The magnitude and associated factors of postpartum hemorrhage among mothers who delivered at Debre Tabor general hospital 2018

Duration time of labor progression for pregnant women of vaginal birth after cesarean in Hubei, China

OBJECTIVE

There have been limited reports on the duration of labor progression in pregnant women undergoing vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). This study aimed to investigate the duration of labor progression during VBAC in Hubei, China.

METHODS

A total of 359 pregnant women undergoing VBAC were enrolled as the VBAC group, meeting the following criteria: singleton pregnancy, gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, live birth, history of cesarean delivery, and a willingness to attempt a vaginal delivery. At the same time, 359 primiparas successfully undergoing vaginal delivery were randomly enrolled in the control group at a 1:1 ratio. Subsequently, the durations of the first, second, and third stages of labor were comparatively analyzed between the two groups.

RESULTS

The duration of the first, second, and total stages of labor in the VBAC group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the duration of the third stage of labor between the two groups (p > 0.05). The amount of blood loss, the rate of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and episiotomy were higher in the VBAC group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The rate of labor analgesia and intrapartum fever in the VBAC group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The duration of labor progression of the first, second, and total stages of VBAC is shorter than that in primiparous women in our observation in China.

Prevalence of episiotomy and associated factors among women who gave birth at public health facilities in Jigjiga town, eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Maternal morbidity and mortality has remained a major public health concern worldwide. Basic emergency obstetric care is the primary intervention to prevent obstetric complications and maternal death. Episiotomy is one of the basic obstetrical procedures used to facilitate vaginal delivery, shorten the second stage of labor and prevent complications. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the prevalence and factors associated with episiotomy among women who gave birth in eastern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of episiotomy and its associated factors among women who gave birth at public health facilities in Jigjiga town, eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women who gave birth vaginally from May 1 to June 30, 2022. A total of 422 study participants were recruited using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through a face-to-face interview supported with standard observational checklist and reviewing medical records. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the association between explanatory variables and episiotomy. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) at a P-value <0.05 was used to declare significant association.

RESULTS

The prevalence of episiotomy among women was 52.6% (95% CI: 47.8%, 57.0%). Obstetric complications during current pregnancy (AOR:3.92, 95% CI: 1.59, 9.68), birth weight ≥4000 gm (AOR: 4.30, 95% CI: 1.53, 12.04), induction of labor (AOR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.62, 5.93), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (AOR:2.10, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.88), duration of the second stage of labor ≥90 minutes (AOR:3.09, 95% CI: 1.53, 6.23), instrumental delivery (AOR: 2.69, 95%, CI: 1.39, 5.19), and female genital mutilation (AOR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.83, 4.64) were factors significantly associated with episiotomy.

CONCLUSION

Slightly more than half of the women who gave birth at public health facilities in the study area underwent episiotomies. In addition to the common obstetric factors, having a female genital mutilation scar increased the risk of women's experiencing episiotomies. Therefore, intervention should be tailored to address the identified obstetric risk factors and avoid female genital mutilation in the community to reduce women's experiences of episiotomies in the future.

Predictors of postpartum hemorrhage at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A case-control study

Introduction

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is responsible for half of all maternal deaths during childbirth. Despite being preventable and curable, PPH remains the leading cause of maternal death in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the determinants of PPH among women delivered at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2022.

Methods

A facility-based, unmatched case control study with 378 study participants was carried out in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Women who gave birth and developed PPH were considered cases, while women who gave birth in public hospitals in Addis Ababa and did not develop PPH were controls. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of PPH. Variables was considered statistically significant in the final model if their p-value was less than 0.05.

Results

The result of this study identified that antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.12, 5.96), history of cesarean delivery (AOR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.40, 8.58), prolonged labor (AOR: 5.14; CI: 2.07, 12.75), and genital trauma apart from episiotomy (AOR: 4.39; CI: 1.51, 12.81) were determinants of PPH.

Conclusion

According to the finding of this study duration of labor, history of cesarean section, antenatal care follow-up, and genital trauma other than episiotomy were independent determinants of PPH. Therefore, it is crucial to screen and closely monitor high-risk mothers during antepartum care visit, including those who have a history of cesarean delivery.

