The Changing Face of Sheehan’s Syndrome

Acute Sheehan syndrome following massive postpartum hemorrhage due to vulvar hematoma

Acute Sheehan syndrome appearing within 6 weeks postpartum is a rare form of hypopituitarism caused by postpartum hemorrhage. A 37-year-old Japanese woman experienced a vulvar hematoma after spontaneous labor at 40 weeks gestation, leading to massive postpartum hemorrhage (estimated total blood loss of 3,000 mL). Despite successful cesarean delivery and hematoma drainage, she presented 28 days postpartum with anorexia, fatigue, and hyponatremia after initial recovery. MRI revealed a swollen pituitary gland with subacute hemorrhage, confirming the diagnosis. Hormonal replacement therapy with levothyroxine, hydrocortisone, estrogen, and progesterone was initiated. This is the first reported case of acute Sheehan syndrome following a vulvar hematoma, a condition typically not considered a risk factor for this syndrome. The case highlights the importance of considering rare complications like acute Sheehan syndrome in patients with massive postpartum hemorrhage, even when the pathogenesis is clinically common, such as vulvar hematomas.

Treatment-triggered onset and diagnosis of Sheehan syndrome in a multiple myeloma patient

BACKGROUND

Sheehan syndrome refers to a series of clinical symptoms resulting from avascular necrosis of anterior pituitary due to various reasons.

CASE

We report a case of multiple myeloma patient after one cycle of chemotherapy consisting of bortezomib and dexamethasone diagnosis of Sheehan syndrome with obstinate diarrhea, low blood glucose, and coma symptom, especially, the fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the manifestations in the saddle area were in accordance with empty sella syndrome. A single administration with lenalidomide was given for both consolidative and maintenance treatment, and satisfactory efficacy was achieved. With the patient now remaining in satisfactory medical condition, the success of this therapy has been shown.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report showing a patient with combined multiple myeloma and rarely seen Sheehan syndrome, in which lenalidomide was given for treatment, and satisfactory efficacy was achieved.

Prolactin, prolactin disorders, and dopamine agonists during pregnancy

Pituitary disorders, and especially prolactinomas, are not common among pregnant women, though they tend to occur during a woman's years of fertility. The majority of prolactinoma patients present with infertility and menstruation dysfunction; however, prolactinomas are associated with potentially significant morbidity if they remain unrecognized and untreated. Herein, we survey the role of prolactin and prolactinomas in pregnancy while also outlining the therapeutic approach to prolactinoma during pregnancy. The current literature on the impact of dopamine agonists during pregnancy is also reviewed.

Decreased bone mineral density in women with Sheehan's syndrome and improvement following oestrogen replacement and nutritional supplementation

Sheehan's syndrome (SS) is an important cause of pan-hypopituitarism in women. There is scanty information on bone mineral density (BMD) in this condition. We determined BMD and the changes in BMD after oestrogen (E2) replacement and nutritional supplementation in women with SS. In a cross-sectional study, BMD was measured by DEXA in 83 patients [age (mean ± SD) 42 ± 9.2 years] and compared with an equal number of matched controls. In a sub-set of 19 patients, we conducted an open-label, prospective study to determine changes in BMD after 1 year of replacement of E2, and calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation. All patients had low serum IGF-1 and E2, while 98% had ≥ 3 pituitary hormone deficiencies. Compared with Indian reference standards, 47% had decreased bone mass (Z-score ≤ - 2.0). BMD Z-scores were decreased at all sites, being most marked in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. At the lumbar spine, BMD was lowest among the age group 21-30 years. Women with SS also had significantly lower BMD Z-scores at all three sites on comparison with ethnic controls. On multivariate analysis, BMD Z-score was associated with weight, daily calcium intake and age (lumbar spine). In the prospective study, 1 year of therapy improved BMD Z-score at lumbar spine (- 1.4 ± 1.2 vs. - 1.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.02), but not at hip or femoral neck. In conclusion, patients with SS had significantly lower BMD compared to controls at all three sites. Replacement of E2 and supplementation with calcium/vitamin D3 lead to significant improvement in lumbar spine BMD.

