Postpartum haemorrhage in Canada and France: a population-based comparison

Postpartum haemorrhage occurring in UK midwifery units: A national population-based case-control study to investigate incidence, risk factors and outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the incidence of, and investigate risk factors for, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) requiring transfer to obstetric care following birth in midwifery units (MU) in the UK; to describe outcomes for women who experience PPH requiring transfer to obstetric care.

METHODS

We conducted a national population-based case-control study in all MUs in the UK using the UK Midwifery Study System (UKMidSS). Between September 2019 and February 2020, 1501 women with PPH requiring transfer to obstetric care following birth in an MU, and 1475 control women were identified. We used multivariable logistic regression, generating adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to investigate risk factors for PPH requiring transfer to obstetric care.

RESULTS

The incidence of PPH requiring transfer to obstetric care following birth in an MU was 3.7% (95% CI 3.6%-3.9%). Factors independently associated with PPH requiring transfer to obstetric care were smoking during pregnancy (aOR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.56-0.94), nulliparity (aOR = 1.96; 95% CI 1.66-2.30), previous PPH (aOR = 2.67; 95% CI 1.67-4.25), complications in a previous pregnancy other than PPH (aOR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.25-4.60), gestational age ≥41 weeks (aOR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.10-1.69), instrumental birth (aOR = 2.69; 95% CI 1.53-4.72), third stage of labour ≥60 minutes (aOR = 5.56; 95% CI 3.93-7.88), perineal trauma (aOR = 4.67; 95% CI 3.16-6.90), and birthweight 3500-3999g (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI 1.42-2.07) or ≥4000g (aOR = 2.31; 95% CI 1.78-3.00). One in ten (10.6%) cases received a blood transfusion and one in five (21.0%) were admitted to higher level care.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors identified in this study align with those identified in previous research and with current guidelines for women planning birth in an MU in the UK. Maternal outcomes after PPH were broadly reassuring and indicative of appropriate management. NHS organisations should ensure that robust guidelines are in place to support management of PPH in MUs.

Family history of postpartum hemorrhage is a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery: results from the French prospective multicenter Haemorrhages and Thromboembolic Venous Disease of the Postpartum cohort study

BACKGROUND

Postpartum hemorrhage is a major component of perinatal morbidity and mortality that affects young women worldwide and is still often unpredictable. Reducing the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage is a major health issue and identifying women at risk for postpartum hemorrhage is a key element in preventing this complication.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate postpartum hemorrhage prevalence after vaginal delivery and to identify postpartum hemorrhage risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN

Unselected pregnant women ≥16 years of age admitted to 1 of 6 maternity wards in Brittany (France) for vaginal birth after 15 weeks of gestation were recruited in this prospective, multicenter cohort study between June 1, 2015, and January 31, 2019. Postpartum hemorrhage was defined as blood loss ≥500 mL in the 24 hours following delivery. Independent risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage were determined using logistic regression. Missing data were imputed using the Multivariate Imputation by Chained Equations method.

RESULTS

Among 16,382 included women, the postpartum hemorrhage prevalence was 5.37%. A first-degree family history of postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.14) and a personal transfusion history (adjusted odds ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.92) were significantly associated with postpartum hemorrhage. The use of oxytocin during labor was also a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.44). Inversely, smoking during pregnancy and intrauterine growth restriction were associated with a reduced risk for postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.91, and 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.87, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In addition to classical risk factors, this study identified a family history of postpartum hemorrhage and personal transfusion history as new characteristics associated with postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery. The association of postpartum hemorrhage with a family history of postpartum hemorrhage suggests a hereditary hemorrhagic phenotype and calls for genetic studies. Identifying women at risk for postpartum hemorrhage is a key element of being prepared for this complication.