Effectiveness of Uterine Arterial Embolization and Risk Factors Associated with Its Failure in Patients with Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage After Cesarean Section

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a serious labor-related complication, is the leading cause of maternal mortality, which requires an emergent intervention. Uterine arterial embolization (UAE) is an effective treatment for hemostasis of intractable PPH. Several risk factors have been reported for the failure of UAE. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of UAE for the treatment of primary PPH following cesarean section (CS) and to determine the risk factors associated with the failure of this procedure. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement to obtain informed consent was waived. All patients referred to a tertiary care center, who underwent UAE for primary PPH between January 2018 and December 2020, were included. The patients’ medical records and radiological findings, including the patients’ characteristics, mode of delivery, initial vital signs and laboratory findings after hospitalization, procedure details, and embolization outcomes, were evaluated for data collection. Technical success was defined as appropriate embolization of target vessels on a completion angiogram. Clinical success was defined as adequate cessation of bleeding after the first embolization, without any need for subsequent embolization or surgical intervention. Statistical analysis was performed to determine factors related to the clinical failure of UAE in CS cases. Results: UAE was performed for 25 patients (mean age, 37.2 years; range, 25 - 45 years). The technical success rate was estimated at 100% (n = 25), and the clinical success rate was 76% (n = 19). There were no patients with permanent adverse sequelae or death. The univariate analyses showed that hemodynamic instability (P = 0.006), lower hemoglobin levels (P = 0.02), and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (P = 0.017) were related to clinical failure. The logistic regression analysis adjusted for age showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.86 for hemoglobin (95% CI: 0.7 - 1; cutoff value: 0.667), 0.816 for aPTT (95% CI: 0.625 - 1; cutoff value: 0.411), and 0.868 for hemodynamic instability (95% CI: 0.661 - 1; cutoff value: 0.622). Conclusions: UAE is a safe and effective treatment for primary PPH following CS. Hemodynamic instability, low hemoglobin levels, and prolonged aPTT can be predictive factors for the poor outcomes of UAE in CS patients. These factors are rapid and straightforward criteria, which can be simply applied, even in emergency situations.

Labor characteristics and intrapartum interventions in women with vaginal birth after cesarean section

Background

With the development of China’s two-child-policy, vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) has aroused public concern. It is important to understand the labour characteristics and intrapartum management of women attempting VBAC to enhance the rates of successful VBAC. The purpose of our research was to investigate the differences in the characteristics of labor, intervention measures and perinatal outcomes between women who had a VBAC and primiparas or multiparas not undergoing VBAC, providing clinical references of intrapartum management for women who are planning a VBAC.

Material and methods

This observational retrospective study enrolled all women who laboured spontaneously and who had a VBAC (n = 139) at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in China between 2016 and 2019. They were allocated into VBAC group A (the previous cesarean section was performed before dilation of the cervix) and VBAC group B (the previous cesarean section was performed after dilation of the cervix). The primipara control group included 149 primiparae, and the multipara control group included 155 multiparae with second vaginal birth. Durations of labor, intervention measures and perinatal outcomes were compared among the groups.

Results

The durations of labor, intrapartum interventions and maternal and neonatal outcomes in VBAC group A were similar to those of the VBAC group B. However, all women who had a VBAC and those in VBAC group A had shorter first, second and the total stages of labor than primiparae. All women with VBAC and those in VBAC group B had longer second stage of labor, but shorter third stage of labor than multiparae. Oxytocin, labor analgesia and artificial rupture of membranes were administered less often in women with VBAC than in primiparae, while phloroglucinol was administered more often in women with VBAC than in multiparae. Women who had a VBAC were more likely to receive episiotomy and had higher incidences of postpartum hemorrhage than primipara and multipara women.

Conclusions

Labor characteristics, intrapartum interventions and perinatal outcomes in women who had a VBAC with cervical dilation were similar to those in women who had a VBAC without cervical dilation before the previous cesarean section, but differed significantly from those of multiparae and primiparae who did not undergo VBAC.