A rare endocrine cause of electrical storm - a case report

Sheehan’s syndrome, also called Simmond’s syndrome, postpartum apoplexy, postpartum pituitary necrosis, and postpartum panhypopituitary syndrome, is the name given to postpartum hypopituitarism. The syndrome is caused by an infarction in the adenohypophysis, usually precipitated by massive uterine haemorrhage and hypovolemic shock during or after childbirth. Extensive destruction of pituitary cells results in varying degree of hypopituitarism. Acute loss of adenohypophysis function can be fatal without glucocorticoid and thyroid replacement therapy and survivors will require life time hormonal replacement therapy. Most cases present in the postpartum period with lactation failure or after months to years after the delivery. In many affected women, anterior pituitary dysfunction is not diagnosed for many years. Dyselectrolytemia is one of a common presentation in Sheehan’s syndrome. Herein, we report a case of a 35-year old female with a history of obstetric hysterectomy 2 years ago in view of severe postpartum haemorrhage with history of failure of lactation and three episodes of syncope since last 1½ years and now presented with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia which required DC cardioversion. She was referred as a case of long QT syndrome. On investigating further, she had hypokalaemia secondary to hypopituitarism due to Sheehan’s syndrome.

A case of acute Sheehan's syndrome and literature review: a rare but life-threatening complication of postpartum hemorrhage

Background

Sheehan’s syndrome occurs because of severe postpartum hemorrhage causing ischemic pituitary necrosis. Sheehan’s syndrome is a well-known condition that is generally diagnosed several years postpartum. However, acute Sheehan’s syndrome is rare, and clinicians have little exposure to it. It can be life-threatening. There have been no reviews of acute Sheehan’s syndrome and no reports of successful pregnancies after acute Sheehan’s syndrome. We present such a case, and to understand this rare condition, we have reviewed and discussed the literature pertaining to it. An electronic search for acute Sheehan’s syndrome in the literature from January 1990 and May 2014 was performed.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old woman had massive postpartum hemorrhage (approximately 5000 mL) at her first delivery due to atonic bleeding. She was transfused and treated with uterine embolization, which successfully stopped the bleeding. The postpartum period was uncomplicated through day 7 following the hemorrhage. However, on day 8, the patient had sudden onset of seizures and subsequently became comatose. Laboratory results revealed hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, hypoprolactinemia, and adrenal insufficiency. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with acute Sheehan’s syndrome. Following treatment with thyroxine and hydrocortisone, her condition improved, and she was discharged on day 24.

Her next pregnancy was established 2 years after her first delivery. She required induction of ovulation for the next conception. The pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period were uneventful. An electronic search of the literature yielded 21 cases of acute Sheehan’s syndrome. Presenting signs varied, including adrenal insufficiency (12 cases), diabetes insipidus (4 cases), hypothyroidism (2 cases), and panhypopituitarism (3 cases), with a median time of presentation after delivery for each of those conditions being 7.9, 4, 18, and 9 days, respectively. Serial changes in magnetic resonance imaging were reported in some cases of acute Sheehan’s syndrome.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of the risk of acute Sheehan’s syndrome after a massive postpartum hemorrhage in order to diagnose it accurately and treat it promptly.

Sheehan syndrome

Sheehan syndrome or postpartum hypopituitarism is a condition characterized by hypopituitarism due to necrosis of the pituitary gland. The initial insult is caused by massive postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), leading to impaired blood supply to the pituitary gland, which has become enlarged during pregnancy. Small sella turcica size, vasospasms (caused by PPH) and/or thrombosis (associated with pregnancy or coagulation disorders) are predisposing factors; autoimmunity might be involved in the progressive worsening of pituitary functions. Symptoms are caused by a decrease or absence of one or more of the pituitary hormones, and vary, among others, from failure to lactate and nonspecific symptoms (such as fatigue) to severe adrenal crisis. In accordance with the location of hormone-secreting cells relative to the vasculature, the secretion of growth hormone and prolactin is most commonly affected, followed by follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone; severe necrosis of the pituitary gland also affects the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone. Symptoms usually become evident years after delivery, but can, in rare cases, develop acutely. The incidence of Sheehan syndrome depends, to a large extent, on the occurrence and management of PPH. Sheehan syndrome is an important cause of hypopituitarism in developing countries, but has become rare in developed countries. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations combined with a history of severe PPH; hormone levels and/or stimulation tests can confirm clinical suspicion. Hormone replacement therapy is the only available management option so far.

