's Hospital from January 1, 2007, to March 2, 2018, were queried for maternal demographics, clinical characteristics, obstetric and anesthetic data, the indication for cesarean delivery, and the indication for general anesthesia when used. Data analysis occurred in August 2023.

Exposure

Cesarean delivery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The rate of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery by race and ethnicity.

Results

Of the 35 117 patients (median age, 33 years [IQR, 30-36 years]) who underwent cesarean delivery, 1147 (3.3%) received general anesthesia; the rates of general anesthesia were 2.5% for Asian patients (61 of 2422), 5.0% for Black patients (194 of 3895), 3.7% for Hispanic patients (197 of 5305), 2.8% for non-Hispanic White patients (542 of 19 479), and 3.8% (153 of 4016) for all other groups (including those who declined to provide race and ethnicity information) (P < .001). A total of 19 933 pregnant patients (56.8%) were in labor at the time of their cesarean delivery. Of those, 16 363 (82.1%) had neuraxial labor analgesia in situ. Among those who had an epidural catheter in situ, there were no racial or ethnic differences in the rates of general anesthesia use vs neuraxial analgesia use (Asian patients, 34 of 503 [6.8%] vs 1289 of 15 860 [8.1%]; Black patients, 78 of 503 [15.5%] vs 1925 of 15 860 [12.1%]; Hispanic patients, 80 of 503 [15.9%] vs 2415 of 15 860 [15.2%]; non-Hispanic White patients, 255 of 503 [50.7%] vs 8285 of 15 860 [52.2%]; and patients of other race or ethnicity, 56 of 503 [11.1%] vs 1946 of 15 860 [12.3%]; P = .16). Indications for cesarean delivery and for general anesthesia were not different when stratified by race and ethnicity.

Conclusions and Relevance

Racial disparities in rates of general anesthesia continue to exist; however, this study suggests that, for laboring patients who had labor epidural catheters in situ, no disparity by race or ethnicity existed. Future studies should address whether disparities in care that occur prior to neuraxial catheter placement are associated with higher rates of general anesthesia among patients from ethnic and racial minority groups.

Association of Labor Neuraxial Analgesia with Maternal Blood Transfusion

BACKGROUND

Labor neuraxial analgesia may reduce the odds of postpartum hemorrhage, the leading indication for maternal blood transfusion during childbirth. This study tested the hypothesis that labor neuraxial analgesia is associated with reduced odds of maternal blood transfusion overall.

METHODS

U.S. birth certificate data in the Natality File of the National Vital Statistics System for all 50 states from 2015 to 2018 for vaginal and intrapartum cesarean deliveries were analyzed. The exposure was labor neuraxial analgesia. The primary outcome was maternal blood transfusion, recorded on the birth certificate, which has low sensitivity for this outcome. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% CIs of blood transfusion associated with neuraxial analgesia were estimated using propensity score matching. The adjusted odds ratios were estimated overall and according to delivery mode, and treatment effect was compared between vaginal and intrapartum cesarean deliveries using an interaction term. Sensitivity analyses were performed using inverse propensity score weighting and quantitative bias analysis for outcome misclassification.

RESULTS

Of the 12,503,042 deliveries analyzed, 9,479,291 (75.82%) were with neuraxial analgesia, and 42,485 (0.34%) involved maternal blood transfusion. After propensity score matching, the incidence of blood transfusion was 0.30% in women without neuraxial analgesia (7,907 of 2,589,493) and 0.20% in women with neuraxial analgesia (5,225 of 2,589,493), yielding an adjusted odds ratio of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.82 to 0.91) overall. For intrapartum cesarean deliveries, the adjusted odds ratio was 0.55 (95% CI, 0.48 to 0.64), and for vaginal deliveries it was 0.93 (95% CI,. 0.88 to 0.98; P value for the interaction term < 0.001). The results were consistent in the sensitivity analyses, although the quantitative bias analysis demonstrated wide variation in potential effect size point estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