Obstructed labor and its effect on adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Obstructed labor is one of the five major causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in developing countries. In Ethiopia, it accounts for 19.1% of maternal death. The current review aimed to assess maternal and perinatal outcomes of obstructed labor in Ethiopia.

Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed for this systematic review and meta-analysis. A literature search was made using PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Summon country-specific search, and Cochrane Libraries’ online databases. Search terms were adverse outcome, obstructed labor, maternal outcome, fetal outcome, and Ethiopia. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS), based on a star scoring system, was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 16 software. The pooled prevalence of an adverse maternal outcome, fetal outcome, and association between adverse outcome and obstructed labor was calculated using a random-effects model. Egger’s test and funnel plot were used to evaluate publication bias.

Result

Eighty-seven studies were included in this review, with an overall sample size of 104259 women and 4952 newborns. The pooled incidence of maternal death was estimated to be 14.4% [14.14 (6.91–21.37). The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture and maternal near-miss was 41.18% (95% CI: 19.83, 62.54) and 30.5% [30.5 (11.40, 49.59) respectively. Other complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, sepsis, obstetric fistula, hysterectomy, bladder injury, cesarean section, and labor abnormalities were also reported. The pooled prevalence of perinatal death was 26.4% (26.4 (95% CI 15.18, 37.7). In addition, the association of obstructed labor with stillbirth, perinatal asphyxia, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid was also demonstrated.

Conclusions

In Ethiopia, the incidence of perinatal and maternal mortality among pregnant women with obstructed labor was high. The rate of maternal death and maternal near miss reported in this review was higher than incidences reported from high-income and most low and middle-income countries. Uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, sepsis, fistula, hysterectomy, and bladder injury were also commonly reported. To improve the health outcomes of obstructed labor, it is recommended to address the three delay models: enhancing communities’ health-seeking behavior, enhancing transportation for an obstetric emergency with different stakeholders, and strengthening the capacity of health facilities to handle obstetric emergencies.

Magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage and associated factors among women who gave birth in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly in resource-limited countries such as Ethiopia. Findings from a few studies were inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to estimates the pooled magnitude of PPH and factors associated with PPH among women who gave birth in Ethiopia.

Methods

Electronic databases such as Medline, Pub Med, Cochrane library, the Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used to search for articles. The search period for articles was conducted from 15th August 2021 to 15th November 2021. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction checklist and the analyses were conducted using Stata version 14. The Cochrane Q test statistic and I² statistics were used to assessing heterogeneity. To estimate the pooled magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage, a random-effects model was fitted. Association between PPH and independent variables was reported in odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Visual assessment of publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s test was used to check the significant presence of publication bias.

Results

A total of 876 studies were identified from several databases and nine studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled magnitude of PPH in Ethiopia was 11.14% (95% CI 7.21, 15.07). The current meta-analysis revealed that lack of antenatal care follow-up (ANC) (OR = 6.52, 95% CI 2.87, 14.81), being multipara (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.25, 2.85), and having the previous history of PPH (OR = 7.59, 95% CI 1.88, 30.55) were found to be significantly associated with PPH.

Conclusion

In Ethiopia the magnitude of PPH was high, and lack of ANC up follow-up, being multipara, and having a previous history of PPH were risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage. Thus, improving antenatal care follow-up is needed to decrease the magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly in resource-limited countries such as Ethiopia. Findings from a few studies were inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled magnitude of PPH and factors associated with PPH among women who gave birth in Ethiopia.

Electronic databases such as Medline, Pub Med, Cochrane library, the Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used to search for articles. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction checklist and the analyses were conducted using Stata version 14. The Cochrane Q test statistic and I² statistics were used to assessing heterogeneity. To estimate the pooled magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage, a random-effects model was fitted. Association between PPH and independent variables was reported in odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

The pooled magnitude of PPH in Ethiopia was 11.14% (95% CI 7.21, 15.07). The current meta-analysis revealed that lack of antenatal care follow-up (ANC) (OR = 6.52, 95% CI 2.87, 14.81), being multipara (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.25, 2.85), and having the previous history of PPH (OR = 7.59, 95% CI 1.88, 30.55) were found to be significantly associated with PPH.

