Temporary balloon occlusion of the internal iliac arteries to prevent massive hemorrhage during cesarean delivery among patients with placenta previa

Clinical evaluation of the effect for prophylactic balloon occlusion in pregnancies complicated with placenta accreta spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder is a critical and severe obstetric condition associated with high risk of intraoperative massive hemorrhage and cesarean hysterectomy. Severe obstetric hemorrhage is currently one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. Prophylactic balloon occlusions, including prophylactic balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta (PBOAA) and prophylactic balloon occlusion of the internal iliac arteries (PBOIIA), are the most common means of controlling hemorrhage in patients with PAS disorder, but their effectiveness is still debated.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of prophylactic balloon occlusion during cesarean section (CS) in improving maternal outcomes for PAS patients.

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, PubMed and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from the inception dates to June 2022, using the keywords "placenta accreta spectrum disorder/morbidly adherent placenta (placenta previa, placenta accreta, placenta increta, placenta percreta), balloon occlusion, internal iliac arteries, abdominal aorta, hemorrhage, hysterectomy, estimated blood loss (EBL), packed red blood cells (PRBCs)" to identify the systematic reviews or meta-analyses.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All articles regarding PAS disorders and including the application of balloon occlusion were included in the screening.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two independent researchers performed the data extraction and assessed study quality. EBL volume and PRBC transfusion volume was regarded as the primary endpoints. Random and fixed effects models were used for the meta-analysis (RRs and 95% CIs), and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessments.

MAIN RESULTS

Of 429 studies identified, a total of 35 trials involving the application of balloon occlusion for patients with PAS disorder during CS were included. A total of 19 studies involving 935 patients who underwent PBOIIA were included in the PBOIIA group, and 851 patients were included in control 1 group. Ten studies including 428 patients with PAS who underwent PBOAA were allocated to the PBOAA group, and 324 patients without PBOAA were included in control 2 group. Simultaneously, we compared the effect on PBOAA and PBOIIA including seven studies, which referred to 267 cases in the PBOAA group and 313 cases in the PBOIIA group. The results showed that the PBOIIA group had a reduced EBL volume (MD: 342.06 mL, 95% CI: -509.90 to -174.23 mL, I2 = 77%, P < 0.0001) and PRBC volume (MD: -1.57 U, 95% CI: -2.49 to -0.66 U, I2 = 91%, P = 0.0008) than that in control 1 group. With regard to the EBL volume (MD: -926.42 mL, 95% CI: -1437.07 to -415.77 mL, I2 = 96%, P = 0.0004) and PRBC transfusion volume (MD: -2.42 U, 95% CI: -4.25 to -0.59 U, I2 = 99%, P = 0.009) we found significant differences between the PBOAA group and control 2 group. Prophylactic balloon occlusion (PBOAA and PBOIIA) had a significant effect on reducing intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion volume in patients with PAS. Moreover, PBOAA was more effective than PBOIIA in reducing intraoperative blood loss (MD: -406.63 mL, 95% CI: -754.12 to -59.13 mL, I2 = 92%, P = 0.020), but no significant difference in controlling PRBCs (MD: -3.48 U, 95% CI: -8.90 to 1.95 U, I2 = 99%, P = 0.210) between the PBOIIA group and the PBOAA group. Hierarchical analysis was conducted by differentiating gestational weeks and maternal age to reduce the high heterogeneity of meta-analysis. Hierarchical analysis results demonstrated the heterogeneities of the study were reduced to some extent, and gestational weeks and maternal age might be the cause of increased heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic balloon occlusion is a safe and effective method to control hemorrhage and reduce PRBC transfusion volume for patients with PAS, and PBOAA could reduce more intraoperative blood loss than PBOIIA. However, we found no statistical difference in lessening packed red blood cell transfusion volume for PAS patients. Hence, preoperative prophylactic balloon occlusion is the recommended application for PAS patients in obstetric CSs. Furthermore, PBOAA is preferred for controlling intraoperative bleeding in patients with corresponding medical conditions.