Intrauterine Tamponade Balloon for Management of Severe Postpartum Haemorrhage: Does Early Insertion Change the Outcome? A Retrospective Study on Blood Loss

The French College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF) recommends the use of intrauterine tamponade balloon (IUTB) in postpartum haemorrhage for bleeding that is refractory after sulprostone before either surgery or interventional radiology. However, the elapsed time between uterotonic drug injection and the insertion of intrauterine tamponade balloon was not reliably assessed.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of the timing of IUTB insertion and to assess the correlation between the time of insertion and outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective study in two tertiary care centres, including patients transferred for severe PPH management.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were included: 52 patients with IUTB inserted before 15 min (group 1) and 29 patients with IUTB inserted after 15 min (group 2). The mean volume of blood loss in the group of patients with IUTB inserted before 15 min was significantly lower than in group of patients with IUTB set after 15 min.

CONCLUSION

An IUTB could be inserted simultaneously with a uterotonic agent, within 15 min and not after 15 min as suggested by local guidelines, but further prospective studies are required to confirm this.

Influence of the maternity unit and region of delivery on episiotomy practice in France: a nationwide population-based study

INTRODUCTION

Our objective was to identify factors associated with episiotomy practice in France, in particular, characteristics of the maternity units and regions of delivery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a national cross-sectional population-based study in all French maternity units in 2016 including 9284 women with vaginal delivery. Our outcome was the performance of an episiotomy. After stratification for parity, associations of episiotomy practice with individual and organizational characteristics and the region of delivery were estimated with multilevel logistic regression models. The variability in maternity unit episiotomy rates explained by the characteristics studied was estimated by the proportional change in variance.

RESULTS

A total of 19.9% of the women had an episiotomy. The principal factors associated with episiotomy practice were maternal and obstetric and delivery in a maternity unit with <2000 annual deliveries. After adjusting for individual, obstetric and organizational characteristics, the practice of episiotomy was strongly associated with women's region of delivery. Additionally, women's individual characteristics did not explain the significant variability in episiotomy rates between maternity units (P < 0.001) but maternity unit characteristics partly did (proportion of variance explained: 7.2% for primiparas and 13.6% for multiparas) and regional differences still more (18% and 30.7%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Episiotomy practices in France in 2016 varied strongly between maternity units, largely due to regional differences. Targeted actions by the regional perinatal care networks may reduce the national episiotomy rate and standardize practices.

Tranexamic acid for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage: the TAPPH-1 pilot randomized trial and lessons learned for trials in Canadian obstetrics

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. While tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces bleeding and transfusion requirements in established PPH, we sought to determine the feasibility of conducting a fully powered trial assessing the effect of prophylactic tranexamic acid, prior to PPH onset, in a Canadian Obstetric setting. With institutional and Health Canada approval, consenting, eligible parturients (singleton, > 32 weeks gestation, vaginal or caesarian delivery) were randomly assigned to receive TXA (1 g intravenously) or placebo (0.9% saline) prior to delivery. Participants, investigators, data collectors/adjudicators, and analysis was blinded. The primary outcome was administration of study intervention to > 85% of randomized individuals. Secondary outcomes included recruitment rate (feasibility) and safety outcomes. Over 8 months, 611 were approached, 35 consented, and 27 randomized (14 TXA, 13 placebo). 89% of randomized participants received the assigned intervention. Recruitment fell below feasibility (23% target). No serious adverse outcomes occurred. Our pilot trial in a Canadian Obstetric setting was unable to demonstrate feasibility to conduct a large, multicentre trial to examine prophylactic use of tranexamic for PPH secondary to the complex regulatory requirements associated with a trial for an off-label, but commonly utilized intervention. These challenges should inform stakeholders on the resources and challenges of conducting future trials using off-label interventions.Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT03069859 (03/03/2017).

