Management of the third stage of labour by Basotho traditional birth attendants.

Background: Historically and to date, women still give birth at home with the support of elderly, experienced women who live within their communities. In Lesotho, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are sometimes the only option for pregnant women living far from facilities. Women are vulnerable during the third stage of labour; therefore, correct management is crucial to limit undesirable outcomes. Postpartum haemorrhage and postpartum sepsis remain the leading direct causes of maternal mortality. Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe how Basotho TBAs manage the third stage of labour. Setting: The study was conducted in Lesotho, at Bolahla and Sejakhosi. These villages have the highest number of women giving birth at home. Methods: An explorative and descriptive design with a qualitative approach was used. Semistructured interview guide was utilised to conduct individual in-depth interviews about how the TBAs manage the third stage of labour and their support needs concerning this phase. The TBAs were purposively sampled. The data were analysed thematically. Results: Four themes emerged: challenges TBA experience in the management of the third stage of labour, management of the placenta by Basotho traditional birth attendants, support during the management of the placenta by Basotho traditional birth attendants, and management during emergencies. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that if TBAs are supported, they can contribute to the health of the mother and baby. Contribution: This study's findings can be valuable to healthcare professionals to understand better how TBAs in Lesotho manage the third stage of labour and the support they need.

Face presentation at term: incidence, risk factors and influence on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence, diagnosis, management and outcome of face presentation at term were analysed. METHODS: A retrospective, gestational age-matched case-control study including 27 singletons with face presentation at term was conducted between April 2006 and February 2021. For each case, four women who had the same gestational age and delivered in the same month with vertex position and singletons were selected as the controls (control group, n = 108). Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors of face presentation. The maternal and neonatal outcomes of the face presentation group were followed up. RESULTS: The incidence of face presentation at term was 0.14‰. After conditional logistic regression, the two factors associated with face presentation were high parity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.76, 95% CI 1.19-6.39)] and amniotic fluid index > 18 cm (aOR 2.60, 95% CI 1.08-6.27). Among the 27 cases, the diagnosis was made before the onset of labor, during the latent phase of labor, during the active phase of labor, and during the cesarean section in 3.7% (1/27), 40.7% (11/27), 11.1% (3/27) and 44.4% (12/27) of cases, respectively. In one case of cervical dilation with a diameter of 5 cm, we innovatively used a vaginal speculum for rapid diagnosis of face presentation. The rate of cesarean section and postpartum haemorrhage ≥ 500 ml in the face presentation group was higher than that of the control group (88.9% vs. 13.9%, P < 0.001, and 14.8% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.024), but the Apgar scores were similar in both sets of newborns. Among the 27 cases of face presentation, there were three cases of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including one case of neonatal right brachial plexus injury and two cases of severe laceration of the lower segment of the uterus with postpartum haemorrhage ≥ 1000 ml. CONCLUSIONS: Face presentation was rare. Early diagnosis is difficult, and thus easily neglected. High parity and amniotic fluid index > 18 cm are risk factors for face presentation. An early diagnosis and proper management of face presentation could lead to good maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Maintenance oxytocin in the immediate postpartum period: Frequency, determinants and practices in a tertiary maternity unit.

OBJECTIVE: To prevent post-partum haemorrhage (PPH), national and international guidelines recommend the administration of a prophylactic injection of oxytocin after all vaginal births. Although additional maintenance oxytocin is not recommended in the immediate postpartum, its administration is quite common (30 % of French births in 2021). To assess in a single center, the frequency and determinants associated with the administration of maintenance oxytocin in immediate postpartum. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational single-centre study was conducted in a tertiary-care university centre in Paris (France), with data from April-May 2022. All women who gave birth vaginally at or after 37 weeks, except for those with immediate PPH. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to compare determinants between the group receiving maintenance oxytocin and the control group without this intervention. A sensitivity analysis in a population of women at low risk of PPH was performed. Maternal, obstetrical, perinatal and organisational determinants were collected. RESULTS: This study included 584 patients, 278 (47.6 %) of whom received maintenance oxytocin. We observed a significantly higher rate of maintenance oxytocin administration to parous women (OR 1.57, 90 %CI 1.09-2.27) and women with a history of PPH (OR 2.88, 90 %CI 1.08-9.08). Additional maintenance oxytocin was also administered more often when the midwife handling the birth had more than 5 years of practice since completion of training (OR 1.77, 1.24-2.53) or during night-time births (OR 1.47, 90 %CI 1.03-2.10). CONCLUSION: Maintenance oxytocin administration is a frequent practice, performed for almost half the patients in our center. This practice is associated with maternal and obstetric factors, but also with health professionals' individual decisions and practices.