Prophylactic radiologic interventions to reduce postpartum hemorrhage in women with risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum disorder: a nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the association between prophylactic radiologic interventions and perioperative blood loss in women with risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective nationwide cohort study of women with risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum disorder who underwent planned cesarean section in 69 Dutch hospitals between 2008 and 2013. All women had two risk factors for PAS: placenta previa/anterior low-lying placenta and a history of cesarean section(s). Women with and without ultrasonographic signs of PAS were studied as two separate groups. We compared the total blood loss of women with prophylactic radiologic interventions, defined as preoperative placement of balloon catheters or sheaths in the internal iliac or uterine arteries, with that of a control group consisting of women without prophylactic radiologic interventions using multivariable regression. We evaluated maternal morbidity by the number of red blood cell (RBC) units transfused within 24 h following childbirth (categories: 0, 1-3, >4), duration of hospital admission, and need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

RESULTS

A total of 350 women with placenta previa/anterior low-lying placenta and history of cesarean section(s) were included: 289 with normal ultrasonography, of whom 21 received prophylactic radiologic intervention, and 61 had abnormal ultrasonography, of whom 22 received prophylactic intervention. Among women with normal ultrasonography without prophylactic intervention (n = 268), the median blood loss was 725 mL (interquartile range (IQR) 500-1500) vs. 1000 mL (IQR 550-1750) in women with intervention (n = 21); the adjusted difference in blood loss was 9 mL (95% confidence interval (CI) -315-513), p = .97). Among women with abnormal ultrasonography, those without prophylactic intervention (n = 39) had a median blood loss of 2500 mL (IQR 1200-5000) vs. 1750 mL (IQR 775-4000) in women with intervention (n = 22); the adjusted difference in blood loss was -1141 mL (95% CI -1694- -219, p = .02). Results of outcomes on maternal morbidity were comparable among women with and without prophylactic intervention.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that prophylactic radiologic interventions prior to planned cesarean section may help to limit perioperative blood loss in women with clear signs of placenta accreta spectrum disorder on ultrasonography, but there was no evidence of a difference within the subgroup without such ultrasonographic signs. The use of these interventions should be discussed in a multidisciplinary shared decision-making process, including discussions of potential benefits and possible complications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Registry, https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/28238, identifier NL4210 (NTR4363).

Fetal and neonatal outcomes following maternal aortic balloon occlusion for hemorrhage in pregnancy: A review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide, with increased risk in women with abnormal placentation. Aortic balloon occlusion (ABO), including resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion, has been used for obstetrical hemorrhage for 20 years, and is associated with decreased operative blood loss, fewer transfusions, and lower rates of hysterectomy. However, the effect of aortic occlusion on fetal/neonatal outcomes is not well known.

METHODS

A literature review on ABO for obstetrical or traumatic hemorrhage was performed. Cases were included if fetal/neonatal outcomes were reported. Data were collected on timing of balloon inflation (predelivery or postdelivery), fetal/neonatal mortality, and Apgar scores. Secondary maternal outcomes included blood loss, need for hysterectomy, ABO-related complications, and mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty-one reports of ABO in 825 cases of obstetrical hemorrhage were reviewed (nine case reports/series and twelve comparative studies). 13.5% (111/825) had aortic occlusion prior to delivery of the fetus. Comparative cohorts included 448 patients who underwent iliac artery balloon occlusion (n = 219) or no vascular balloon occlusion (n = 229). The most common neonatal outcome reported was Apgar scores, with no difference in fetal/neonatal outcomes between ABO and non-ABO patients in any study. One neonatal mortality occurred in the sole reported case of ABO use in a pregnant trauma patient at 24 weeks gestation. One maternal mortality occurred because of aortic dissection. Five comparative studies reported significantly decreased blood loss in ABO patients compared to non-ABO patients, and four studies reported significantly lower rates of hysterectomy in ABO patients. ABO-related complications were reported in 1.6% of patients (13/825).

CONCLUSION

Obstetrical hemorrhage is a devastating complication, and ABO may potentially decrease blood loss and reduce the hysterectomy rate without compromising fetal and neonatal outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the safety of predelivery aortic occlusion as this occurred in 14% of the cases.

