Comparison of European recommendations about patient blood management in postpartum haemorrhage.

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Some documents with practical recommendations for the management of PPH do not include the most updated directives. This review offers a quality comparison of the recommendations stated in Europe since 2015. A literature search was conducted to identify the documents published in Europe from 2015 to 2020 containing recommendations about management of PPH. The search returned 10 publications. A narrative synthesis and a summary of the information about PPH definition and its management were performed. Differences in the definition of PPH were identified: some documents considered the delivery procedure, and many publications included severity criteria. The therapeutic goal for red blood cells transfusion ranged from 6 to 9 g/dl. There were divergences in the need for considering haemostatic results before fresh frozen plasma transfusion. The therapeutic goal of platelet transfusion ranged from 50 x 109 to 100 x 109  µ/L. There was a wide consensus about the therapeutic goal of fibrinogen replacement (>2 g/L), but not about its use in an unmonitored or pre-emptive manner. Most publications included therapeutic approaches such as tranexamic acid and recombinant factor VII activated, but not prothrombin complex concentrate or coagulation factor XIII. The recommendations about PPH management offered in European documents are heterogeneous and have changed over time. The standardisation of all them could be useful to make progress in PPH clinical management and research which, in turn, could strongly impact in patient outcomes.

Haemostatic support in postpartum haemorrhage: A review of the literature and expert opinion.

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths worldwide. Typically, bleeding is controlled by timely obstetric measures in parallel with resuscitation and treatment of coagulopathy. Early recognition of abnormal coagulation is crucial and haemostatic support should be considered simultaneously with other strategies as coagulopathies contribute to the progression to massive haemorrhage. However, there is lack of agreement on important topics in the current guidelines for management of PPH. A clinical definition of PPH is paramount to understand the situation to which the treatment recommendations relate; however, reaching a consensus has previously proven difficult. Traditional definitions are based on volume of blood loss, which is difficult to monitor, can be misleading and leads to treatment delay. A multidisciplinary approach to define PPH considering vital signs, clinical symptoms, coagulation and haemodynamic changes is needed. Moreover, standardised algorithms or massive haemorrhage protocols should be developed to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality and improve overall clinical outcomes in PPH. If available, point-of-care testing should be used to guide goal-directed haemostatic treatment. Tranexamic acid should be administered as soon as abnormal bleeding is recognised. Fibrinogen concentrate rather than fresh frozen plasma should be administered to restore haemostasis where there is elevated risk of fibrinogen deficiency (e.g., in catastrophic bleeding or in cases of abruption or amniotic fluid embolism) as it is a more concentrated source of fibrinogen. Lastly, organisational considerations are equally as important as clinical interventions in the management of PPH and have the potential to improve patient outcomes.

Impact of Labor Epidural Analgesia on Maternal Satisfaction and Childbirth Expectations in a Tertiary Care Center in Portugal: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: In the current century, increasing importance has been given to the opinions, expectations and experiences of women using healthcare services. The fulfillment of expectations is determined by satisfaction. This study aims to analyze both expectations and satisfaction during childbirth regarding labor epidural analgesia among parturients, with a focus on myths. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in parturients at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte - Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal, applying a questionnaire to 317 random women. SPSS v22.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred questionnaires were returned, from women with a mean age of 31. Among the respondents, 46.3% had a college degree and 64% were employed, 46% were primiparas and only 14% had a previous anesthesiology appointment for childbirth purposes. The overall degree of satisfaction surrounding the birth experience was good/excellent for 87% of women. Labor epidural analgesia was performed on 96% of all patients, with an excellent/good outcome for 82.1% and a higher than expected results for 40.7% of them. Regarding the myths, 52.5% believed that epidural analgesia imposes a dose limit and 58.9% that it often causes permanent back pain. The level of education was significantly associated with some myths (p < 0.05), since women with a higher level of education do not believe most of them. DISCUSSION: This study supports the need for an evaluation of the current information that women have about labor epidural analgesia/childbirth. Women's individual needs can be met by multidisciplinary teams including Anesthesiology specialists. CONCLUSION: Maternal satisfaction with childbirth and analgesia is a complex and dynamic process that includes and is not limited to the relief of pain.