Labor neuraxial analgesia may be associated with reduced odds of maternal blood transfusion in intrapartum cesarean deliveries and, to a lesser extent, vaginal deliveries. The specific effect size varies widely by delivery mode and is unclear given the poor sensitivity of the data set for the maternal transfusion primary outcome.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Singleton pregnancy using in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection does not increase risk of bleeding in cesarean delivery: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Several studies indicate that assisted reproductive technology (ART) including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) pregnancies carries increased risk of complications including postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). However, the association between IVF/ICSI and the bleeding risk particularly in cesarean delivery has not been systematically assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate bleeding risk during and after cesarean delivery in parturients who conceived using IVF or ICSI.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study analyzing data from 310 parturients who underwent cesarean delivery: 155 who had conceived using IVF or ICSI (IVF/ICSI group) and 155 age and year of delivery matched controls who had conceived spontaneously (control group). The primary outcome measure was the amount of blood lost during and within 24 h after cesarean delivery. Secondary outcome measure was the incidence of severe PPH. With 132 parturients in each group, we had 90% power to detect a 200 mL difference in the bleeding amount, at a 0.05 two-sided significance level.

RESULTS

The amount of bleeding in the IVF/ICSI group was 1234 ± 669 mL, which was 124 mL (11.2%) greater than that in the control group (95% CI - 34 to 282; p = 0.12). The incidence of severe PPH in the IVF/ICSI group and in the control group was 23.9% and 16.8%, respectively (p = 0.16), and the unadjusted odds ratio was 1.6 (95% CI, 0.9-2.7; p = 0.12). No significant independent effect of IVF/ICSI on the bleeding amount and the incidence of severe PPH was observed in multivariable regression analyses (p = 0.22, p = 0.16).

CONCLUSION

In this study, IVF and ICSI were not associated with increasing risk of bleeding in cesarean delivery.

Incidence and predictors of severe postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery in South Central Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

Severe postpartum hemorrhage is an obstetric emergency that needs immediate intervention and is a leading cause of maternal death. Despite its significant health burden, little is known, about its magnitude and risk factors, especially after cesarean delivery in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and predictors of severe postpartum hemorrhage following cesarean section. This study was conducted on 728 women who underwent cesarean section. We retrospectively collected data from the medical records, including baseline characteristics, obstetrics, and perioperative data. Potential predictors were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analyses, adjusted odd ratios, and a 95% confidence interval to see associations. A p-value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. The incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage was 26 (3.6%). The independently associated factors were previous CS scar ≥ 2 (AOR 4.08: 95% CI 1.20-13.86), antepartum hemorrhage (AOR 2.89: 95% CI 1.01-8.16), severe preeclampsia (AOR 4.52: 95% CI 1.24-16.46), maternal age ≥ 35 years (AOR 2.77: 95% CI 1.02-7.52), general anesthesia (AOR 4.05: 95% CI 1.37-11.95) and classic incision (AOR 6.01: 95% CI 1.51-23.98). One in 25 women who gave birth during cesarean section experienced severe postpartum hemorrhage. Considering appropriate uterotonic agents and less invasive hemostatic interventions for high-risk mothers would help to decrease its overall rate and related morbidity.

Prolonged operative time of cesarean is a risk marker for subsequent cesarean maternal complications

PURPOSE

Prolonged cesarean operative time (OT) is a well-established proxy for post-operative maternal complications. We aimed to study whether prolonged OT may serve as a proxy for maternal complications in the subsequent cesarean delivery.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of women who underwent cesarean delivery between 2005 and 2019. Parturients who had two subsequent cesarean deliveries were included and those with Placenta Accreta Syndrome (PAS) were excluded. Prolonged operative time was defined as the duration of cesarean delivery above 60 min. Univariate analyses were followed by multivariate analysis (adjusted Odds Ratio (aORs); [95% Confidence Interval]).