Complete vaginal outlet stenosis in a patient with Sheehan's syndrome

We present a case of complete vaginal stenosis in a woman diagnosed with Sheehan’s syndrome. The patient delivered at full-term 5 months prior, and experienced massive postpartum bleeding at that time. During evaluation of persistent amenorrhea, we found that her vaginal orifice was completely adhesive and obstructed. Prior to corrective surgery, we managed the patient with an oral contraceptive to induce uterine bleeding into the vaginal outflow tract. After three cycles of an oral contraceptive, we could confirm that there was no stenotic lesion in the vaginal cavity as a hematocolpos was created. Adhesiolysis with scar revision for the vaginal stenosis was successfully performed; it was found that the lesion was limited to only the distal part of the vaginal outlet. Complete vaginal stenosis in reproductive age women with hypopituitarism has not been reported. The artificial induction of hematometrocolpos before surgery was useful in determining the extent of the stenotic lesion, and assured safety.

Sheehan's syndrome: new insights into an old disease

Sheehan's syndrome (SS) is a parturition-related pituitary disease resulting from severe postpartum hemorrhage and can present with varying degrees of pituitary insufficiency. Pathological and clinical findings of SS were first described by Harold L. Sheehan in the previous century. Although his definitions are still valid, various studies and reports including new data have subsequently been published. Additionally, the diagnosis of SS has often been overlooked and thus delayed for long years due to its nonspecific signs and symptoms. Therefore, a large number of patients may be remained undiagnosed and untreated. SS is not as rare as assumed in developed countries, probably due to migrant women and unawareness of physicians regarding the syndrome. In this review, we provide a detailed review of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical, laboratory and radiological features, new diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and treatment of SS.

Hormones and the bone marrow: panhypopituitarism and pancytopenia in a man with a pituitary adenoma

In rare cases, pancytopenia results from hormonal deficiencies that arise in the setting of panhypopituitarism. Here we describe the unusual case of a 60-year-old man who presented with progressive fatigue and polyuria, and whose laboratory workup revealed a deficiency of the five hormones associated with the action of the anterior pituitary (thyroid hormone, testosterone, cortisol, prolactin, and insulin-like growth factor-1). Imaging of the pituitary demonstrated a cystic mass consistent with a pituitary adenoma replacing much of the normal pituitary tissue. His symptoms and hematologic abnormalities rapidly resolved with prednisone and levothyroxine supplementation. While the majority of reported cases of panhypopituitarism with bone marrow suppression are the result of peripartum sepsis or hemorrhage leading to pituitary gland necrosis (Sheehan's syndrome), it is also important to consider the diagnosis of hypopituitarism in patients with hypothyroidism, low cortisol levels, and pancytopenia. The causal relationship between pancytopenia and panhypopituitarism is not well understood, though it does reinforce the important influence of these endocrine hormones on the health of the bone marrow.

Extensive investigation of 114 patients with Sheehan's syndrome: a continuing disorder

OBJECTIVE

Sheehan's syndrome (SS) is a well-known cause of hypopituitarism resulting from postpartum pituitary necrosis. Because of its rarity in Western society, its diagnosis is often overlooked. We aimed to investigate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological aspects of SS in a large number of patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective assessment of the medical records of 114 patients with SS was conducted. In addition, sella turcica volumes of 29 healthy women were compared with those of patients by magnetic resonance imaging examinations.