Introdução: As opiniões, expectativas e experiências das mulheres que utilizam os serviços de saúde têm vindo a alcançar crescente importância. O cumprimento das expectativas é determinado pela satisfação. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar as expectativas e satisfação das mulheres durante o trabalho de parto em relação à analgesia epidural, com foco principal nos mitos. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional e prospetivo em grávidas do Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte - Santa Maria Hospital, em Lisboa, Portugal, através da aplicação aleatória de um questionário a 317 mulheres. Foi utilizado o programa SPSS v.22 para análise estatística. Resultados: Foram obtidos 300 questionários, provenientes de mulheres com idade média de 31 anos. Entre as grávidas que responderam ao questionário, 46,3% possuíam diploma universitário e 64% estavam empregadas. Apenas 14% tiveram consulta prévia de Anestesiologia. O grau de satisfação em torno da experiência do parto foi bom/excelente para 87% das mulheres. A analgesia epidural foi realizada em 96% das grávidas, tendo 82,1% considerado a analgesia excelente e 40,7% avaliado como superior ao esperado. Em relação aos mitos, 52,5% acreditam que a técnica epidural apresenta uma dose limite e 58,9% consideram que a técnica acarreta dor permanente nas costas. O nível de escolaridade mostrou-se significativamente associado a alguns mitos (p < 0,05), uma vez que as mulheres com maior grau de escolaridade não acreditam na maioria destes. Discussão: Este estudo demonstra a necessidade da avaliação da informação que as mulheres possuem sobre a analgesia do trabalho de parto. As necessidades individuais devem ser geridas por equipas multidisciplinares que incluamanestesiologistas. Conclusão: A satisfação materna com o parto e respetiva analgesia é um processo complexo e dinâmico, que inclui e não se limita ao alívio da dor.

[Obstetric Surgery with High Risk of Postpartum Hemorrhage in a Jehovah's Witness]. / Cirurgia Obstétrica com Risco Hemorrágico Major em Testemunha de Jeová.

Postpartum Hemorrhage is still the leading cause of maternal mortality. The management of patients who refuse allogeneic blood transfusion, like in the case of Jehovah's Witnesses, is clinically and ethically challenging. We describe the case of a woman with several risk factors for major postpartum hemorrhage, specifically the presence of a giant uterine myoma. The multidisciplinary management of this patient included an elective c-section and the use of prophylactic tranexamic acid. The perioperative and peripartum care of Jehovah's Witnesses requires specific strategies to minimize blood loss, optimize oxygen delivery and consumption, enhance hemoglobin production, correct coagulation defects and promote hemostasis. We highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach, point-of-care testing and the use of fibrinogen concentrate and tranexamic acid, according to the patients' informed consent.

A hemorragia obstétrica continua a ser a principal causa de morbimortalidade materna, sendo que a abordagem de grávidas que recusam alotransfusão, como é o caso das Testemunhas de Jeová, coloca importantes questões médicas, éticas e legais. Reporta-se um caso de uma doente Testemunha de Jeová, submetida a cesariana com fatores de risco para hemorragia major, incluindo existência de um mioma gigante, em que se evitou a transfusão e foi utilizado ácido tranexâmico profilático. A abordagem de Testemunhas de Jeová em contexto de cirurgia obstétrica com risco hemorrágico major implica a definição de estratégias anestésico-cirúrgicas para a minimização de perdas hemorrágicas, a otimização da entrega e consumo de oxigénio, o aumento da síntese de hemoglobina, a correção de defeitos de coagulação e melhoria da hemostase. Revemos a importância do planeamento multidisciplinar, o recurso ao tromboelastrograma e a administração precoce de fibrinogénio e ácido tranexâmico, de acordo com o consentimento informado das doentes.

Postpartum lumbosacral radiculopathy: a neuraxial anaesthesia complication or an intrinsic obstetric palsy?