Clinical and hemodynamic insights into the use of internal iliac artery balloon occlusion as a prophylactic technique for treating postpartum hemorrhage

Recently, the effectiveness of internal iliac artery balloon occlusion (IIABO) for treating postpartum hemorrhage caused by pernicious placenta previa (PPP) has been questioned. We conducted a retrospective analysis and hemodynamic simulation to assess the IIABO's effectiveness. The retrospective analysis involved 480 patients with PPP, among which 288 underwent IIABO treatment and the remaining 192 were used as controls. Blood loss and preoperative indicators were recorded, and multiple regression analysis was applied to test the effect of preoperative indicators on blood loss. Hemorrhage mechanisms were simulated using a numerical model. Results suggested that no significant difference in blood loss (1836 ± 1440 ml vs. 1784 ± 1647 ml, p = 0.22) was observed between the two groups. In addition, preoperative indicators, including age, weight, gestational age, gravidity, parity, blood type, anemia, or diabetes, were not associated with blood loss. In the simulation, after the intra-iliac artery was blocked, blood loss was caused by a reversed flow in the intrapelvic arteries, uterine veins, and uterine venules. The ratio of the time-averaged hemorrhage velocity (TAHV) in the balloon group to that in the control group was lower than that obtained in a clinical study (13.0% vs. 88.9%); in the presence of collateral circulation, blood loss occurred from collateral circulation and uterine venules after IIABO intervention, and the TAHV was 60%-90% that of the control group, which was closer to the clinical results (88.9%). These results suggest that IIABO cannot effectively treat postpartum hemorrhage because of the collateral circulation and reversed flow in the uterine venules.

Experience of Managing Suspected Placenta Accreta Spectrum with or without Internal Iliac Artery Balloon Occlusion in Two Lithuanian University Hospitals

Background and objectives: Placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum are considered major causes of massive postpartum hemorrhage. Objective: To determine whether the placement of an occlusion balloon catheter in the internal iliac artery could reduce bleeding and other related complications during cesarean delivery in patients with placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted at two tertiary obstetric units of Lithuania. From January 2016 to November 2019 patients with placenta previa and antenatally suspected invasive placenta were included in the intervention group and underwent cesarean delivery with endovascular procedure. From January 2014 to December 2015 patients with placenta previa and suspected placenta accreta spectrum were included in the non-intervention group. The primary outcomes were reduction in intraoperative blood loss and transfusion volumes in the intervention group. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of hysterectomy and maternal complications. Results: Nineteen patients underwent cesarean delivery with preoperative endovascular procedure, and 47 women underwent elective cesarean delivery. The median intraoperative blood loss (1000 (400-4500) mL vs. 1000 (400-5000) mL; p = 0.616) and the need for red blood cell transfusion during operation (26% vs. 23%; p = 0.517) did not differ significantly between the patients groups. Seven patients in the intervention group and two patients in the non-intervention group underwent perioperative hysterectomy (p = 0.002). None of the patients had complications related to the endovascular procedure. Conclusion: The use of intermittent balloon occlusion catheter in patients with placenta pathology is a safe method but does not significantly reduce intraoperative blood loss during cesarean delivery.

The effect prophylactic internal iliac artery balloon occlusion in patients with placenta previa or placental accreta spectrum: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Placenta previa describes a placenta that extends partially or completely over the internal cervical oss. Placenta previa is one of the leading causes of widespread postpartum hemorrhage and maternal mortality worldwide. Another cause of bleeding in pregnant women is Placenta accreta spectrum. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the effect of prophylactic balloon occlusion of the internal iliac arteries in patients with placenta previa or placental accreta spectrum (PAS).

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, to identify and select relevant studies, the SID, MagIran, ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched, using the keywords of internal iliac artery balloon, placenta, previa, balloon, accreta, increta and percreta, without a lower time limit and until 2020. The heterogeneity of the studies was examined using the I² index, and subsequently a random effects model was applied. Data analysis was performed within the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 2).