RESULTS

The mean period of diagnostic delay was 19.7 years in patients with SS. It was found that 52.6% of patients had nonspecific complaints, 30.7% had complaints related to adrenal insufficiency, and 9.6% had complaints related to hypogonadism when diagnosed. At the time of diagnosis, 55.3% of the patients had panhypopituitarism, while 44.7% had partial hypopituitarism. The number of deficient hormones was found to be increased over the years. None of the patients whose basal prolactin was below 4.0 ng/ml had adequate prolactin responses to TRH test, while all patients whose basal prolactin was above 7.8 ng/ml had adequate responses. Mean sella volume was found to be significantly lower in the SS group (340.5±214 mm(3)) than that in the healthy group (602.5±192 mm(3)).

CONCLUSIONS

SS is a common cause of hypopituitarism in underdeveloped and developing countries. The main reasons for diagnostic delay seem to be the high frequency of patients with nonspecific complaints and neglect of SS. In addition, the TRH stimulation test was found to have a high sensitivity and specificity to recognize PRL deficiency. Furthermore, small sella size may have an important contributing role in the etiopathogenesis of SS.

Etiopathogenesis of Sheehan's Syndrome: Roles of Coagulation Factors and TNF-Alpha

Sheehan's Syndrome (SS) is defined as pituitary hormone deficiency due to ischemic infarction of the pituitary gland as a result of massive postpartum uterine hemorrhage. Herein, we aimed to investigate the roles of Factor II (G20210A), Factor V (G1691A), MTHFR (C677T and A1298C), PAI-1 4G/5G, and TNF- α (-308  G > A) gene polymorphisms in the etiopathogenesis of SS. Venous blood samples were obtained from 53 cases with SS and 43 healthy women. Standard methods were used to extract the genomic DNAs. Factor II (G20210A), Factor V (G1691A), and MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) polymorphisms were identified by real-time PCR. PAI-1 4G/5G and TNF- α (-308  G > A) gene polymorphisms were detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. According to statistical analysis, none of the polymorphisms were found to be significantly higher in the SS group compared to the control group. Hence, we suggest that genetic factors other than Factor II, Factor V, MTHFR, PAI-1, and TNF- α gene polymorphisms should be researched in the etiopathogenesis of SS.

Pituitary apoplexy with reversible cerebral vasoconstrictive syndrome after spinal anaesthesia for emergency caesarean section: an uncommon cause for postpartum headache

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare condition involving pituitary necrosis following either pituitary haemorrhage or infarction. Similarly, reversible cerebral vasoconstrictive syndrome is a cerebrovascular disorder characterised by diffuse, multifocal narrowing of cerebral arteries. Both may present with an acute, intense headache and associated neurological deficits. In postpartum women, these conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of post-dural puncture headache following regional anaesthesia, as serious morbidity may ensue if they are left untreated. We report the case of a patient who developed pituitary apoplexy during an emergency caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. It was further complicated by the development of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and stroke.

Neurology of pregnancy

Pregnancy creates alterations in maternal physiology which predispose to unique neurologic disorders. Pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, certain types of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and thunderclap headache all appear to share a common origin from vascular endothelial dysfunction, with overlapping clinical presentations. Multiple sclerosis often improves during pregnancy. Compression mononeuropathies may occur in the extremities. Myasthenia gravis may affect second stage labor. Various inflammatory peripheral neuropathies, dystrophies, myopathies may occur during pregnancy. The safety of specific immune suppressants is reviewed. Epilepsy does not have a significant effect upon the course of pregnancy, albeit there is a modest increase in the need for cesarean section. Certain antiepileptic drugs may produce fetal malformations, most notably valproic acid. Brain tumors are rare during pregnancy, but may increase in size due to activation of hormonal receptors on tumor cells surfaces, water retention, and engorged blood vessels.