RESULTS

A total of 5163 women met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of which 360 (7%) had prolonged operative time. Prolonged operative time of a cesarean section in the index pregnancy was significantly associated in the subsequent cesarean delivery with the following: Prolonged operative time, intra-operative blood loss > 1000 ml, postpartum hemorrhage, blood products transfusion, injuries to the urinary system in the subsequent delivery, and hysterectomy. Multivariate analysis revealed that prolonged OT in the index delivery was associated with composite adverse maternal outcome (aOR 1.46 [1.09-1.95]; P = 0.01) and blood products transfusion (aOR 2.93 [1.90-4.52]; P < 0.01) in the subsequent delivery.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged operative may serve as a proxy for adverse maternal outcomes, mostly blood products transfusion, in the subsequent cesarean delivery among women undergoing repeat cesarean delivery.

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva and Pregnancy: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Objective

To evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP; OMIM#135100), an ultrarare genetic disorder characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification of soft tissues and cumulative disability.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of three patients with FOP who were admitted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, from to February 2011 to July 2021.

Results

Three women delivered preterm infants at our institution. These cases posed unique anesthetic and obstetric technical challenges, particularly when securing the airway and performing cesarean delivery. Importantly, each patient received perioperative glucocorticoids for prevention of further heterotopic ossification.

Conclusion

FOP is a unique clinical diagnosis encountered by obstetricians and requires multidisciplinary management for optimal outcomes.

JTH in Clinic - Obstetric bleeding: VWD and other inherited bleeding disorders

Individuals with inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) have higher bleeding risk during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Clinical management requires recognition of the IBD as high risk for postpartum hemorrhage and a personalized multidisciplinary approach that includes the patient in decision making. When the fetus is known or at risk to inherit a bleeding disorder, fetal and neonatal bleeding risk also need to be considered. In pregnant IBD patients, it is common for providers to need to make decisions in the absence of high level of certainty evidence. We here present the case of a pregnant von Willebrand disease patient that reached multiple decision points where there is currently clinical ambiguity due to a lack of high level of certainty evidence. For each stage of her care, from diagnosis to the postpartum period, we discuss current literature and describe our approach. This is followed by a brief overview of considerations in other IBDs and pregnancy.

Anesthesia technique and postpartum hemorrhage: a prospective cohort study

Background and objective

During the past few years, an increased number of postpartum hemorrhages have been noticed, even in high-income countries. It has been suggested that this escalation could be associated with increased obstetric interventions. Among such interventions, anesthesia is one of the most prevalent. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of peripartum anesthesia on total blood loss during the 24 hours after delivery.

Methods

We performed a complementary analysis from a prospective cohort study that evaluated postpartum bleeding within 24 hours after birth. The study was performed between February 1^st, 2015 and March 31^st, 2016 at the Women’s Hospital at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil. Postpartum bleeding was measured using a calibrated drape and summing the blood contained in the compresses and pads used for 24 hours. We calculated means, percentages, and standard deviation and performed Mann-Whitney analysis for the relation of anesthesia with Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) and logistic regression for drugs used in the anesthesia with PPH, using SAS 9.4 software.

Results

We included 270 women in the study; of these, 168 received anesthesia for delivery and almost 50% of them had spinal and epidural anesthesia. The mean blood loss within 24 hours after delivery did not show differences between those who did and those who did not receive obstetrical anesthesia (579.0 ± 361.6 vs. 556.6 ± 360.6; p = 0.57). Logistic regression showed that anesthesia, the type of anesthesia, and the drug used did not influence the PPH above 500 mL and above 1000 mL within 2 hours (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Anesthesia did not influence postpartum bleeding after vaginal delivery.

Ethnic disparities in postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery: a retrospective case-control study

Purpose

To explore the relationship of ethnicity and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) for women who underwent cesarean delivery (CD) and examine the risk factors for PPH in distinct ethnic groups in China.

Methods

We conducted case–control studies with the maternity data from the 11,778 CD cases, in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Initially, multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the disparity of race-ethnicity on the risk of PPH in ethnic Han, Uygur, Hui and Kazakh. Then, we performed case–control studies within two major ethnic groups, identifying the specific risk factors for PPH.