Postpartum peripheral nerve disorders are an uncommon obstetrical complication, with most cases resulting from intrinsic obstetric palsies. We present the case of a full-term nulliparous pregnant 33-year-old woman with a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery due to a prolonged second stage of labour and occipitoposterior position of the fetal head. For analgesia, a combined spinal-epidural technique was used. Four hours after delivery, the patient experienced a painless asymmetric motor deficit and hypoesthesia in the lower limbs, followed by sphincter disturbance. Emergent MRI was unremarkable. Electromyography showed signs of a bilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy. The patient experienced a gradual recovery over the following 2 months. Although a definitive aetiological diagnosis could not be confirmed, a lumbosacral polyradiculopathy due to intrinsic obstetric complication was considered. The patient presented several risk factors known to be associated with intrinsic obstetric palsies. Obstetricians and anaesthesiologists have an important role in preventing and diagnosing postpartum peripheral nerve disorders.

[The multidisciplinary challenge of anesthesia for ex utero intrapartum treatment: a case report]. / O desafio multidisciplinar da anestesia para procedimento intraparto extra­uterino: relato de caso.

The Ex- Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) is a surgical procedure performed in cases of expected postpartum fetal airway obstruction, allowing the establishment of patent airway while maintaining placental circulation. Anesthesia for EXIT procedure has several specific features such as adequate uterine relaxation, maintenance of maternal blood pressure fetal anesthesia and fetal airway establishment. The anesthesiologist should be aware of these particularities in order to contribute to a favorable outcome. This is a case report of an EXIT procedure performed on a fetus with a cervical lymphangioma with prenatal evidence of partial obstruction of the trachea and risk of post-delivery airway compromise.

The multidisciplinary challenge of anesthesia for ex utero intrapartum treatment: a case report / O desafio multidisciplinar da anestesia para procedimento intraparto extra-uterino: relato de caso

Abstract The Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) is a surgical procedure performed in cases of expected postpartum fetal airway obstruction, allowing the establishment of patent airway while maintaining placental circulation. Anesthesia for EXIT procedure has several specific features such as adequate uterine relaxation, maintenance of maternal blood pressure fetal anesthesia and fetal airway establishment. The anesthesiologist should be aware of these particularities in order to contribute to a favorable outcome. This is a case report of an EXIT procedure performed on a fetus with a cervical lymphangioma with prenatal evidence of partial obstruction of the trachea and risk of post-delivery airway compromise.

Resumo O procedimento Intraparto Extra-Uterino (EXIT) é procedimento cirúrgico realizado em casos de previsão de obstrução de via aérea fetal no pós-parto, que permite estabelecer via aérea patente enquanto a circulação placentária é mantida. A anestesia para o procedimento EXIT apresenta várias características específicas, tais como relaxamento uterino adequado, manutenção da pressão arterial materna, anestesia fetal e estabelecimento da via aérea fetal. O anestesiologista deve estar ciente dessas especificidades para contribuir para desfecho favorável. Trata-se de relato de caso de procedimento EXIT realizado em feto com linfangioma cervical e evidência pré-natal de obstrução parcial de traqueia e risco de comprometimento de via aérea pós-parto.

Severe Postpartum Coagulopathy Without Haemorrhage: A Case Report.

Postpartum haemorrhage is an important health issue worldwide, and it can be caused by uterine atony, retained placental tissue, trauma or coagulation disorders. Although coagulopathy represents a rare cause, it is a significant contributor to postpartum haemorrhage with poor outcomes. Associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, postpartum haemorrhage demands prevention, prompt diagnosis and effective management. We describe a unique case of severe coagulopathy caused by underestimated blood loss during caesarean section without postpartum bleeding, in which transfusion requirements were thromboelastometry-guided. This case report depicts how an early multidisciplinary approach and patient-centred care in an obstetric emergency contributes to a positive outcome from a challenging situation, enabling the prevention of an imminent, catastrophic haemorrhage.