Recovery of prolactin function following spontaneous pregnancy in a woman with Sheehan's syndrome

Sheehan's syndrome (SS) presents with hypopituitarism after parturition, usually preceded by postpartum hemorrhage. The first symptom of the disorder is lactation failure because of lactotroph cell necrosis. Recovery of lactotroph function after initial insult has not been reported in the literature. We describe the evaluation of a case of SS in whom lactotroph function recovered after the second pregnancy. A young woman delivered her first child at the age of 25 years; delivery was followed by severe postpartum hemorrhage and required blood transfusion. Sheehan's syndrome was diagnosed because of lactotroph, corticotroph, thyrotroph and somatotroph failure and empty sella on MRI. She conceived twice spontaneously and had normal lactation after the second delivery; investigations confirmed the normal basal and stimulable prolactin levels. We presume that recovery of lactotroph function after the second pregnancy in a patient with SS is possibly because of stimulatory effect of estrogen and progesterone on residual lactotroph cells.

Late-onset Sheehan's syndrome presenting with rhabdomyolysis and hyponatremia: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Hyponatremia associated with rhabdomyolysis is a rare event and a correct diagnostic approach is required to rule out this or other diseases as a primary cause and to avoid other complications resulting from a lack of appropriate treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 64-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our facility with worsening fatigue, slurred speech, nausea and vomiting, and high serum levels of creatine kinase and myoglobin together with hyponatremia. Normal arterial blood gas analysis results, normal serum potassium levels, increased urine sodium levels, urine specific gravity of >1003N/m3 and low urine volume suggested an endocrine etiology. Her low cortisol and thyroid hormone serum levels suggested a pituitary disorder. A magnetic resonance imaging study showed atrophy of her pituitary gland. A more detailed study of our patient's obstetric history revealed a post-partum hemorrhage 30 years earlier. She was diagnosed as having late-onset Sheehan's syndrome and treated with hormone replacement therapy, which normalized her clinical picture.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report shows that, in hyponatremia-associated rhabdomyolysis, an endocrinological origin should always be considered. This should include Sheehan's syndrome as it can occur with late onset.

Sheehan's syndrome

Sheehan's syndrome (SS) is characterized by various degrees of hypopituitarism, and develops as a result of ischemic pituitary necrosis due to severe postpartum hemorrhage. Increased pituitary volume, small sella size, disseminated intravascular coagulation and autoimmunity are the proposed factors in the pathogenesis of SS. Hormonal insufficiencies, ranging from single pituitary hormone insufficiency to total hypopituitarism, are observed in patients. The first most important issue in the diagnosis is being aware of the syndrome. Lack of lactation and failure of menstrual resumption after delivery that complicated with severe hemorrhage are the most important clues in diagnosing SS. The most frequent endocrine disorders are the deficiencies of growth hormone and prolactin. In patients with typical obstetric history, prolactin response to TRH seems to be the most sensitive screening test in diagnosing SS. Other than typical pituitary deficiency, symptoms such as anemia, pancytopenia, osteoporosis, impairment in cognitive functions and impairment in the quality of life are also present in these patients. Treatment of SS is based on the appropriate replacement of deficient hormones. Growth hormone replacement has been found to have positive effects; however, risk to benefit ratio, side effects and cost of the treatment should be taken into account.

Acute diabetes insipidus mediated by vasopressinase after placental abruption

CONTEXT

Postpartum, diabetes insipidus (DI) can be part of Sheehan's syndrome or lymphocytic hypophysitis in combination with anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. In contrast, acute onset of isolated DI in the postpartum period is unusual.

CASE PRESENTATION

This patient presented at 33 weeks gestation with placental abruption, prompting a cesarean delivery of twins. Immediately after delivery, she developed severe DI. The DI could be controlled with the vasopressinase-resistant 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), but not with arginine vasopressin (AVP), and it resolved within a few weeks.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the postpartum DI in this patient was caused by the release of placental vasopressinase into the maternal bloodstream.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cells were transiently transfected with the AVP receptor 2 (AVPR2) and treated with either AVP or DDAVP in the presence of the patient's serum collected postpartum or 10 weeks after delivery. The response to the different treatments was evaluated by measuring the activity of a cAMP-responsive firefly luciferase reporter construct. The in vitro studies demonstrate that the patient's postpartum serum disrupts activation of the AVPR2 by AVP, but not by the vasopressinase-resistant DDAVP.