RESULTS

In the review of 29 articles with a total sample size of 1140 in the control group, and 1225 in the balloon occlusion group, the mean difference between the two groups was calculated in terms of Intraoperative blood loss index (mL) and it was derived as 3.21 ± 0.38; moreover, in 15 studies with a sample size of 887 in the control group, and 760 in the balloon occlusion group, the mean difference between the two groups in terms of gestation index (weeks) was found as 2.84 ± 0.49; and also with regards to hysterectomy balloon occlusion after prophylactic closure of the iliac artery, hysterectomy (%) balloon occlusion was calculated as 8.9 %, and this, in the hysterectomy control group (%) was obtained as 31.2 %; these differences were statistically significant and showed a positive effect of the intervention (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that the use of prophylactic internal iliac artery balloon occlusion in patients with placenta previa or Placenta accreta spectrum has benefits such as reduced intraoperative blood loss, reduced hysterectomy and increased gestation (weeks), which can be considered by midwives and obstetricians.

Open versus endovascular REBOA control of blood loss during cesarean delivery in the placenta accreta spectrum: A single-center retrospective case control study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare two vascular control options for blood loss prevention and hysterectomy during cesarean delivery (CD2): endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA3) and open bilateral common iliac artery occlusion (CIAO4) in women with extensive placenta accreta spectrum (PAS5).

STUDY DESIGN

This was retrospective comparison of cases of PAS using either CIAO (October 2017 through October 2018) or REBOA (November 2018 through November 2019) to prevent pathologic hemorrhage during scheduled CD. Women with confirmed placenta increta/percreta underwent either CD then intraoperative post-delivery, pre-hysterectomy open vascular control of both CIA6 (CIAO group) or pre-operative, ultrasound-guided, fluoroscopy-free REBOA followed by standard CD and balloon inflation after fetal delivery (REBOA group). Intraoperative blood loss, transfusion volumes, surgical time, blood pressure, maternal and neonatal outcomes, hospitalization length and postoperative complications were compared.

RESULTS

The REBOA and CIAO groups included 12 and 16 women, respectively, with similar median age of 35 years and gestational age of 34-35 weeks. All REBOA catheters were successfully placed into aortic zone three under ultrasound guidance. The quantitated median intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower for the REBOA group, (541 [IQR 300-750] mL) compared to the CIAO group (3331 [IQR 1150-4750] mL (P = 0.001). As a result, the total volume of fluid and blood replacement therapy was significantly lower in the REBOA group (P < 0.05). Median surgical time in the REBOA group was less than half as long: 76 [IQR 64-89] minutes compared to 168 [IQR 90-222] minutes in the CIAO group (P = 0.001). None of the women with REBOA required hysterectomy, while 8/16 women in the CIAO group did (P = 0.008). Furthermore, the post-anesthesia recovery and hospital discharge times in the REBOA-group were shorter (P < 0.05). One thromboembolic complication occurred in each group. The only REBOA-associated complication was non-occlusive femoral artery thrombosis, with no surgical management required. No maternal or neonatal deaths occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

Fluoroscopy-free REBOA for women with PAS is associated with improved vascular control, perioperative blood loss, the need for transfusion and hysterectomy and reduces surgical time when compared to bilateral CIAO.

Postpartum Hemorrhages: Prevention

The strict correlation between abnormal invasive placentation and postpartum hemorrhage suggests that a widespread antenatal diagnosis of placental anomalies would improve the management of these challenging patients; acting preventive solutions at the moment of delivery reduces blood loss and avoid hysterectomies. The role of endovascular procedures in this field has been encouraged by multiple studies reporting prophylactic uterine arteries embolization and iliac/aortic balloon catheters positioning. This paper aims to review the main imaging diagnostic findings of placental implant anomalies and summarize the principal preventive endovascular strategies proposed in literature.

Estimating the radiation dose to the fetus during prophylactic internal iliac occlusion in patients with abnormal placentation

AIMS

To evaluate the estimated fetal radiation dose during prophylactic internal iliac arterial occlusion in patients with abnormal placenta and to estimate the risk of radiation induced cancer in child age.

