Unilateral uterine artery embolization and Bakri tamponade balloon insertion in the treatment of acute puerperal uterine inversion: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute puerperal uterine inversion is rare but may cause massive postpartum blood loss due to uterine atony. Therefore, these patients must be diagnosed, and uterine replacement must be performed as soon as possible. However, in some cases, active bleeding due to uterine atony becomes uncontrollable, even though the uterine inversion itself is treated. In these cases, additional treatments, including surgical procedures, are needed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old Japanese woman, gravida 1, para 0, was hospitalized for labor induction at 40 weeks and 3 days of gestational age. She had a vacuum-assisted delivery after 3 days of oxytocin administration, but acute uterine inversion occurred. Although replacement of the inverted uterus was successful by manual repositioning and Bakri balloon tamponade insertion, massive postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony became uncontrollable. In this situation, since disseminated intravascular coagulation had developed, we used uterine artery embolization to stop the bleeding. After detecting the pseudo-aneurysmal sac and tortuous vessels of the right uterine artery, transcatheter right-sided uterine artery embolization was performed. Thirteen days after uterine artery embolization, she was discharged with no complications. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation caused by massive postpartum bleeding, uterine artery embolization may often be selected. In our case, since we performed angiography to detect the main bleeding site, the hemorrhage could be stopped with unilateral uterine artery embolization alone, without hysterectomy.

Impact of the introduction of a low-cost uterine balloon tamponade (ESM-UBT) device for managing severe postpartum hemorrhage in India: A comparative before-and-after study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of introducing a uterine balloon tamponade (ESM-UBT) device for managing severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), mainly due to uterine atony, in health facilities in India on the rates of PPH-related maternal death and invasive procedures for PPH control. METHODS: We used a quasi-experimental, difference-in-difference (DID) design to compare changes in the rates of a composite outcome (PPH-related maternal death and/or artery ligation, uterine compression sutures, or hysterectomy) among women delivering in nine intervention facilities compared with those delivering in two control facilities, before and after the introduction of ESM-UBT. RESULTS: The study sample included 214 123 deliveries (n = 78 509 before ESM-UBT introduction; n = 47 211 during ESM-UBT introduction; and n = 88 403 after ESM-UBT introduction). After introduction of ESM-UBT, there was a significant decline in the rate of the primary composite outcome in intervention facilities (21.0-11.4 per 10 000 deliveries; difference -9.6, 95% confidence interval -14.0 to -5.4). Change in the rate of the primary composite outcome was not significant in control facilities (11.7-17.2 per 10 000 deliveries; difference 5.4, 95% confidence interval -3.9 to 14.9). DID analyses showed there was a significant reduction in the rate of the primary composite outcome in intervention facilities relative to control facilities (adjusted DID estimate -15.0 per 10 000 points, 95% confidence interval -23.3 to -6.8; P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Introduction of the ESM-UBT in health facilities in India was associated with a significant reduction in PPH-related maternal death and/or invasive procedures for PPH control.

Refractory uterine atony: still a problem after all these years.

Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and uterine atony is the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Risk factors for uterine atony include induced or augmented labor, preeclampsia, chorio-amnionitis, obesity, multiple gestation, polyhydramnios, and prolonged second stage of labor. Although a risk assessment is recommended for all parturients, many women with uterine atony do not have risk factors, making uterine atony difficult to predict. Oxytocin is the first-line drug for prevention and treatment of uterine atony. It is a routine component of the active management of the third stage of labor. An oxytocin bolus dose as low as 1 IU is sufficient to produce satisfactory uterine tone in almost all women undergoing elective cesarean delivery. However, a higher bolus dose (3 IU) or infusion rate is recommended for women undergoing intrapartum cesarean delivery. Carbetocin, available in many countries, is a synthetic oxytocin analog with a longer duration than oxytocin that allows bolus administration without an infusion. Second line uterotonic agents include ergot alkaloids (ergometrine and methylergonovine) and the prostaglandins, carboprost and misoprostol. These drugs work by a different mechanism to oxytocin and should be administered early for uterine atony refractory to oxytocin. Rigorous studies are lacking, but methylergonovine and carboprost are likely superior to misoprostol. Currently, the choice of second-line agent should be based on their adverse effect profile and patient comorbidities. Surgical and radiologic management of uterine atony includes uterine tamponade using balloon catheters and compression sutures, and percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization.