CONCLUSIONS

Placental abruption can rarely be associated with acute postpartum DI caused by release of placental vasopressinase into the bloodstream. This clinical entity must be considered in patients with placental abruption and when evaluating patients presenting with DI after delivery.

Acute Sheehan's syndrome presenting as central diabetes insipidus

Sheehan's syndrome occurs as a result of ischaemic pituitary necrosis due to severe postpartum haemorrhage. Improvements in obstetrical care have significantly reduced its incidence in developed countries, but postpartum pituitary infarction remains a common cause of hypopituitarism in developing countries. We report a case of severe postpartum haemorrhage followed by headache, central diabetes insipidus and failure to lactate, which prompted us to investigate and identify both anterior and posterior pituitary deficiency compatible with Sheehan's syndrome. A timely diagnosis allowed us to implement an adequate treatment and follow-up plan, which are known to improve clinical status and patient outcome.

The Symptoms Get Worse after Pregnancy in Sheehan's Syndrome: A Case Report

Sheehan's syndrome, which is pituitary necrosis after severe postpartum hemorrhage and hypovolemia, may cause hypopituitarism immediately or several years later, depending on the degree of tissue destruction. We report an unusual case, in which a 55-year-old woman with Sheehan's syndrome got worse symptoms after spontaneous labor. In 1998, she had severe postpartum hemorrhage and pituitary necrosis during the third delivery, thus it was diagnosed as Sheehan's syndrome by clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and magnetic resonance imaging. She was treated by replacement therapy including hydrocortisone and levothyroxine sodium. However, she had the fourth spontaneous pregnancy in 2000 and got worse symptoms after delivery. We carefully concluded that pregnancy provided no evidence against the diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome because pregnancy might improve hypopituitarism by stimulating the pituitary remnant to undergo hyperplasia and irritating the placenta to secrete hormone. However, pregnancy might aggravate the symptoms by inducing autoimmunity as well. All in all, early diagnosis and adequate medical treatment are important to provide a good prognosis of Sheehan's syndrome.

Sheehan's syndrome: Newer advances

Sheehan's syndrome (SS) is postpartum hypopituitarism caused by necrosis of the pituitary gland. It is usually the result of severe hypotension or shock caused by massive hemorrhage during or after delivery. Patients with SS have varying degrees of anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Its frequency is decreasing worldwide and it is a rare cause of hypopituitarism in developed countries owing to advances in obstetric care. However, it is still frequent in underdeveloped and developing countries. SS often evolves slowly and hence is diagnosed late. History of postpartum hemorrhage, failure to lactate and cessation of menses are important clues to the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to reduce morbidity and mortality of the patients.

Efficacy of surgical techniques to control obstetric hemorrhage: analysis of 539 cases

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the efficacy of surgical techniques to stop excessive obstetric bleeding.

DESIGN

Retrospective follow up.

SETTING

Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research and a total of twelve hospitals in Buenos Aires.

POPULATION

Five hundred and thirty-nine consecutive patients were included: 361 had placenta accreta-percreta, 114 uterine atony, 19 cervical scar pregnancy, 21 placenta previa and 24 uterine-cervical-vaginal tears. Three hundred and forty-seven women had surgery, of whom 192 were emergencies.

METHODS

The surgical techniques included selective arterial ligation and compression procedures. The effectiveness of the techniques was assessed by cessation of bleeding according to source. Follow up included hysteroscopy of 100 patients and magnetic resonance imaging of 341 patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Strong association between topographical uterine irrigation areas and surgical hemostatic technique was established.

RESULTS

Hemorrhage stopped following arterial ligation or compression sutures in 499 women, but hysterectomy was needed in 40. In cervical, lower segment and upper vaginal bleeding, Cho's compression sutures proved to be an efficient and simple procedure. Most surgical hemostatic failures that led to hysterectomy occurred in women with severe hemodynamic deterioration and coagulopathy. Two women died due to multiorgan failure. After surgery, 116 successful pregnancies were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral occlusions of the uterine artery or its branches were useful procedures to stop upper uterine bleeding. Square sutures were a simple and effective procedure to control lower genital tract bleeding.