Results

Ethnic Uygur were associated with a statistically significant increased odds [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–3.33] of PPH compared with ethnic Han. For subgroup analyses, in Uygur subgroup, general anesthesia (aOR 7.78; 95% CI 2.31–26.20); placenta previa (aOR 11.18; 95% CI 3.09–40.45); prenatal anemia (aOR 4.84; 95% CI 2.44–9.60); emergency surgery (aOR 4.22; 95% CI 1.95–9.13) were independently associated with PPH. In Han subgroup, general anesthesia (aOR 5.70; 95% CI 1.89–17.26); placenta previa (aOR 20.08; 95% CI 6.35–63.46); multiple pregnancy (aOR 7.21; 95% CI 1.61–32.37); body mass index (aOR 1.19; 95% CI 1.07–1.31) were the risk factors to PPH.

Conclusion

Uygur have more tendency to PPH compared to Han, and risk factors for PPH in Uygur and Han groups may differ. Knowing these differences may be meaningful when planning interventions and resources for high-risk patients undergoing cesarean delivery, and we need more research aimed at risk factors for PPH.

Feasibility of using a handheld tissue hardness meter to quantify uterine contractions and its clinical application for obstetric bleeding management

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially life-threatening condition. Women undergoing caesarean section (CS) are at particular risk, and improvements in the management of PPH during CS are required. We investigated the use of a tissue hardness metre to quantify uterine contractions during CS with a view to its application for obstetric bleeding management. Fifty pregnant women at term who underwent elective CS were recruited. Using a tissue hardness metre, we measured uterine hardness twice during CS: after placental removal and before peritoneum closure. Each measurement was conducted at two standardised points: fundus and corpus uteri. Concurrently, obstetricians subjectively graded uterine contractions as weak, medium, or strong. The hardness metre accurately quantified the degree of uterine contraction assessed by the obstetricians, and could be an effective clinical tool for early recognition of intra-operative massive bleeding. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Maintaining adequate uterine contraction leads to prevention of excessive blood loss, which decreases the incidence and severity of PPH. However, the assessment of uterine contraction is currently judged by obstetricians, who manually and subjectively evaluate uterine contraction according to uterine hardness. Therefore, uterine atony remains a clinical diagnosis without a universal definition. What do the results of this study add? The present study investigated the use of a tissue hardness metre to quantify uterine contractions during CS with a view to its application for obstetric bleeding management. The hardness metre was able to quantify the degree of uterine contraction perceived by obstetricians. Quantifying uterine hardness during CS correlates with the amount of intra-operative bleeding and is useful for early recognition of massive haemorrhage. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? To improve the management of atonic PPH and avoid serious complications, the tissue hardness metre should be considered as a potential clinical tool during CS.

Association between mode of anaesthesia and severe maternal morbidity during admission for scheduled Caesarean delivery: a nationwide population-based study in Japan, 2010-2013

BACKGROUND

Although the incidence of maternal mortality during Caesarean delivery remains very low, the rate of severe maternal morbidity is increasing. Improvements in obstetric anaesthetic practice have resulted in a dramatic reduction in the risk of maternal death from general anaesthesia. Less clear is whether the risk of severe maternal morbidity differs according to mode of anaesthesia for women undergoing Caesarean delivery. We analysed the association between the mode of anaesthesia and severe maternal morbidity during Caesarean delivery using a nationally representative inpatient database.

METHODS

We identified 89 225 women undergoing scheduled Caesarean delivery from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database in Japan, 2010-2013. We defined severe maternal morbidity as the presence of any life-threatening complications and identified women with severe maternal morbidity from the database. Propensity score-matched analysis was carried out to compare the odds of severe maternal morbidity between women who underwent general vs neuraxial anaesthesia.

RESULTS

Of 89 225 women, 10 058 received general anaesthesia and 79 167 received neuraxial anaesthesia. In the propensity score-matched analysis with 10 046 pairs, a higher incidence of severe maternal morbidity was observed among patients receiving general (2.00%) rather than neuraxial anaesthesia (0.76%). The odds ratio of severe maternal morbidity was 2.68 (95% CI, 1.97-3.64) among women receiving general compared with neuraxial anaesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

For scheduled Caesarean delivery, general anaesthesia compared with neuraxial anaesthesia is associated with greater odds for severe maternal morbidity. However, we should be cautious with interpretation of these findings because they may be explained by confounding indications.