Does simulation improve clinical performance in management of postpartum hemorrhage?

BACKGROUND: Although simulation is now widely used to improve teamwork and communication, data demonstrating improvement in clinical outcomes are limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the clinical performance and outcomes associated with postpartum hemorrhage because of uterine atony following the implementation of a multidisciplinary simulation program. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective observational study of response to postpartum hemorrhage because of uterine atony in an academic medical center before (epoch 1: July 2017-June 2018) and after (epoch 2: July 2019-June 2020) implementing a multidisciplinary simulation program. A total of 22 postpartum hemorrhage simulations were performed from July 2018 to June 2019 involving more than 300 nursing, obstetrical, and anesthesia providers. The simulation program focused on managing postpartum hemorrhage events and improving teamwork and communication of the multidisciplinary teams. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the simulation program, the primary outcome was response to postpartum hemorrhage defined as the time from the administration of uterotonic medications to transfusion of the first unit of blood in the first 12 hours following delivery, comparing epoch 2 to epoch 1 following the implementation of a simulation program. Statistical analysis included the use of the Pearson chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Hodges-Lehmann statistic for differences, and bootstrap methods with a P value of <.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018, there were 12,305 patients who delivered, of which 495 patients (4%) required transfusion. Between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, there were 12,414 patients who delivered, of which 480 patients (4%) required transfusion. When isolating cases of postpartum hemorrhage because of uterine atony in both transfused groups, there were 157 women in the presimulation group (epoch 1) and 165 women in the postsimulation group (epoch 2), respectively. There was no difference in age, race, parity, or perinatal outcomes between the 2 epochs. Women in epoch 2 began receiving blood products significantly earlier in the first 12 hours following delivery compared with women in epoch 1 (51 [range, 28-125] minutes vs 102 [range, 32-320] minutes; P=.005). In addition, there was a significantly decreased variation in the time from the administration of uterotonic medications to transfusion of blood in epoch 2 (P=.035). Furthermore, women in epoch 2 had significantly lower estimated blood loss than women in epoch 1 (1250 [range, 1000-1750] mL vs 1500 [range, 1000-2000] mL; P=.032). CONCLUSION: The implementation of a multidisciplinary simulation program at a large academic center focusing on the management of postpartum hemorrhage was associated with an improved clinical response. Specifically, there were significantly faster times from the administration of uterotonic medications to transfusion of blood, decreased variance in the time from the administration of uterotonic medications to transfusion of blood, and lower estimated blood loss following the implementation of a simulation program. Because delay in treatment is a major cause of preventable maternal death in obstetrical hemorrhage, the results in our study provided clinical evidence that a simulation program may improve patient outcomes in such emergencies.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklist for initial management of amniotic fluid embolism.

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare syndrome characterized by sudden cardiorespiratory collapse during labor or soon after delivery. Because of its rarity, many obstetrical providers have no experience in managing amniotic fluid embolism and may therefore benefit from a cognitive aid such as a checklist. We present a sample checklist for the initial management of amniotic fluid embolism based on standard management guidelines. We also suggest steps that each facility can take to implement the checklist effectively.

Experience of Bakri balloon tamponade at a single tertiary centre: a retrospective case series.

Intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT) is an established fertility-sparing and life-saving treatment for postpartum haemorrhage. However, high-level evidence is lacking for specific aspects of its use. Our aim was to evaluate a large case series of IUBT to inform evidence-based clinical practice. 296 cases of IUBT over a three-year period at a tertiary obstetric referral centre were identified and reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and procedural outcome measures were collected; including rates of success and failure of IUBT, duration of tamponade, and complications. IUBT was successful in 265 (90%) of women and failed in 18 (6%). All failures occurred within six hours of balloon insertion. Once deemed stable and successful at six hours, no women required return to theatre or further intervention. The mean duration of intrauterine balloon tamponade was 18.5 hours. A large variance in clinical practice exists including duration of intrauterine balloon tamponade, and method and timing of removal. A number of changes informed by the results will be introduced and prospectively audited to improve IUBT use.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT) is an important second-line treatment option in severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). IUBT is easy to use, is effective especially in the setting of uterine atony, and is associated with minimal complications.What the results of this study add? This study confirms the high rate of success for IUBT in controlling PPH. We found that after six hours, if deemed successful, it is rare that further intervention is required. In addition, tamponade beyond 12 hours, gradual or incremental deflation of the balloon, and antibiotic cover beyond the duration of tamponade are unlikely to yield any further safety benefit.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our findings suggest that women should not be required to fast for balloon removal; removal of the balloon should occur by 12 hours if deemed stable and adequately resuscitated; deflation and removal of the balloon can occur at once; and antibiotics should be ceased after balloon removal. These will allow women to mobilise and recover sooner, and improve flow and throughput in our high-acuity care areas.

Homelessness, housing instability, and abortion outcomes at an urban abortion clinic in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Adverse reproductive health outcomes are well documented among people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Little is known about abortion outcomes among this population. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between housing status and abortion outcomes and whether gestational age mediates this relationship. STUDY DESIGN: Our sample comprised 1903 individuals who had abortions at an urban clinic in San Francisco, CA, from 2015 to 2017. We defined homelessness or housing instability as a binary exposure, which included staying outside, with friends and/or family, or in a tent, vehicle, shelter, transitional program, or hotel. We evaluated gestational duration of ≥20 weeks as a mediator variable. Our primary outcome was any abortion complication. Logistic regression models were adjusted for age, race, substance use, mental health diagnoses, and previous vaginal and cesarean deliveries. RESULTS: Approximately 19% (n=356) of abortions were among people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Compared with those with stable housing, people experiencing homelessness or housing instability presented later in pregnancy (mean gestational duration, 13.3 vs 9.5 weeks; P<.001) and had more frequent complications (6.5% vs 2.8%; P<.001; odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.9). Adjusting for race, substance use, mental health diagnoses, and previous cesarean deliveries, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability were more likely to have abortion complications (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-4.0). However, the relationship was attenuated after adjusting for gestational duration (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-2.6), suggesting that gestational duration mediates the relationship between housing status and abortion complications. CONCLUSION: Patients experiencing homelessness or housing instability presented later in gestation, which seems to contribute to the increased frequency of abortion complications.

Coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy: early lessons.

The worldwide incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is rapidly increasing, but there exists limited information on coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy. Here, we present our experience with 7 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy presenting to a single large New York City tertiary care hospital. Of the 7 patients, 5 presented with symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019, including cough, myalgias, fevers, chest pain, and headache. Of the 7 patients, 4 were admitted to the hospital, including 2 who required supportive care with intravenous hydration. Of note, the other 2 admitted patients who were asymptomatic on admission to the hospital, presenting instead for obstetrically indicated labor inductions, became symptomatic after delivery, each requiring intensive care unit admission.

Clinical outcomes of prophylactic compression sutures for treatment of uterine atony during the cesarean delivery of twins.