In Ethiopia the magnitude of PPH was high, and lack of ANC follow-up, being multipara, and having the previous history of PPH were risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage. Thus, improving antenatal care follow-up is needed to decrease the magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage.

Association of primary postpartum hemorrhage with inter-pregnancy interval in urban South Ethiopia: A matched nested case-control study

Background

Globally, postpartum hemorrhage is the leading preventable cause of maternal mortality. To decrease postpartum hemorrhage-related maternal mortalities, identifying its risk factors is crucial to suggest interventions. In this regard, little is known about the link between primary postpartum hemorrhage and inter-pregnancy interval in Ethiopia, where more than half of pregnancies occur shortly after the preceding childbirth. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the association of primary postpartum hemorrhage with an inter-pregnancy interval in urban South Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based matched nested case-control study was conducted among a cohort of 2548 pregnant women. All women with primary postpartum hemorrhage during the follow-up (n = 73) were taken as cases. Women who were randomly selected from those without primary postpartum hemorrhage (n = 292) were taken as controls. Cases were individually matched with controls (1:4 ratio) for age group and location. A conditional logistic regression analysis was done using R version 4.0.5 software. Statistically, a significant association was declared using 95% CI and p-value. Attributable fraction (AF) and population attributable fraction (PAF) were used to estimate the public health impacts of the inter-pregnancy interval.

Results

This study found out that more than half (66%) of primary postpartum hemorrhage was attributed to inter-pregnancy interval <24 months (AF = 66.3%, 95% CI: 37.5, 82.5%). This could be prevented if the inter-pregnancy interval was increased to 24–60 months. Likewise, nearly half (49%) of primary postpartum hemorrhage in the study population could be prevented if the inter-pregnancy interval <24 months was prevented. Additionally, primary postpartum hemorrhage was attributed to antepartum hemorrhage, prolonged labour and multiple pregnancies.

Conclusions

Primary postpartum hemorrhage was associated with inter-pregnancy interval under 24 months, highlighting the need to improve postpartum modern contraceptive utilization in the community. Counseling couples about how long to wait until subsequent pregnancy and the risk when the inter-pregnancy interval is short need to be underlined.

Implementation of Postpartum Hemorrhage Emergency Care Using a Bundle Approach at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

Background

The major cause of maternal death globally is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). When PPH develops, early detection of bleeding and rapid treatment with evidence-based guidelines can prevent most PPH-related severe morbidity and mortality. The bundle care approach for PPH management could be a potential solution to inefficient and uneven evidence-based practice implementation worldwide. Bundle care is a collection of discrete, evidence-based interventions given to every eligible person simultaneously or in quick succession and requires teamwork, communication, and cooperation. The primary objective of this study was to analyze whether implementing a PPH bundle of care may reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in our institution.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective pre-post case-control study was carried out at a tertiary care center and teaching hospital in Varanasi, eastern Uttar Pradesh state, India. From January 2021 to June 2021, pretraining data (PRE) were collected retrospectively on all births from the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. Subsequently, medical and paramedical personnel of our hospital were trained in Postpartum Hemorrhage Emergency Care Using a Bundle Approach (PPH EmC) as per the guidelines laid down by the World Health Organization (WHO) for PPH management and implemented in July 2021. Post-training data (POST) were then collected retrospectively on all deliveries at our hospital from August 2021 to January 2022. All the data within two periods were computed and analyzed. The results were then compared for any significant changes in the incidences of maternal mortality and morbidity in terms of the rates of blood transfusion required and the type of management used (medical or medical-surgical), use of tranexamic acid, and additional uterotonics. The results were expressed as proportions, and p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

Results

A total of 1304 women gave birth from January 2021 to January 2022, of whom 107 patients (61 in the PRE and 57 in the POST group) were diagnosed and treated for PPH. There was no significant difference in the incidence of PPH in the PRE and POST groups (p=0.581). There was a significant increase in the use of tranexamic acid (p=0.041) and a significant reduction in blood transfusion rates (p=0.032) after the implementation of bundled care in the POST group. The odds of PPH non-occurrence after pre- and post-test was 1.103 (95% CI=0.747 to 1.635). No significant difference was observed in maternal mortality in the PRE and POST groups (p=0.96). The requirement for radical surgical treatment of PPH, which included hysterectomies, was also significantly reduced, from 27.27% in the PRE group to 11.54% in the POST group (p=0.032).