Risk Factors for Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage After Cesarean Delivery: Case-Control Studies

BACKGROUND

Women who undergo intrapartum caesarean delivery (CD) are at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) compared with those undergoing prelabor CD. To determine whether the presence and strength of the associations between individual risk factors and severe PPH vary among women undergoing prelabor CD or intrapartum CD, stratified analyses are needed according to CD subtype.

METHODS

To identify risk factors for severe PPH within 2 distinct CD populations, prelabor CD and intrapartum CD, we performed 2 case-control studies. Women in each study cohort delivered at a tertiary obstetric center in the United States between 2002 and 2012. For each study, cases were women who had a blood loss ≥1500 mL or who received an intraoperative or postoperative transfusion up to 48 hours after delivery. Risk factors for severe PPH among women undergoing prelabor CD or intrapartum CD were examined in separate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

For prelabor CD, we identified 269 cases and 550 controls. Clinical factors with the highest adjusted odds for severe PPH during prelabor CD were general anesthesia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 22.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9-99.9; reference group = spinal anesthesia), multiple pregnancies (aOR = 8.0; 95% CI, 4.2-15.0; reference group = singleton pregnancy), and placenta previa (aOR = 6.3; 95% CI, 3.4-11.8). For intrapartum CD, we identified 278 cases and 572 controls. Clinical factors with the highest adjusted odds for severe PPH during intrapartum CD were general anesthesia (aOR = 5.4; 95% CI, 1.7-17.1), multiple pregnancies (aOR = 3.2; 95% CI, 1.7-6.3), and a predelivery hemoglobin ≤ 9.9 g/dL (aOR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.3-6.9; reference group = predelivery hemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dL).

CONCLUSIONS

Women who undergo prelabor CD and intrapartum CD have several shared risk factors for severe PPH (general anesthesia and multiple pregnancies). However, the risk factor profiles for severe PPH differed between these CD cohorts. Recognizing these differences may be important when planning resources and interventions for high-risk patients undergoing either prelabor or intrapartum CD.

Israeli survey of anesthesia practice related to placenta previa and accreta

BACKGROUND

Anesthesia practices for placenta previa (PP) and accreta (PA) impact hemorrhage management and other supportive strategies. We conducted a survey to assess reported management of PP and PA in all Israeli labor and delivery units.

METHODS

After Institutional Review Board waiver, we surveyed all 26 Israeli hospitals with a labor and delivery unit by directly contacting the representatives of obstetric anesthesiology services in every department (unit director or department chair). Each director surveyed provided information about the anesthetic and transfusion management in their labor and delivery units for three types of abnormal placentation based on antenatal placental imaging: PP, low suspicion for PA, and high suspicion for PA. The primary outcome was use of neuraxial or general anesthesia for PP and PA Cesarean delivery. Univariate statistics were used for survey responses using counts and percentages.

RESULTS

The response rate was 100%. Spinal anesthesia is the preferred anesthetic mode for PP cases, used in 17/26 (65.4%) of labor and delivery units. By comparison, most representatives reported that they perform general anesthesia for patients with PA: 18/26 (69.2%) for all low suspicion cases of PA and 25/26 (96.2%) for all high suspicion cases of PA. Although a massive transfusion protocol was available in the majority of hospitals (84.6%), the availability of thromboelastography and cell salvage was much lower (53.8% and 19.2% hospitals respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In our survey, representatives of anesthesia labor and delivery services in Israel are almost exclusively using general anesthesia for women with high suspicion for PA; however, almost two-thirds use spinal anesthesia for PP without suspicion of PA. Among representatives, we found wide variations in anesthesia practice patterns with regard to anesthesia mode, multidisciplinary management, and hemorrhage anticipation strategies.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mode of Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery

BACKGROUND

Racial and ethnic disparities have been identified in the provision of neuraxial labor analgesia. These disparities may exist in other key aspects of obstetric anesthesia care. We sought to determine whether racial/ethnic disparities exist in mode of anesthesia for cesarean delivery (CD).