BACKGROUND: Twin pregnancy has a high risk for developing uterine atony (UA). This study aimed to evaluate efficacy and clinical outcomes of prophylactic compression sutures to treat UA during twin cesarean section (CS). METHODS: All patient records of twin deliveries by CS after gestational age of 24 weeks in a large maternity hospital in South Korea between January 2013 and June 2018 were reviewed. Patients with monochorionic monoamniotic twins were excluded from data analysis. In total, 953 women were eligible for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 953 patients, compression sutures were applied to 147 cases with postpartum bleeding that were refractory to uterine massage and uterotonics. Out of the 147, two patients (1.4%) proceeded to additional uterine artery ligation to achieve hemostasis, yielding a success rate of 98.6%. The rate of transfusion after the first 24 h of delivery in the suture group was not significantly different from that in the non-suture group, suggesting that both groups achieved hemostasis at an equal rate after the first 24 h of delivery. The difference in the operation time between the two groups was only 8.5 min. The rate of subsequent pregnancy among the patients who received compression sutures was 44.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings suggest that with early and fast implementation of compression sutures, UA can be treated in the setting of twin cesarean delivery without significantly increasing maternal morbidity.

A condom uterine balloon device among referral facilities in Dar Es Salaam: an assessment of perceptions, barriers and facilitators one year after implementation.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal death in Tanzania. The Every Second Matters for Mothers and Babies- Uterine Balloon Tamponade (ESM-UBT) device was developed to address this problem in women with atonic uterus. The objective of this study was to understand the barriers and facilitators to optimal use of the device, in Dar es Salaam Tanzania 1 year after implementation. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews of skilled-birth attendants were conducted between May and July 2017. Interviews were recorded, coded and analyzed for emergent themes. RESULTS: Among the participants, overall there was a positive perception of the ESM-UBT device. More than half of participants reported the device was readily available and more than 1/3 described ease and success with initial use. Barriers included fear and lack of refresher training. Finally, participants expressed a need for training and device availability at peripheral hospitals. CONCLUSION: The implementation and progression to optimal use of the ESM-UBT device in Tanzania is quite complex. Ease of use and the prospect of saving a life/preserving fertility strongly promoted use while fear and lack of high-level buy-in hindered utilization of the device. A thorough understanding and investigation of these facilitators and barriers are required to increase uptake of the ESM-UBT device.

Novel subtype of atonic postpartum hemorrhage: dynamic computed tomography evaluation of bleeding characteristics and the uterine cavity.

Background: Uterine atony is the leading cause of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH); however, the underlying cause of intractable atonic PPH unresponsive to conventional treatments (such as uterotonics and intrauterine balloon tamponade) remains unclear.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether intractable atonic PPH is associated with the type of bleeding (arterial or nonarterial) and its location, along with variations in the size and shape of the uterine cavity after delivery.Study design: This retrospective study included women who had undergone a dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan for the management of severe PPH at Kyoto University Hospital between April 2011 and March 2017. Patients' electronic medical records were reviewed, and relevant clinical information was collected. The presence of contrast extravasation (CE) on CT images in the early phase (40 s) was regarded as active arterial bleeding. Bleeding sites and size of the uterine cavity were evaluated using an xyz coordinate system. The size of the uterine cavity was compared between groups with CE into the upper and lower parts of the uterine body.Results: Of the 60 women assessed for eligibility, 30 were included in the current analysis. Contrast extravasation was detected in 19 women, with 14 showing CE in the early phase. The presence of CE in the early phase was significantly associated with the need for transarterial embolization (Fisher's exact test, p = .0017). The upper and lower parts of the uterine cavity were 97.4 ± 2.7 mm (mean ± standard error of the mean) and 87.2 ± 3.5 mm in length, respectively. The maximum anteroposterior diameters of the upper and lower parts of the uterine cavity were 23.1 ± 2.6 and 76.0 ± 3.0 mm, respectively, and the largest transverse diameters were 67.3 ± 1.9 and 81.1 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. The group that showed CE into the upper uterine cavity had significantly larger qualitative parameters of the upper uterine cavity compared to the group with CE into the lower uterine cavity. The gate from the lower uterine cavity toward the upper uterine cavity was narrow (anteroposterior diameter of 22.6 ± 2.0 mm, transverse diameter of 40.7 ± 3.3 mm), and the intrauterine balloon was always found in the lower uterine cavity on the CT scan. The upper uterine body was characterized by a flat oval-shaped cavity (xy plane), thick uterine wall, and lack of uniformity among bleeding sites (z = 62.4 ± 14.8 mm). In contrast, the lower uterine cavity was a circular shape (xy plane) with thin walls, and bleeding sites were located at lateral sides around the level of the internal os (z = -18.8 ± 4.9 mm).Conclusions: Atonic PPH has a significant subtype, named "PRACE," which is characterized by PPH, resistance to treatment, and arterial CE. The need for embolization can be predicted by the presence of arterial bleeding and its location, along with the shape of the uterine cavity.