Conclusions

PPH care bundles might improve the morbidity of PPH with the use of fewer resources and fewer interventions required. While these data are promising, further studies are needed to analyze bundle care's long-term effects.

Critical factors associated with postpartum maternal death in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Globally most maternal deaths occur during the postpartum period; however, the burden is disproportionately higher in some Sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia. According to Ethiopian Ministry of Health's annual report, in 2019 alone, nearly 70% of maternal deaths happen during the postpartum period. Although several studies have been conducted on postpartum maternal deaths in Ethiopia, most of the studies were focused either on individual-level or district-level determinants with limited emphasis on the timing of death and in relatively small and localized areas. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying the determinants of postpartum death both at an individual and districts level, which could shed light on designing pragmatic policies to reduce postpartum maternal death.

METHODS

The study utilized secondary data obtained from the Ethiopian maternal death surveillance system. A total of 4316 reviewed maternal death from 645 districts of Ethiopia were included in the analysis. A multilevel multinomial logistic regression model was applied to examine factors significantly associated with postpartum maternal death in Ethiopia.

RESULT

The findings revealed that 65.1% of maternal deaths occurred during the postpartum period. The factors associated with postpartum death included previous medical history (history of ANC follow up and party), medical causes (obstetrics haemorrhage, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, pregnancy-related infection, and non-obstetrics complication), personal factors (poor knowledge of obstetrics complication), and facility-level barriers (shortage of life-saving maternal commodities and delay in receiving treatment).

CONCLUSION

Almost seven in ten maternal deaths happen during the postpartum period. The rate was even higher for some women based on their previous medical history, level of awareness about obstetrics complication, medical conditions, as well as the readiness of the health facility at which the women was served. Since the postpartum period is identified as a critical time for reducing maternal death, policies and actions must be directed towards improving health education, ANC service utilization, and facility-level readiness.

Effect of Baogong Zhixue Granules Combined with Tranexamic Acid Injection on the Hemodynamics and Reproductive System in Patients with Postpartum Hemorrhage after Cesarean Section

Objective

To investigate the effect of Baogong Zhixue granules combined with tranexamic acid injection on the hemodynamics and reproductive system in patients with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after cesarean section.

Methods

The data of 90 puerperae undergoing cesarean section in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the order of admission, they were equally divided into the control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). CG was treated with tranexamic acid injection combined with oxytocin, while EG was treated with Baogong Zhixue granules combined with tranexamic acid injection to compare the clinical observation indexes between the two groups.

Results

Compared with CG, EG achieved remarkably less amount of bleeding at 2 h and 24 h after delivery (P < 0.001), lower postpartum APTT, PT, HR, and MAP (P < 0.001), shorter maintenance time of uterine contraction and lochia (P < 0.001), and lower postpartum FSH and LH (P < 0.001). After delivery, EG had higher postpartum Fib and descending speed of uterine fundus and E₂ compared with CG (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Baogong Zhixue granules combined with tranexamic acid injection have little effect on the reproductive system of PPH patients after cesarean section, stabilize the hemodynamics, and improve the coagulation function. Therefore, further research on the combined treatment can provide better hemostatic schemes for such patients.

Predictors of time to recovery from postpartum hemorrhage in Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest, Ethiopia, 2020/21

Background

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide. Early recovery is a performance indicator and better health outcome of patients with postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, this study aimed to assess time to recovery from postpartum hemorrhage and its predictors in Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 302 women who were diagnosed with postpartum hemorrhage from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Consecutive sampling technique was employed. To show the statistical significant difference between each group of variables, log rank test was used. Kaplan Meier analysis to estimate time to recovery and cox proportional-hazard regression analysis to determine independent predictors were carried out cautiously. Adjusted hazard ratio used to determine the strength of association.