Childbirth simulation to assess cephalopelvic disproportion and chances for failed labor in a French population

Reducing failed labor and emergency cesarean section (CS) rates is an important goal. A childbirth simulation tool (PREDIBIRTH software and SIM37 platform) that evaluates a 5-min magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment performed at 37 weeks of gestation was developed to enhance the consulting obstetrician's ability to predict the optimal delivery mode. We aimed to determine the potential value of this childbirth simulation tool in facilitating the selection of an optimal delivery mode for both mother and infant. A retrospective cohort study was performed on all patients referred by their obstetricians to our level 2 maternity radiology department between December 15, 2015 and November 15, 2016, to undergo MRI pelvimetry at approximately 37 weeks of gestation. The childbirth simulation software was employed to predict the optimal delivery mode based on the assessment of cephalopelvic disproportion. The prediction was compared with the actual outcome for each case. Including childbirth simulations in the decision-making process had the potential to reduce emergency CSs, inappropriately scheduled CSs, and instrumental vaginal deliveries by up to 30.1%, 20.7%, and 20.0%, respectively. Although the use of the simulation tool might not have affected the overall CS rate, consideration of predicted birthing outcomes has the potential to improve the allocation between scheduled CS and trial of labor. The routine use of childbirth simulation software as a clinical support tool when choosing the optimal delivery mode for singleton pregnancies with a cephalic presentation could reduce the number of emergency CSs, insufficiently justified CSs, and instrumental deliveries.

Cost Implications of Using Carbetocin Injection to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage in a Canadian Urban Hospital

OBJECTIVE

Recent World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations regarding uterotonics for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) state that carbetocin should be considered a first-line prophylactic agent for all births where its cost is comparable to other effective uterotonics. This study evaluated whether a room temperature stable formulation of carbetocin met this recommendation in a Canadian urban hospital setting.

METHODS

A decision tree model was developed to assess the financial implications of replacing oxytocin with carbetocin as a first-line prophylactic agent for PPH prevention in a Greater Toronto Area (GTA) hospital. The analysis accounted for the mode of delivery, efficacies of carbetocin and oxytocin in PPH prevention, occurrence of PPH-related health outcomes, and health care resource costs for PPH interventions.

RESULTS

This study found that a GTA hospital, with 3242 deliveries per year, could save over CAD $349 000 annually by switching to room temperature stable carbetocin for PPH prevention. Carbetocin was able to lower institution costs by reducing the use of health care resources for PPH management in low-risk and high-risk PPH patients. The cost-saving potential of carbetocin relative to oxytocin was largely attributed to its greater efficacy in preventing the consequences of PPH.

CONCLUSION

The use of room temperature stable carbetocin as a first-line prophylactic agent for PPH prevention meets WHO recommendations regarding uterotonics for PPH in a GTA hospital. The model from this study can be used to determine the financial impact of switching from oxytocin to carbetocin in other jurisdictions while diversifying a hospital's pool of PPH prophylactic agents.

Association of Gestational Age with Postpartum Hemorrhage: An International Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage, such as chorioamnionitis and multiple gestation, have been identified in previous epidemiologic studies. However, existing data describing the association between gestational age at delivery and postpartum hemorrhage are conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess the association between gestational age at delivery and postpartum hemorrhage.

METHODS

The authors conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of women who underwent live birth delivery in Sweden between 2014 and 2017 and in California between 2011 and 2015. The primary exposure was gestational age at delivery. The primary outcome was postpartum hemorrhage, classified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification codes for California births and a blood loss greater than 1,000 ml for Swedish births. The authors accounted for demographic and obstetric factors as potential confounders in the analyses.

RESULTS

The incidences of postpartum hemorrhage in Sweden (23,323/328,729; 7.1%) and in California (66,583/2,079,637; 3.2%) were not comparable. In Sweden and California, the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage was highest for deliveries between 41 and 42 weeks' gestation (7,186/75,539 [9.5%] and 8,921/160,267 [5.6%], respectively). Compared to deliveries between 37 and 38 weeks, deliveries between 41 and 42 weeks had the highest adjusted odds of postpartum hemorrhage (1.62 [95% CI, 1.56 to 1.69] in Sweden and 2.04 [95% CI, 1.98 to 2.09] in California). In both cohorts, the authors observed a nonlinear (J-shaped) association between gestational age and postpartum hemorrhage risk, with 39 weeks as the nadir. In the sensitivity analyses, similar findings were observed among cesarean deliveries only, when postpartum hemorrhage was classified only by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision-Clinical Modification codes, and after excluding women with abnormal placentation disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The postpartum hemorrhage incidence in Sweden and California was not comparable. When assessing a woman's risk for postpartum hemorrhage, clinicians should be aware of the heightened odds in women who deliver between 41 and 42 weeks' gestation.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Risk of major labour-related complications for pregnancies progressing to 42 weeks or beyond