Massive blood transfusion in relation to delivery: incidence, trends and risk factors: a population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate incidence, trends over time, and risk factors for massive blood transfusions in obstetric patients. A secondary aim was to evaluate transfusion ratios in relation to massive transfusion. DESIGN: Population-based cohort. SETTING: Five hospitals, in the Stockholm County, Sweden, from 1990 to 2011. POPULATION: All women that gave birth in Stockholm county, Sweden, and who received blood transfusions postpartum between 1990 and 2011. METHODS: Data on pregnancies and deliveries from the Swedish National Medical Birth Registry was cross-linked to the Stockholm transfusion database. Massive blood transfusion was defined as the transfusion of ≥10 units of red blood cells from partus through the next day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main primary outcome was massive blood transfusion postpartum. RESULTS: Our cohort comprised 517 874 deliveries. Massive blood transfusion occurred in 277 women, for an incidence of 5.3 per 10 000 deliveries, and increased by 30% (P < 0.001) between the first and the second half of the study period. Major risk factors apparent before delivery were abnormal placentation (odds ratio [OR] 41; 95% CI 29.3-58.1), pre-eclampsia/placental abruption (OR 4; 95% CI 2.8-5.6), and previous caesarean delivery (OR 4; 95% CI 3.1-6.0). Risk factors at time of delivery were uterine rupture, atonic uterus, and caesarean delivery (OR 38, 17, and 3, respectively). CONCLUSION: We found an increasing trend in the postpartum rate of massive transfusion. Women with abnormal placentation were found to have the highest increased risk. Improved antenatal awareness of these women at risk might improve management and reduce the rate of massive transfusion. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Risk of massive blood transfusion in obstetric patients increases with placental complications and prior caesarean section.

Postpartum Cardiogenic Shock Diagnosed by Focused Cardiac Ultrasound and Treated With Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Report.

We present the case of a primigravid patient, who developed cardiogenic shock during the early postpartum period in the setting of retained placenta, uterine atony, and hemorrhage. Focused cardiac ultrasound played a central role in identifying the cause of hemodynamic instability. The decision to initiate venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was instrumental in the successful outcome for our patient, characterized by a full recovery without major neurological and cardiovascular sequelae.

Use of Bakri balloon tamponade (BBT) for conservative management of postpartum haemorrhage: a tertiary referral centre case series.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the Bakri balloon in the management of PPH. This was a retrospective review of 49 patients, who had Bakri balloon inserted for PPH in KK Hospital between April 2013 and December 2015. The main outcome measure was achievement of haemostasis by Bakri balloon tamponade (BBT). Our success rate was 81.6%. Out of the nine failures (18.0%), five (55.6%) had subtotal hysterectomies and four (44.4%) had total hysterectomies. The causes of PPH in these nine women were unsuspected or foci of placenta accreta (55.6%), uterine atony (33.3%) and retained products of conception (11.1%). Our study suggests that BBT is more likely to fail when bleeding is secondary to undiagnosed focal placenta accreta (p = .011) and when the estimated blood loss is more than 1.5 litres (p < .001). Our study adds to the growing body of evidence that BBT is not only effective for management of PPH in haemodynamically stable patients and in cases secondary to uterine atony and placenta praevia, but also in a small number of undiagnosed focal placenta accreta. Impact statement There is limited evidence regarding efficacy of BBT for PPH. Our study supports the use of BBT for PPH due to uterine atony and placenta praevia and in a small number of undiagnosed placenta accreta.