Dose-dependent increase in risk of bleeding and bleeding complications in relation to SSRI use at delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Depression during pregnancy is a severe state that increases the risk of suicide, as well as adverse newborn outcomes. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective for the treatment of depression, but increase the risk of bleeding complications at delivery. Knowledge on the dose dependency of this association is lacking. METHODS: A hospital-based cohort study of all women who gave birth at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm over the 5-year period from 2007 to 2011, with or without SSRI use, was undertaken. In total, 334 women who delivered vaginally and were exposed to SSRIs at delivery were identified. All other women who delivered vaginally formed the control group (n = 31,929). The electronic maternal health records of the 334 SSRI users were scrutinized, and the women were categorized into two groups: moderate (n = 246) or high (n = 88) SSRI dose at delivery. The main outcome was bleeding complications at delivery in relation to SSRI dose. RESULTS: A dose-dependent increase in the rate of postpartum haemorrhage (≥1000 ml) was found, affecting 8.4 %, 14.6 % and 23.9 % (p ≤ 0.001) of women in the control group, the moderate-dose group and the high-dose group, respectively. In addition, a dose-dependent increase in the rate of postpartum anaemia was found, affecting 7.0 %, 9.3 % and 15.9 % (p = 0.001) of women in the control group, the moderate-dose group and the high-dose group, respectively. Mean blood loss of 406 ml, 483 ml and 482 ml (p ≤ 0.001) was found in the control group, the moderate-dose group and the high-dose group, respectively. Women exposed to SSRIs delivered earlier, but did not have higher prevalence of pre-eclampsia compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The dose-dependent relationship between SSRIs and bleeding complications may be clinically useful in the management of this vulnerable group of women.

Clinical and biological factors associated with red blood cell transfusion during severe postpartum haemorrhage - A single-center retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are of utmost importance in the management of severe post-partum haemorrhage. Although the recommendations for blood transfusion protocols are regularly issued, there are significant differences in management depending on the context and the medical teams involved. OBJECTIVE: To determine during the first 24 h, the clinical and biological factors associated with the decision for RBC transfusion during severe PPH (≥1000 mL) for vaginal and caesarean deliveries. STUDY DESIGN: Monocentric retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care university maternity unit (CHI-Creteil) including all parturients from November 23th 2018 to 31th December 2020 with severe PPH (≥1000 mL). RESULTS: Over the study period, we reported 7103 deliveries, out of which 682 were complicated by PPH (9.6 %) with 200 cases of PPH ≥1000 mL (2.8 %). In our study, 40 % of patients (80/200) required a RBC transfusion". After multivariate analysis, severe PPH caused by placental abruption, uterine rupture or placental implantation disorders (aOR = 3.48 IC95 [1.27-9.52], p < 0.001), estimated blood loss ≥1500 mL (aOR = 9.60 IC95 [3.69-24.95], p < 0. 001), invasive measures such as uterine balloon tamponade, arterial ligation and uterine packing (aOR = 4.15 IC95 [1.80-9.61], p < 0.001), pre-labor hemoglobin <10 g/dL (aOR =4.88 IC95 [1.57-15.15], p < 0.001) or abnormal biological results in the acute phase (including hemoglobin <7.0 g/dL and/or fibrinogen <2 g/L and/or platelets <100 G/L) (aOR =356 IC95 [1,05-12,10], p < 0.001) were significantly and independently associated with the decision to initiate RBC transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: In a monocentric retrospective study including 200 consecutive cases of severe PPH (≥1000 mL) we identified groups of clinical and biological factors directly accessible to clinicians, significantly and independently associated with RBC transfusion in the first 24 h of management.

Tranexamic acid versus oxytocin for primary postpartum Haemorrhage in the out-of-hospital setting: A systematic review with implications for rural practice.