BACKGROUND

Post-term gestation beyond 41⁺⁶ completed weeks of gestation is known to be associated with a sharp increase in the risk of stillbirth and perinatal mortality. However, the risk of common adverse outcomes related to labour, such as shoulder dystocia and post-partum haemorrhage for those delivering at this advanced gestation, remains poorly characterised. The objective of this study was to examine the risk of adverse, labour-related outcomes for women progressing to 42 weeks gestation or beyond, compared with those giving birth at 39 completed weeks.

METHODS

We performed a state-wide cohort study using routinely collected perinatal data in Australia. Comparing the two gestation cohorts, we examined the adjusted relative risk of clinically significant labour-related adverse outcomes, including macrosomia (≥ 4500 at birth), post-partum haemorrhage (≥1000 ml), shoulder dystocia, 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear and unplanned caesarean section. Parity, maternal age and mode of birth were adjusted for using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 91,314 women who birthed at 39 completed weeks and 4317 at ≥42 completed weeks. Compared to 39 weeks gestation, those giving birth ≥42 weeks gestation had an adjusted relative risk (aRR) of 1.85 (95% CI 1.55-2.20) for post-partum haemorrhage following vaginal birth, 2.29 (95% CI 1.89-2.78) following instrumental birth and 1.44 (95% CI 1.17-1.78) following emergency caesarean section; 1.43 (95% CI 1.16-1.77) for shoulder dystocia (for non-macrosomic babies); and 1.22 (95% CI 1.03-1.45) for 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear (all women). The adjusted relative risk of giving birth to a macrosomic baby was 10.19 (95% CI 8.26-12.57) among nulliparous women and 4.71 (95% CI 3.90-5.68) among multiparous women. The risk of unplanned caesarean section was 1.96 (95% CI 1.86-2.06) following any labour and 1.47 (95% CI 1.38-1.56) following induction of labour.

CONCLUSIONS

Giving birth at ≥42 weeks gestation may be an under-recognised risk factor for several important, labour-related adverse outcomes. Clinicians should be aware that labour at this advanced gestation incurs a higher risk of adverse outcomes. In addition to known perinatal risks, the risk of obstetric complications should be considered in the counselling of women labouring at post-term gestation.

Haematological parameters associated with postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal delivery: Results from a French cohort study

BACKGROUND

Immediate postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a major, feared and often unpredictable issue. Besides many clinical risk factors, some biological parameters could also be predictive of PPH.

OBJECTIVE

To study simple and easily accessible haematological parameters as potential risk factors for PPH after vaginal delivery.

METHODS

All women who had a vaginal delivery between April 1, 2013 and May 29, 2015 in the maternity ward of Brest University Hospital (France) were included, after oral informed consent obtained. Clinical data were collected by obstetricians or midwives during antenatal care visits, labour and delivery, and recorded by trained research assistants. Haematological variables, including immature platelet fraction, were measured from a blood sample systematically collected at the entrance in the delivery room. PPH, measured with a graduated collector bag, was defined as blood loss of at least 500 ml.

RESULTS

2742 women were included. PPH occurred in 141 (5%) women. Seven clinical factors were independently associated with PPH: pre-eclampsia (OR 5.85, 95%CI 2.02, 16.90), multiple pregnancy (OR 3.28, 95%CI 1.21, 8.91), assisted reproduction (OR 2.75, 95%CI 1.45, 5.20), antepartum bleeding (OR 2.15, 95%CI 1.24,3.73), post-term delivery (OR 1.93, 95%CI 1.17, 3.17), obesity (OR 2.95, 95%CI 1.76, 4.93) and episiotomy (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.63, 3.74). Three haematological factors were additionally identified as independent risk factors for PPH: platelets < 150 Giga/L (OR 2.98, 95%CI 1.63, 5.46), fibrinogen < 4.5 g/l (OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.21, 2.87) and APTT ratio ≥ 1.1 (OR 2.16, 95%CI 1.31, 3.57). Immature platelet fraction was not associated with PPH.