Intramuscular oxytocin versus intravenous oxytocin to prevent postpartum haemorrhage at vaginal delivery (LabOR trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The most common cause of primary PPH is uterine atony. Atonic PPH rates are increasing in developed countries despite routine active management of the third stage of labour. In less-developed countries, primary PPH remains the leading cause of maternal death. Although the value of routine oxytocics in the third stage of labour has been well established, there is inconsistent practice in the choice of agent and route of administration. Oxytocin is the preferred agent because it has fewer side effects than other uterotonics with similar efficacy. It can be given intravenously or intramuscularly; however, to date, the most effective route of administering oxytocin has not been established. METHODS/DESIGN: A double-blind randomised controlled trial is planned. The aim of the study is to compare the effects of an intramuscular bolus of oxytocin (10 IU in 1 mL) and placebo intravenous injection (1 mL 0.9% saline given slowly) with an intravenous bolus of oxytocin (10 IU in 1 mL given slowly over 1 min) and placebo intramuscular injection (1 mL 0.9% saline) at vaginal delivery. The study will recruit 1000 women at term (>36 weeks) with singleton pregnancies who are aiming for a vaginal delivery. The primary outcome will be PPH (measured blood loss ≥ 500 mL). A study involving 1000 women will have 80% power at the 5% two-sided alpha level, to detect differences in the proportion of patients with measured blood loss > 500 ml of 10% vs 5%. DISCUSSION: Given the increasing trends of atonic PPH it is both important and timely that we evaluate the most effective route of oxytocin administration for the management of the third stage of labour. To date, there has been limited research comparing the efficacy of intramuscular oxytocin vs intravenous oxytocin for the third stage of labour. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN14718882 . Registered on 4 January 2016. Pilot commenced 12.12.2015; trial commenced 04.01.2016. The protocol (Ref 012012) was approved by the National Maternity Hospital Research Ethics Committee on 10.06.2015 and the Research Ethics Committee of the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital (Ref 26-2015) on 09.12.2015.

[Maternal deaths due to haemorrhage: Results from the French confidential enquiry into maternal deaths, 2010-2012]. / Mortalité maternelle par hémorragie, résultats de l'ENCMM, France 2010­2012.

Haemorrhage is the first cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in France and a quality of care marker. Haemorrhage rate in France is around 5 to 10% of deliveries. PPH is defined as a post-partum blood loss≥500mL whatever the delivery route and sometime blood can be concealed inside the pelvis. Between 2010 and 2012 in France, 29 deaths were related to haemorrhage giving a maternal mortality ratio of 1.2/100,000 live births (CI 95% 0.8-1.7). Haemorrhage cases decreased from last triennium (2007-2009) especially for uterine atony cases (12/29) but remains the first leading cause of direct maternal death. Patients with previous cesarean birth were more represented than in general obstetrical population (11/23). Substandard care were mainly due to delays in diagnosis of hemoperitoneum, delays in adequate resuscitation because of reassuring vital signs (normal blood pressure or normal hematocrite at the initial stage of bleeding) or organisational mistakes.

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.

Successful use of a Bakri Tamponade Balloon in the treatment of puerperal uterine inversion during caesarean section.

Acute puerperal inversion of the uterus is a rare life-threatening obstetric emergency, especially during caesarean section. We present the case of a 30-year-old patient with acute puerperal inversion of the uterus that occurred during placental removal. After a quick reversion of the uterus, an immediate postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to massive uterine atony was observed. This atony impacted the whole uterus, with a very thin uterine myometrium. The use of a Bakri Tamponade Balloon use allowed treating extreme uterine atony, immediately stop haemorrhage, and prevent a possible risk of immediate recurrence.