METHODS

Women who underwent CD between 1999 and 2002 at 19 different obstetric centers in the United States were identified from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Cesarean Registry. Race/ethnicity was categorized as: Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic Others (NHOs). Mode of anesthesia was classified as neuraxial anesthesia (spinal, epidural, or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia) or general anesthesia. To account for obstetric and non-obstetric covariates that may have influenced mode of anesthesia, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed by using sequential sets of covariates.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 50,974 women who underwent CD. Rates of general anesthesia among racial/ethnic groups were as follows: 5.2% for Caucasians, 11.3% for African Americans, 5.8% for Hispanics, and 6.6% for NHOs. After adjustment for obstetric and non-obstetric covariates, African Americans had the highest odds of receiving general anesthesia compared with Caucasians (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-1.8; P < 0.001). The odds of receiving general anesthesia were also higher among Hispanics (aOR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.3; P = 0.02) and NHOs (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.4; P = 0.03) compared with Caucasians, respectively. In our sensitivity analysis, we reconstructed the models after excluding women who underwent neuraxial anesthesia before general anesthesia. The adjusted odds of receiving general anesthesia were similar to those in the main analysis: African Americans (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9; P < 0.001); Hispanics (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4; P = 0.006); and NHOs (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5; P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on data from the Cesarean Registry, African American women had the highest odds of undergoing general anesthesia for CD compared with Caucasian women. It is uncertain whether this disparity exists in current obstetric practice.

Blood loss in elective cesarean section: is there a difference related to the type of anesthesia? A randomized prospective study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the effect of general and spinal anesthesia on maternal blood loss in elective cesarean section (CS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective randomized study and included 418 healthy pregnant women with a term uncomplicated singleton pregnancy between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation. The study participants were randomly divided into two groups: the general anesthesia group and spinal anesthesia group. CSs were all performed using the same surgical technique, and within the groups, the same anesthetic procedures were used (either general or spinal). The primary outcome for this study was operative blood loss. Hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were similar in the both groups (p=0.08 and p=0.239, respectively). Significantly lower operative blood loss was achieved using spinal anesthesia versus general anesthesia during elective CS. The differences between preoperative and postoperative blood values for both the study groups were statistically significant (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that spinal anesthesia is associated with a lower risk of operative blood loss than general anesthesia in low risk patients undergoing elective CS.

Mode of anaesthesia for preterm Caesarean delivery: secondary analysis from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Caesarean Registry

BACKGROUND

Preterm delivery is often performed by Caesarean section. We investigated modes of anaesthesia and risk factors for general anaesthesia among women undergoing preterm Caesarean delivery.

METHODS

Women undergoing Caesarean delivery between 24(+0) and 36(+6) weeks' gestation were identified from a multicentre US registry. The mode of anaesthesia was classified as neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal, epidural, or combined spinal and epidural) or general anaesthesia. Logistic regression was used to identify patient characteristic, obstetric, and peripartum risk factors associated with general anaesthesia.

RESULTS

Within the study cohort, 11 539 women had preterm Caesarean delivery; 9510 (82.4%) underwent neuraxial anaesthesia and 2029 (17.6%) general anaesthesia. In our multivariate model, African-American race [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.7-2.2], Hispanic ethnicity (aOR=1.5; 95% CI=1.2-1.8), other race (aOR=1.4; 95% CI=1.1-1.9), and haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome or eclampsia (aOR=2.8; 95% CI=2.2-3.5) were independently associated with receiving general anaesthesia for preterm Caesarean delivery. Women with an emergency Caesarean delivery indication had the highest odds for general anaesthesia (aOR=3.5; 95% CI=3.1-3.9). For every 1 week decrease in gestational age at delivery, the adjusted odds of general anaesthesia increased by 13%.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study cohort, nearly one in five women received general anaesthesia for preterm Caesarean delivery. Although potential confounding by unmeasured factors cannot be excluded, our findings suggest that early gestational age at delivery, emergent Caesarean delivery indications, hypertensive disease, and non-Caucasian race or ethnicity are associated with general anaesthesia for preterm Caesarean delivery.