CONCLUSION

Besides classical clinical risk factors, this study identifies simple haematological parameters as risk factors for PPH.

A total blood volume or more transfused during pregnancy or after childbirth: Individual patient data from six international population-based observational studies

Background

This study aimed to compare incidence, management and outcomes of women transfused their blood volume or more within 24 hours during pregnancy or following childbirth.

Methods

Combined analysis of individual patient data, prospectively collected in six international population-based studies (France, United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, the Netherlands and Denmark). Massive transfusion in major obstetric haemorrhage was defined as transfusion of eight or more units of red blood cells within 24 hours in a pregnant or postpartum woman. Causes, management and outcomes of women with massive transfusion were compared across countries using descriptive statistics.

Findings

The incidence of massive transfusion was approximately 21 women per 100,000 maternities for the United Kingdom, Australia and Italy; by contrast Denmark, the Netherlands and France had incidences of 82, 66 and 69 per 100,000 maternities, respectively. There was large variation in obstetric and haematological management across countries. Fibrinogen products were used in 86% of women in Australia, while the Netherlands and Italy reported lower use at 35–37% of women. Tranexamic acid was used in 75% of women in the Netherlands, but in less than half of women in the UK, Australia and Italy. In all countries, women received large quantities of colloid/crystalloid fluids during resuscitation (>3·5 litres). There was large variation in the use of compression sutures, embolisation and hysterectomy across countries. There was no difference in maternal mortality; however, variable proportions of women had cardiac arrests, renal failure and thrombotic events from 0–16%.

Interpretation

There was considerable variation in the incidence of massive transfusion associated with major obstetric haemorrhage across six high-income countries. There were also large disparities in both transfusion and obstetric management between these countries. There is a requirement for detailed evaluation of evidence underlying current guidance. Furthermore, cross-country comparison may empower countries to reference their clinical care against that of other countries.

Monitoring severe acute maternal morbidity across Europe: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Monitoring severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM) appears essential for optimising care and informing health care policies, especially given changes in obstetric practices and mother profiles. International comparisons can identify areas where improvement is needed, but the comparability of indicators must be evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of monitoring SAMM using common definitions from hospital discharge databases across Europe.

METHODS

We used hospital discharge data in eight countries (2 826 868 deliveries) to identify women with SAMM among all hospitalisations of women of reproductive age admitted for antenatal or delivery care. Five SAMM indicators were investigated: eclampsia, septicaemia, hysterectomy, hysterectomy associated with a diagnosis of obstetric haemorrhage, and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion associated with a diagnosis of obstetric haemorrhage. Between-country variation was described, by the ratio of the highest to lowest rates, while external validation was assessed by comparing with population-based studies on maternal morbidity.

RESULTS

Ratios for hysterectomy and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in the context of obstetric haemorrhage were 1:2.1 and 1:3.5, respectively. High values of hysterectomy and low values of transfusion were both consistent with high maternal mortality from haemorrhage (France, Italy, Portugal). Ratios across countries were relatively low for eclampsia (1:3.4) but very high for septicaemia (1:22.5). Compared to population-based morbidity estimates, eclampsia was over-reported in hospital databases whereas the two indicators of severe haemorrhage had good external validity.

CONCLUSIONS

In association with diagnosis codes indicating obstetric haemorrhage, hysterectomy and RBC transfusion appear to be good candidates for surveillance of maternal morbidity in Europe.

Variation in severe postpartum hemorrhage management: A national vignette-based study

OBJECTIVES

To assess variations in management of severe postpartum hemorrhage: 1) between obstetricians in the same situation 2) by the same obstetrician in different situations.