Result

The median recovery time from postpartum hemorrhage was 13 h with range of (10 to 17 h). Blood transfusion (AHR: 1.8, 95% CI (1.39, 2.57)), NASG utilization (AHR: 6.5, 95% CI (4.58, 9.42)) fluid resuscitation (AHR 2.9, 95% CI (1.48, 5.54)), active management of third stage of labor (AHR: 1.7, 95% CI (1.18, 2.45)) and history of antenatal care follow-up (AHR: 2.6, 95% CI (1.91, 3.56)) were the predictors, which shorten the recovery time. Comorbidities like anemia at the time of admission (AHR: 0.62 95% CI (0.44, 0.89)), retroviral infection (AHR: 0.33, 95% CI (0.16, 0.67)) and Hepatitis B-Virus infection (AHR: 0.52, 95% CI (0.32, 0.82)) delay the recovery rate from postpartum hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Mothers in North-West Ethiopia stays morbid from postpartum hemorrhage for more than half a day. Their recovery time was affected by Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment utilization, implementation of emergency management components like blood transfusion and fluid resuscitation, history of antenatal care follow up, and being comorbid with viral infections. Non-pneumatic anti-shock garment application to every mother with postpartum hemorrhage and implementation of proper emergency management approach are vital for rapid recovery from postpartum hemorrhage.

The mediating role of coagulation function on the association of prenatal exposure to aflatoxin B1 and postpartum hemorrhage in Guangxi, China

Pregnant women are vulnerable to certain environmental agents, one of which is aflatoxin. As one of the most popular aflatoxins, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has recently garnered increased attention concerning its potential association between exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aims of the study were to examine the associations between prenatal exposure to AFB1 and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and whether coagulation function has a mediating effect on their relationship. A total of 379 mother-infant pairs were included in the present study. Prenatal serum AFB1 albumin (AFB1-Alb) adduct levels in peripheral venous blood were detected by using an ELISA kit. Multiple linear and logistics regression models were applied to analyze the relationship between AFB1-Alb levels and PPH. We found mothers with high levels of AFB1-Alb adduct levels had significantly increased postpartum blood loss (partial regression coefficient (β) = 50.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.48, 97.95). Mothers with high levels of AFB1-Alb adduct levels also had significantly increased risk of PPH (odds ratio (OR) = 4.81, 95% CI 1.01, 22.98). Moreover, concentrations of AFB1-Alb were positively associated with activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) while negatively associated with fibrinogen (FIB). One-unit increase in APTT was correlated with a 6.62-ml (95% CI 3.04, 10.20) increase in postpartum blood loss. Mediation analysis suggested that the maternal blood APTT levels had a positive mediating effect in the association between AFB1-Alb adduct levels and postpartum blood loss (β = 0.32, 95% CI 0.04, 0.68). These results indicated that prenatal exposure to AFB1 was associated with increased postpartum blood loss, possibly by interfering with maternal APTT levels.

Magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postpartum hemorrhage or postpartum bleeding (PPH) is often defined as loss of > 500 ml of blood after vaginal delivery or > 1000 ml after cesarean delivery within 24 h. Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading direct cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia. Therefore, the main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage and the pooled effect size of the associated factors in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Primary studies were searched from PubMed/MEDLINE online, Science Direct, Hinari, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, African Journals Online, Google and Google Scholars databases. The searching of the primary studies included for this systematic review and meta-analysis was limited by papers published from 2010 to October 10/2021. The data extraction format was prepared in Microsoft Excel and extracted data was exported to Stata Version 16.0 statistical software for analysis. A random effect meta-analysis model was used. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 test and Egger's weighted regression test was used to assess publication bias.

RESULT

A total of 21 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia was 8.24% [(95% CI 7.07, 9.40]. Older age [OR = 5.038 (95% CI 2.774, 9.151)], prolonged labor [OR = 4.054 (95% CI 1.484, 11.074)], absence of anti-natal care visits (ANC) [OR = 13.84 (95% CI 5.57, 34.346)], grand-multiparty [OR = 6.584 (95% CI 1.902, 22.795)], and history of postpartum hemorrhage [OR = 4.355 (95% CI 2.347, 8.079)] were factors associated with the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

The pooled magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage among post-natal mothers in Ethiopia was moderately high. The finding of this study will strongly help different stakeholder working in maternal and child health to focus on the main contributors' factors to reduce post-partum hemorrhage among postnatal mothers. Health professionals attending labor and delivery should give more attention to advanced aged mothers, grand-multipara mothers and mothers who had a history of post-partum hemorrhage due to higher risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Encouraging to continue ANC visit and prevent prolonged labor should also be recommended to decrease postpartum hemorrhage.