METHODS

Prophylactic occlusion of the internal iliac arteries during Caesarean section was performed in 42 patients with placenta praevia and/or placenta accreta spectrum. Fogarty embolectomy catheters were used for prophylactic occlusion of the internal iliac arteries. All procedures were performed in the hybrid operating room using Philips Allura Xper FD 20 X-ray system. Low dose X-ray fluoroscopy (7.5 frames per second) was used. The CODE (Conceptus dose estimation) Software was used to estimate the fetal dose and the risk of radiation induced carcinoma.

RESULTS

Fluoroscopy times required for insertion of Fogarty catheters were 0.5-4.2 min (mean: 1.7 min, median: 1.5 min). The estimated radiation dose to the fetus was 0.26-3.36 mGy (mean: 1.49 mGy, median: 1.25 mGy). The risk of radiation induced cancer in child age was 0.01-0.04% (mean 0.02%, median 0.01%). One patient developed thrombosis of a common femoral artery.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic occlusion of the internal iliac arteries is a simple and safe procedure with minimal risk of complications and with a very low estimated radiation dose to the fetus.

Obstetric outcomes in major vs minor placenta praevia: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Placenta praevia (PP) is a rare obstetric condition associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity. Traditionally, the degree of PP has been classified into minor and major; however, there are very few robust studies that compare the maternal outcomes of these types of PP.

AIMS

To identify any significant differences in obstetric outcomes between major and minor PP, including antepartum, intraoperative and postpartum complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital between 2009 and 2018; all women were diagnosed with PP.

RESULTS

Of the total of 368 women recruited, over half of the participants were diagnosed with major PP (57%), while the remaining had minor PP. Women with major PP, compared to women with minor PP, had an increased risk of antepartum haemorrhage (odds ratio (OR) 2.77, P < 0.001), delivery at an earlier gestational age (36.1 vs 37.4 weeks), general anaesthesia (OR 3.25, P < 0.001), greater proportion of emergency lower segment (51% vs 40%) and classical caesarean (7.7% vs 3.8%), increased number of uterotonics (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.17, P < 0.031), greater blood loss (IRR 1.32, P < 0.001) and higher frequency of blood transfusion (IRR 2.00, P < 0.027), and longer postpartum hospital stay (IRR 1.26, P < 0.001). Hysterectomy was performed for three women with major PP, compared to one with minor PP.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of PP significantly impacts obstetric outcomes, with major PP associated with worse maternal morbidity antenatally, intraoperatively and postpartum. Therefore, to optimise patient care, this study emphasises the importance of identifying and distinguishing between different types of PP.

Perioperative prophylactic internal iliac artery balloon occlusion in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in placenta previa: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Placenta previa remains one of the major causes of massive postpartum hemorrhage and maternal mortality worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether internal iliac artery balloon occlusion during cesarean delivery for placenta previa could reduce postpartum hemorrhage and other maternal complications.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary university obstetric unit in Hong Kong. Pregnant women who were diagnosed to have placenta previa at 34 weeks (defined as lower placenta edge within 2 cm from the internal os) and required cesarean delivery were invited to participate. Eligible pregnant women were randomized into internal iliac artery balloon occlusion (Occlusion) group or standard management (Control) group. Those randomized to the Occlusion group had internal iliac artery balloon catheter placement performed before cesarean delivery and then balloon inflation after delivery of the baby. The primary outcome was the reduction of postpartum hemorrhage in those with internal iliac artery balloon occlusion. Secondary outcome measures included hemoglobin drop after delivery; amount of blood product transfusion; incidence of hysterectomy; maternal complications including renal failure, ischemic liver, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and adult respiratory distress syndrome; length of stay in hospital; admission to intensive care unit; and maternal death.