STUDY DESIGN

A link to a vignette-based survey was emailed to obstetricians of 215 maternity units; the questionnaire asked them to report how they would manage the PPH described in 2 previously validated case-vignettes of different scenarios of severe PPH. Vignette 1 described a typical immediate, severe PPH, and vignette 2 a less typical case of severe but gradual PPH. They were constructed in 3 successive steps and included multiple-choice questions proposing several types of clinical practice options at each step. Variations in PPH were assessed in a descriptive analysis; agreement about management and its timing between vignette 1 and vignette 2 was assessed with the Kappa coefficient.

RESULTS

Analysis of complete responses from 119 (43.4%) obstetricians from 53 (24.6%) maternity units showed delayed or inadequate management in both vignettes. While 82.3% and 83.2% of obstetricians (in vignettes 1 and 2, respectively) would administer oxytocin 15 minutes after PPH diagnosis, only 52.9% and 29.4% would alert other team members. Management by obstetricians of the two vignette situations was inconsistent in terms of choice of treatment and timing of almost all treatments.

CONCLUSION

Case vignettes demonstrated inadequate management as well as variations in management between obstetricians and in different PPH situations. Protocols or procedures are necessary in all maternity units to reduce the variations in practices that may explain a part of the delay in management that leads to PPH-related maternal mortality and morbidity.

Intrauterine Balloon Tamponade for Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rates of invasive procedures (surgical or vascular) for hemorrhage control between a perinatal network that routinely used intrauterine balloon tamponade and another perinatal network that did not in postpartum hemorrhage management.

METHODS

This population-based retrospective cohort study included all women (72,529) delivering between 2011 and 2012 in the 19 maternity units in two French perinatal networks: a pilot (in which balloon tamponade was used) and a control network. Outcomes were assessed based on discharge abstract data from the national French medical information system. General and obstetric characteristics were included in two separate multivariate logistic models according to the mode of delivery (vaginal and cesarean) to estimate the independent association of the network with invasive procedures.

RESULTS

Invasive procedures (pelvic vessel ligation, arterial embolization, hysterectomy) were used in 298 women and in 4.1 per 1,000 deliveries (95% CI 3.7-4.6). The proportion of women with at least one invasive procedure was significantly lower in the pilot network (3.0/1,000 vs 5.1/1,000, P<.01). Among women who delivered vaginally, the use of arterial embolization was also significantly lower in the pilot than the control network (0.2/1,000 vs 3.7/1,000, P<.01) as it was for those who delivered by cesarean (1.3/1,000 vs 5.7/1,000, P<.01). After controlling for potential confounding factors, the risk of an invasive procedure among women who delivered vaginally remained significantly lower in the pilot network (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.14, 95% CI 0.08-0.27), but not for women who delivered by cesarean (adjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.87-1.61).

CONCLUSION

The use of intrauterine balloon tamponade in routine clinical practice was associated with a significantly lower use of invasive procedures for hemorrhage control among women undergoing vaginal delivery.

Incidence, management and outcome of women requiring massive transfusion after childbirth in the Netherlands: secondary analysis of a nationwide cohort study between 2004 and 2006

Background

Postpartum hemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Few population-based studies have examined the epidemiology of massive transfusion for postpartum hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, management, and outcomes of women with postpartum hemorrhage who required massive transfusion in the Netherlands between 2004 and 2006.

Methods

Data for all women from a gestational age of 20 weeks onwards who had postpartum hemorrhage requiring eight or more red blood cell concentrates were obtained from a nationwide population-based cohort study including all 98 hospitals with a maternity unit in the Netherlands.

Results

Three hundred twenty-seven women who had postpartum hemorrhage requiring massive transfusion were identified (massive transfusion rate 91 per 100,000 deliveries (95% confidence interval: 81–101)). The median blood loss was 4500 mL (interquartile range 3250–6000 mL) and the median number of red blood cell concentrates transfused was 11 units (interquartile range 9–16 units). Among women receiving massive transfusion, the most common cause of hemorrhage was uterine atony. Eighty-three women (25%) underwent hysterectomy, 227 (69%) were admitted to an intensive care unit, and three women died (case fatality rate 0,9%).