Postpartum Hemorrhage and its Associated Factors Among Women who Gave Birth at Yirgalem General Hospital, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

Background

Globally, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. In developing countries, it accounts for more than 30% of all maternal deaths. So, understanding its burden in the health care setting is significant. Thus, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of PPH and its associated factors among women who gave birth at Yirgalem General Hospital, Sidama Region, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 12 to 26, 2020 among randomly selected 298 women. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered, structured, and pretested questionnaire. EpiData version 3.1 and SPSS version 20 were used to enter and analyze the data, respectively. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to measure the presence and strength of association between the independent and the outcome variables. A P-value ≤.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.

Result

The magnitude of PPH was 9.4% [95% CI: 6.0, 12.8]. Prolonged labor (≥24 h) [AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 9.9], giving birth by cesarean section [AOR = 5.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 22.0], and instrumental vaginal delivery [AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 12.7], and having a history of the uterine atony [AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 1.4, 16.6] during their last delivery were factors significantly associated with PPH.

Conclusion

The magnitude of PPH was high. Healthcare professionals should manage the progress of labor and take all necessary measures at right time. Also, giving attention to the safety of delivery-related procedures and early related potential risks is crucial.

Assessment of Postpartum Hemorrhage in a University Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective

Despite implementation of different strategies, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) continued to account for a substantial proportion of maternal deaths in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of PPH and its associated factors among women who gave birth in a university hospital in eastern Ethiopia from 1 to 31 March 2020.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A review of 653 randomly selected medical records of all deliveries from 1 March 2018 to 29 February 2020 in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital (HFSUH), a university hospital in eastern Ethiopia, was conducted. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric and reproductive health conditions, and presence of PPH. Data were coded, checked for completeness and entered using EpiData 3.1 and exported to SPSS 20 for analysis. Results were expressed using frequencies, tables and figures. Binary and multiple logistic regression were fitted to identify factors associated with PPH and associations were described using adjusted odds ratio (aOR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Associations with p<0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression were declared as statistically significant.

Results

From a total of 642 (98.3%) women included in this study, 83 (12.9%; 95% CI 10.4–15.6) had PPH. Maternal age >35 years (aOR = 3.08; 95% CI 1.56, 6.07), no antenatal care (aOR = 3.65; 95% CI 1.97, 6.76), history of PPH (aOR = 4.18; 95% CI 1.99, 8.82), and being grand multigravida (aOR = 3.33; 95% CI 1.14, 9.74) were significantly associated with having PPH.

Conclusion

A high proportion of women who gave birth in HFSUH experienced PPH. Prevention and management of PPH should focus on improving antenatal care and prioritize grand multigravida, older women, and women with a previous history of PPH.

Optimal parity cut-off values for predicting postpartum hemorrhage in vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections

Introduction

high parity is a major public health concern in developing countries and it is a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The aim of this study was to analyze the optimal parity cut-off values for predicting PPH in vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections in a rural Zambian setting.

Methods

all women who delivered at Zimba Mission Hospital in 2017 were reviewed in this retrospective survey. Those whose records were missing data on parity and those with risk factors for developing PPH (e.g. birth weight ≥4,000 g, multiple pregnancy, assisted vaginal delivery and placenta previa) were excluded. We analyzed the association between parity and PPH using multiple logistic regression and ROC curve analyses.

Results

among the 1,555 women included in the study, 72 (4.6%) women experienced PPH. The optimal cut-off values for parity in vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections were para 7 and 3, respectively. Using these cut-off values, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 3.26 (1.15, 9.21) and 8.28 (2.25, 30.5), respectively.

Conclusion

proper preparation is required for vaginal deliveries in women with a history of ≥7 births and cesarean sections in women with a history of ≥3 births.