RESULTS

Between May 2016 and September 2018, 40 women were randomized (20 in each group). Demographic and obstetric characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. In the Occlusion group, 3 women did not receive the scheduled procedure, as it was preceded by antepartum hemorrhage that required emergency cesarean delivery, and 1 woman had repeated scan at 36 weeks showing the placental edge was slightly more than 2 cm from the internal os. Intention-to-treat analysis found no significant differences between the Occlusion and the Control groups regarding to the median intraoperative blood loss (1451 [1024-2388] mL vs 1454 [888-2300] mL; P = .945), the median length of surgery (49 [30-62] min vs 37 [30-51] min; P = .204), or the need for blood transfusion during operation (57.9% vs 50.0%; P = .621). None of the patients had rebleeding after operation, complication related to internal iliac artery procedure, or any other maternal complications. Reanalyzing the data using on-treatment approach showed the same results.

CONCLUSION

The use of prophylactic internal iliac artery balloon occlusion in placenta previa patients undergoing cesarean delivery did not reduce postpartum hemorrhage or have any effect on maternal or neonatal morbidity.

Control of postpartum hemorrhage in women with placenta accreta spectrum using prophylactic balloon occlusion combined with Pituitrin intra-arterial infusion

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic internal iliac artery balloon occlusion combined with Pituitrin intra-arterial infusion in the control of postpartum hemorrhage in women with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

METHODS

This is a prospective and non-randomized controlled study. The participants were assigned into three groups: without balloon catheterization (non-BC) group, balloon catheterization (BC) group, and Pituitrin combined with balloon catheterization (PBC) group. The primary outcomes were estimated blood loss (EBL) and the units of transfused packed red blood cells (PRBC). The secondary outcome was the incidence of hysterectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 100 participants were recruited between August 2013 and November 2018 and assigned into the respective groups as follows: 27 in the non-BC group, 22 in the BC group, and 51 in the PBC group. No statistical differences were found in demographic characteristics among the three groups. There was a trend of lower EBL, PRBC, and hysterectomy rate in the BC group than those in the non-BC group, while all values showed no significant differences (all p > 0.05). Patients in the PBC group had significantly lower EBL, PRBC, and hysterectomy rate compared with those in the non-BC group (all p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed that the PBC (vs. others) was negatively correlated with EBL and the non-BC (vs. others) independently predicted more EBL.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon occlusion combined with Pituitrin infusion is an effective treatment method which significantly reduced EBL, PRBC, and hysterectomy rate in patients with PAS.

KEY POINTS

• Internal iliac artery balloon occlusion combined with Pituitrin intra-arterial infusion can significantly decrease EBL, PRBC, and hysterectomy rate during cesarean section in patients with PAS. • Cesarean section without balloon occlusion and placenta accreta depth are two independent risk factors for EBL in patients with PAS.

Postpartum hemorrhage from non-uterine arteries: clinical importance of their detection and the results of selective embolization

Background Identification of the source of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is important for embolization because PPH frequently originates from non-uterine arteries. Purpose To evaluate the clinical importance of identifying the non-uterine arteries causing the PPH and the results of their selective embolization. Material and Methods This retrospective study enrolled 59 patients who underwent embolization for PPH from June 2009 to July 2016. Angiographic findings and medical records were reviewed to determine whether non-uterine arteries contributed to PPH. Arteries showing extravasation or hypertrophy accompanying uterine hypervascular staining were regarded as sources of the PPH. The results of their embolization were analyzed. Results Of 59 patients, 19 (32.2%) underwent embolization of non-uterine arteries. These arteries were ovarian (n = 7), vaginal (n = 5), round ligament (n = 5), inferior epigastric (n = 3), cervical (n = 2), internal pudendal (n = 2), vesical (n = 1), and rectal (n = 1) arteries. The embolic materials used included n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n = 9), gelatin sponge particles (n = 8), gelatin sponge particles with microcoils (n = 1), and polyvinyl alcohol particles (n = 1). In 13 patients, bilateral uterine arterial embolization was performed. Re-embolization was performed in two patients with persistent bleeding. Hemostasis was achieved in 17 (89.5%) patients. Two patients underwent immediate hysterectomy due to persistent bleeding. One patient experienced a major complication due to pelvic organ ischemia. One patient underwent delayed hysterectomy for uterine infarction four months later. Conclusion Non-uterine arteries are major sources of PPH. Detection and selective embolization are important for successful hemostasis.