[Clinical and pharmacological procedures for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in the third stage of labor]

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical and pharmacological procedures for the prevention of Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the Medline and the Cochrane Library (1st December 2004 to 1st March 2014) and we checked the international guidelines.

RESULTS

Vaginal birth: only the use of uterotonics reduces the incidence of PPH. Oxytocin is the treatment of choice if it is readily available (grade A). Oxytocin can be used either after the shoulders expulsion or rapidly after the placental delivery (grade B). A dose of 5 or 10IU must be administrated IV over at least 1minute or directly by an intramuscular injection (professional agreement) except in women with documented cardiovascular disease in which the duration of the IV perfusion should be over at least 5minutes (professional agreement). Mechanical procedures have no significant impact on PPH. The decision to use a collector bag is left to the medical team (professional agreement). A systematic complementary oxytocin perfusion is not recommended (professional agreement). Caesarean delivery: There is no evidence to recommend a particular type of caesarean technique to prevent PPH (professional agreement) but a lower uterine section is recommended (grade B). All types of incision expansion may be used (professional agreement). A controlled cord traction is associated with lower blood losses than manual removal of the placenta (grade B). A dose of 5 or 10IU can be injected (IV) over 1minute, and over 5minutes in women with cardiovascular disease (professional agreement). Carbetocin reduces the incidence of PPH but there is presently no inferiority study comparing oxytocin and carbetocin so that oxytocin remains the gold standard therapy to prevent PPH in C-section (professional agreement).

Risk factors for obstetric morbidity in patients with uterine atony undergoing caesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

Uterine atony (UA) is recognized as a leading cause of postpartum haemorrhage. However, knowledge of risk factors of haemorrhage-related morbidity among patients diagnosed with UA is uncertain. We investigated risk factors for haemorrhage-related morbidity among patients undergoing Caesarean delivery with UA.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of data sourced from a 4-yr observational study at 19 US academic centres. Patients with UA were identified based on receiving methylergonovine or carboprost. Our primary outcome (haemorrhage-related morbidity) included a composite of intra- or postpartum transfusion; Caesarean hysterectomy; uterine or hypogastric artery ligation; intensive care admission for: pulmonary oedema, coagulopathy, adult respiratory distress syndrome, postoperative ventilation, or invasive line monitoring.

RESULTS

Among 57,182 patients who underwent Caesarean delivery, 2294 (4%) patients developed UA. Haemorrhage-related morbidity occurred in 450 (19.6%) patients with UA. The risk of haemorrhage-related morbidity was increased among African-Americans [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.36; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.73-3.23], Hispanics (aOR=1.4; 95% CI=1.04-1.9), women with multiple gestations (aOR=1.59; 95% CI=1.06-2.38), placenta praevia (aOR=4.89; 95% CI=3.04-7.87), patients with ASA class III (aOR=1.4; 95 CI=1.03-1.9), or ASA class IV (aOR=5.88; 95% CI=2.48-13.9), exposure to general anaesthesia (GA) (aOR=2.4; 95% CI=1.59-3.62) and combined general and regional anaesthesia (aOR=4.0; 95% CI=2.62-6.09), and ≥2 prior Caesarean deliveries (aOR=1.62; 95% CI=1.1-2.39).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with UA undergoing Caesarean delivery, the risk of haemorrhage-related morbidity is increased in African-Americans, Hispanics, patients with multiple gestations, placenta praevia, ASA class III or IV, ≥2 prior Caesarean deliveries and those undergoing GA.

Is general anaesthesia for caesarean section associated with postpartum haemorrhage? Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The odds for PPH were about eight times higher following general anaesthesia compared with neuraxial anaesthesia in a recent retrospective study. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of type of anaesthesia (general vs. neuraxial) on estimated blood loss and transfusion requirements after caesarean section.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed. The quality of eligible reports was assessed using the Oxford Quality Scale. Data were subjected to meta-analysis using the random effects model.