Conclusion

The number of women in the Netherlands who had postpartum hemorrhage treated with massive transfusion was relatively high compared to other comparable settings. Evidence-based uniform management guidelines are necessary.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-017-1384-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Postpartum haemorrhage: prevention and treatment

INTRODUCTION

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal death and severe maternal morbidity worldwide and strategies to prevent and treat PPH vary among international authorities. Areas covered: This review seeks to provide a global overview of PPH (incidence, causes, risk factors), prevention (active management of the third stage of labor and prohemostatic agents), treatment (first, second and third-line measures to control PPH), by also underlining recommendations elaborated by international authorities and using algorithms. Expert commentary: When available, oxytocin is considered the drug of first choice for both prevention and treatment of PPH, while peripartum hysterectomy remains the ultimate life-saving procedure if pharmacological and resuscitation measures fail. Nevertheless, the level of evidence for preventing and treating PPH is globally low. The emergency nature of PPH makes randomized controlled trials (RCT) logistically difficult. Population-based observational studies should be encouraged as they can usefully strengthen the evidence base, particularly for components of PPH treatment that are difficult or impossible to assess through RCT.

Incidence of immediate postpartum hemorrhages in French maternity units: a prospective observational study (HERA study)

BACKGROUND

Most estimates of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) are calculated from studies that use administrative or medical birth databases, and only a few from prospective observational studies. Our principal objective was to estimate the incidence of PPH according to their severity (mild or severe) in vaginal deliveries (>500 mL, ≥1000 mL) and cesareans (>1000 mL and ≥1500 mL). The secondary objectives were to describe the incidence of PPH according to maternity unit characteristics, causes, and types of PPH management.

METHODS

This prospective observational study took place in French maternity wards. Women who gave birth at a term ≥ 22 weeks were eligible for the study. 182 maternity units participated in a study with prospective data collection from 1 February, 2011, to 31 July, 2011. The main outcome measure was PPH incidence.

RESULTS

PPH incidence after vaginal delivery was 3.36 % [95 % CI: 3.25-3.47 %] and after cesareans 2.83 % [95 % CI: 2.63-3.04 %]. The incidence of severe PPH after vaginal delivery was 1.11 % [95 % CI: 1.05-1.18 %] and after cesareans 1.00 % [95 % CI: 0.88-1.13 %]. This incidence rate varied according to maternity unit characteristics. The principal cause of PPH for both modes of delivery was uterine atony (57.7 % for vaginal births and 66.3 % for cesareans). Vascular embolization was more frequent among women with cesareans (10.0 vs. 2.9 %), who also required transfusions more often (44.4 vs 12.7 %).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PPH was lower than the rate expected from the literature. Effective treatment of uterine atony and optimizing the identification of blood loss remain important priorities.

Risk Factors for Severe Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhages: A Historical Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The predictive factors of secondary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) are little known. Our principal objective was to determine if immediate PPH is a risk factor for severe secondary PPH. We also sought to identify other factors associated with severe secondary PPH.

METHODS

Our historical cohort study included all women who gave birth (≥ 22 weeks) in our level III hospital from 2004 through 2013. The hospital discharge database enabled us to identify all women readmitted during the 42-day postpartum period or who underwent a surgical, medical, or interventional radiology procedure during their immediate postpartum hospitalization. We then examined all medical records to identify the cases involving severe secondary PPH. We studied the known risk factors of secondary PPH and assessed other potential ones: maternal age, multiple pregnancy, induction of labor, cesarean birth, preterm birth, and stillbirth.

RESULTS

The study included 63 women with a severe secondary PPH and 25,696 women without a secondary PPH. Immediate PPH (aOR 2.7 [95% CI 1.3-5.6]) and maternal age ≥ 35 years (aOR 2.0 [95% CI 1.1-3.7]) were the only factors associated with severe secondary PPH.

DISCUSSION

This cohort study confirms that immediate PPH is a risk factor for severe secondary PPH and reports for the first time an association between secondary PPH and advanced maternal age. It is likely that risk factors for immediate PPH are also risk factors for severe secondary PPH and thus that immediate PPH may be an intermediate factor between its own known risk factors and secondary PPH.