Intermittent aortic balloon occlusion combined with cesarean section for the treatment of patients with placenta previa complicated by placenta accreta: A retrospective study

AIM

To compare the efficacy of cesarean section (CS) combined with intermittent aortic balloon occlusion with that of CS alone for treating patients with placenta previa complicated by placenta accreta.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with placenta previa complicated by placenta accreta who underwent CS were retrospectively studied. Twenty-two patients had undergone CS combined with intermittent aortic balloon occlusion (combination group) and 23 patients received conventional hemostatic support only (control group). The postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion requirements, operation time and recovery time, and the ability to preserve the uterus and fertility were analyzed.

RESULTS

Intermittent aortic balloon occlusion significantly decreased the volume of blood loss in the combination group relative to the control group (597 ± 359 mL vs 2687 ± 575 mL; P < 0.001), and transfusion requirements were also reduced (498 ±195 mL vs 2390 ±789 mL; P <0.001). We observed shorter operation time in the combination group relative to the control group (63.8 ± 12.3 min vs 118.8 ± 22.4 min; P < 0.001), and fewer patients required uterine cavity stuffing followed by uterine artery embolization (n = 2 vs n = 10; P <0.05), uterine artery ligation (n = 1 vs n = 9; P < 0.05), and hysterectomy (n = 0 vs n =7; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intermittent aortic balloon occlusion may control postpartum hemorrhage in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta, and improve the postoperative conditions.

Placenta previa and maternal hemorrhagic morbidity

OBJECTIVE

Placenta previa is associated with maternal hemorrhage, but most literature focuses on morbidity in the setting of placenta accreta. We aim to characterize maternal morbidity associated with previa and to define risk factors for hemorrhage.

METHODS

This is a secondary cohort analysis of the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Cesarean Section Registry. This analysis included all women undergoing primary Cesarean delivery without placenta accreta. About 496 women with previa were compared with 24,201 women without previa. Primary outcome was composite maternal hemorrhagic morbidity. Non-hemorrhagic morbidities and risk factors for hemorrhage were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Maternal hemorrhagic morbidity was more common in women with previa (19 versus 7%, aRR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9-3.5). Atony requiring uterotonics (aRR 3.1, 95% CI 2.0-4.9), red blood cell transfusion (aRR 3.8, 95% CI 2.5-5.7), and hysterectomy (aRR 5.1, 95% CI 1.5-17.3) were also more common with previa. For women with previa, factors associated with maternal hemorrhage were pre-delivery anemia, thrombocytopenia, diabetes, magnesium use, and general anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Placenta previa is an independent risk factor for maternal hemorrhagic morbidity. Some risk factors are modifiable, but many are intrinsic to the clinical scenario.

Clinical evaluation of balloon occlusion of the lower abdominal aorta in patients with placenta previa and previous cesarean section: A retrospective study on 43 cases

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the efficacy of balloon occlusion of the lower abdominal aorta in cesarean section surgery for the patients with placenta previa and previous cesarean section.

METHODS

The patients who had placenta previa and underwent cesarean section (CS) were evaluated. The patients treated with CS to terminate the pregnancy were used as control group (23 cases); the patients treated with the preset abdominal aorta balloon before CS was taken as study group (20 cases). The investigated indicators included the intraoperative blood loss, blood loss within postoperative 24 h, the transfusion amount of red cell suspension (RCS), hospital stay, incidence rate of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the asphyxia, premature delivery and the mortality of the newborns.

RESULTS

The two groups are comparable. The intraoperative blood loss, blood loss within postoperative 24 h, the transfusion amount of RCS and the percentage of uterus resection in the study group were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in the control group. The percentage of uterine cavity filling with ribbon gauze in the study group was higher than the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The balloon occlusion of lower abdominal aorta seems effective in reducing postpartum hemorrhage and the blood transfusion and decreasing the risk of hysterectomy without harming the newborns.