A hemorragia pós-parto é um importante problema de saúde a nível global, podendo ser causada por atonia uterina, placenta retida, trauma ou distúrbios na coagulação. Apesar de ser uma causa rara, a coagulopatia é um fator decisivo nas consequências negativas associadas à hemorragia pós-parto. Devido à sua elevada taxa de morbilidade e mortalidade, a hemorragia pós-parto exige prevenção, diagnóstico precoce e intervenção efetiva. Descrevemos um caso clínico raro de coagulopatia severa sem hemorragia no pós-parto, causada por perdas hemáticas subestimadas durante a cesariana, e no qual os requerimentos transfusionais foram guiados por tromboelastometria. Este caso clínico reflete como uma abordagem multidisciplinar precoce, a uma emergência obstétrica, dá origem a um desfecho positivo numa situação desafiante, permitindo a prevenção de uma hemorragia catastrófica, iminente.

[Anesthesia for ex utero intrapartum treatment: renewed insight on a rare procedure]. / Anestesia para tratamento ex-útero intraparto: visão renovada sobre um procedimento raro.

The ex utero intrapartum treatment is a rare surgical procedure performed in cases of expected postpartum fetal airway obstruction. The technique lies on a safe establishment of a patent airway during labor in anticipation of a critical respiratory event, without interrupting maternal-fetal circulation. Anesthetic management is substantially different from that regarding standard cesarean delivery and its main goals include uterine relaxation, fetal anesthesia and preservation of placental blood flow. We present the case of an ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure performed on a fetus with a large cervical lymphangioma and prenatal evidence of airway compromise. Modifications to the classic ex utero intrapartum treatment management strategies were successfully adopted and will be discussed in the following report.

Anesthesia for ex utero intrapartum treatment: renewed insight on a rare procedure / Anestesia para tratamento ex-útero intraparto: visão renovada sobre um procedimento raro

The ex utero intrapartum treatment is a rare surgical procedure performed in cases of expected postpartum fetal airway obstruction. The technique lies on a safe establishment of a patent airway during labor in anticipation of a critical respiratory event, without interrupting maternal-fetal circulation. Anesthetic management is substantially different from that regarding standard cesarean delivery and its main goals include uterine relaxation, fetal anesthesia and preservation of placental blood flow. We present the case of an ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure performed on a fetus with a large cervical lymphangioma and prenatal evidence of airway compromise. Modifications to the classic ex utero intrapartum treatment management strategies were successfully adopted and will be discussed in the following report.

O tratamento ex-útero intraparto é um procedimento cirúrgico feito em casos raros de obstrução esperada das vias aéreas fetais no pós-parto. A técnica tem como base o estabelecimento seguro de vias aéreas permeáveis durante o trabalho de parto em antecipação a um evento respiratório crítico, sem interromper a circulação materno-fetal. O manejo anestésico é substancialmente diferente daquele destinado à cesariana padrão e tem como principais objetivos o relaxamento uterino, a anestesia fetal e a preservação do fluxo sanguíneo placentário. Apresentamos o caso de um procedimento para tratamento ex-útero intraparto feito em feto com um grande linfangioma cervical e evidência pré-natal de comprometimento das vias aéreas. As modificações das estratégias adotadas no tratamento ex-útero intraparto clássico foram feitas com sucesso e serão discutidas no relato a seguir.

Anesthesia for ex utero intrapartum treatment: renewed insight on a rare procedure.

The ex utero intrapartum treatment is a rare surgical procedure performed in cases of expected postpartum fetal airway obstruction. The technique lies on a safe establishment of a patent airway during labor in anticipation of a critical respiratory event, without interrupting maternal-fetal circulation. Anesthetic management is substantially different from that regarding standard cesarean delivery and its main goals include uterine relaxation, fetal anesthesia and preservation of placental blood flow. We present the case of an ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure performed on a fetus with a large cervical lymphangioma and prenatal evidence of airway compromise. Modifications to the classic ex utero intrapartum treatment management strategies were successfully adopted and will be discussed in the following report.