RESULTS

The search identified 18 articles including 12,330 parturients. Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) found a significant difference in blood loss, favouring neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal and epidural) when comparing with general anaesthesia {weighted mean difference -106.11 ml [95% confidence interval (CI) -209.80, -2.42 ml], P = 0.04}. In further analyses, we found a significant difference after epidural compared with general anaesthesia but not after spinal compared with general anaesthesia. Based on RCTs, there was no significantly increased risk of blood transfusions with general anaesthesia. Analysis of non-randomised studies found a significantly higher transfusion requirement after general anaesthesia (risk ratio 5.06, 95% CI 2.47-10.36, P < 0.00001). The incidence of hypotension and the amount of fluid given were higher in the neuraxial anaesthesia groups.

CONCLUSION

General anaesthesia is associated with a higher blood loss than neuraxial anaesthesia. However, based on high-quality studies, the need for blood transfusion was not greater. The higher blood loss with general anaesthesia is therefore of uncertain clinical relevance.

Misoprostol to reduce intraoperative and postoperative hemorrhage during cesarean delivery: a systematic review and metaanalysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic misoprostol use at cesarean delivery for reducing intraoperative and postoperative hemorrhage.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies (3174 women) were included of which 7 evaluated misoprostol vs oxytocin and 8 evaluated misoprostol plus oxytocin vs oxytocin alone. Overall, there were no significant differences in intraoperative and postoperative hemorrhage between sublingual or oral misoprostol and oxytocin. Rectal misoprostol, compared with oxytocin, was associated with a significant reduction in intraoperative and postoperative hemorrhage. The combined use of sublingual misoprostol and oxytocin, compared with the use of oxytocin alone, was associated with a significant reduction in the mean decrease in hematocrit (mean difference, -2.1%; 95% confidence interval, -3.4 to -0.8) and use of additional uterotonic agents (relative risk, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.62). Compared with oxytocin alone, buccal misoprostol plus oxytocin reduced the use of additional uterotonic agents; rectal misoprostol plus oxytocin decreased intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, mean fall in hematocrit, and use of additional uterotonic agents; and intrauterine misoprostol plus oxytocin reduced the mean fall in hemoglobin and hematocrit. Women receiving misoprostol, alone or combined with oxytocin, had a higher risk of shivering and pyrexia.

CONCLUSION

Misoprostol combined with oxytocin appears to be more effective than oxytocin alone in reducing intraoperative and postoperative hemorrhage during cesarean section. There were no significant differences in intraoperative and postoperative hemorrhage when misoprostol was compared to oxytocin. However, these findings were based on a few trials with methodological limitations.

Risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage requiring transfusion in cesarean deliveries for Japanese twins: comparison with those for singletons

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage requiring transfusion in Japanese twin pregnancies in comparison with those in Japanese singleton pregnancies.

METHODS

We reviewed the obstetric records of all singleton and twin deliveries after 22 weeks' gestation at the Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity Hospital from 2003 through 2011. Potential risk factors for transfusion due to hemorrhage after cesarean delivery were selected according to previous studies of postpartum hemorrhage or transfusion or both after delivery: maternal age, parity, previous cesarean deliveries, history of infertility therapies such as in vitro fertilization, gestational age at delivery, neonatal birth weight, placenta previa, uterine myoma≥6 cm, hypertensive disorders, placental abruption, emergency cesarean deliveries and general anesthesia.

RESULTS

Using multiple logistic regression, the independent risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage requiring transfusion in singleton pregnancies were preterm delivery [odds ratio (OR) 2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-4.6, p<0.01], placenta previa (OR 8.08, 95% CI 3.9-16, p<0.01) and placental abruption (OR 12.8, 95% CI 2.3-76, p<0.01). In twin pregnancies, however, the independent risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage requiring transfusion were gestational age at ≥41 weeks (OR 8.20, 95% CI 1.3-40, p<0.01) and hypertensive disorders (OR 5.45, 95% CI 2.2-14, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage requiring transfusion in cesarean deliveries of twins seemed to be different from those in singleton cesarean deliveries.