INTRODUCTION: Primary postpartum haemorrhage causes approximately 25% of global maternal deaths and accounts for significant maternal morbidity. While high certainty evidence demonstrates that tranexamic acid reduces comparative blood loss in postpartum haemorrhage in hospital settings, limited data exist on the specific pharmacological management of this condition in out-of-hospital settings, and the implications for rural communities. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of oxytocin compared to tranexamic acid in women suffering postpartum haemorrhage in the out-of-hospital environment. DESIGN: A systematic review comparing evidence containing patients with postpartum haemorrhage in the out-of-hospital and/or rural setting, in which oxytocin/tranexamic acid were used. Outcome measures were comparative blood loss/haemorrhagic shock, the need for further interventions and maternal/neonatal morbidity/mortality. FINDINGS: No randomised control trials have been conducted in an out-of-hospital environment in relation to oxytocin/tranexamic acid. In this setting, there is no difference in outcome measures when using oxytocin compared to no intervention, or oxytocin compared to standard care. Data are lacking on the effect of tranexamic acid on the same outcome measures. DISCUSSION: Rural and out-of-hospital management of postpartum haemorrhage is limited by resource availability and practitioner availability, capacity and experience. In-hospital evidence may lack transferability, therefore direct evidence on the efficacy of pharmacological management in these contexts is scant and requires redress. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in blood loss, neonatal or maternal mortality or morbidity, or need for further interventions, when using oxytocin or TXA compared to no intervention, or compared to standard care, for PPH. Further studies are needed on the efficacy of these drugs, and alternate or co-drug therapies, for PPH in the out-of-hospital environment and rural clinical practice.

Cumulative oxytocin dose in spontaneous labour - Adverse postpartum outcomes, childbirth experience, and breastfeeding.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the association between the total cumulative oxytocin dose during labour and adverse postpartum outcomes, childbirth experience and breastfeeding in term primiparous women with spontaneous onset of labour. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational multicentre study, including 1395 women with spontaneous labour, in seven hospitals in Southeast Sweden. Multivariable logistic regression (Crude Odds Ratios (OR) and adjusted OR (aOR) for relevant confounders) was used to analyze the association between oxytocin dose and postpartum outcomes. The exposure was the cumulative oxytocin dose during labour, classified in percentiles (<25th, 25-75th, >75th). The outcomes were occurrence of obstetric anal sphincter injury, postpartum haemorrhage (blood loss > 1000 ml), Apgar score < 7 at five minutes, umbilical cord arterial pH, postpartum bladder overdistension, exclusive breastfeeding at one week and three months, and the woman's perceived birth experience. RESULTS: Women receiving high amounts (>75th percentile, >4370 mU) of oxytocin infusion during labour had an increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage (OR 2.73 (1.78-4.19)), an overdistended bladder (OR 2.19 (1.11-4.31)), an infant with an Apgar score < 7 at five minutes (OR 2.89 (1.27-6.57)), a negative birth experience (OR 1.83 (1.25-2.69)), and a decreased chance of exclusive breastfeeding at one week (OR 0.63 (0.41-0.96)). After adjusting for confounders, all outcomes remained statistically significant except risk of low Apgar score and chance of exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: In women with high cumulative oxytocin dose during labour prompt, and prophylactic administration of uterotonics after delivery of the placenta should be considered to reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. The risk for bladder overdistension can be reduced by implementing routines for observation for signs of bladder filling in the early postpartum period, as well as routine use of bladder scans post micturition to assess for successful bladder emptying. As women's birth experience have a major impact on their future mental health, should be routinely assessed postpartum, and support should be offered to women with negative experiences.

Meta-analysis of the effect of duration of labour on postpartum haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between stages of labour and the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and provide evidence for clinical application. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Manual searches were undertaken, and computer searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and Wipu databases with a search window from database creation to April 2022 were conducted to procure relevant studies on the relationship between labour phase and PPH. The articles included in this study were evaluated for quality, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of PPH in women with weak uterine contractions was 27.5%, compared with 18.1% in women with normal contractions [relative risk (RR) = 1.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38, 1.85; p < 0.01]. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of PPH in pregnant women with a prolonged second stage of labour (≥ 2 h) (34.5%) compared with those whose second stage of labour was normal in duration (15.9%) (RR = 0.20; 95% CI 0.15, 0.25; p < 0.01). The incidence of PPH was 52.1% in pregnant women with a prolonged third stage of labour (≥ 15 min) compared with 20.9% in those whose third stage of labour was of normal duration (RR = 3.53; 95% CI 2.75, 4.52; p < 0.01). The difference in the incidence of a prolonged third stage of labour in pregnant women with weak contractions compared with those with normal contractions was statistically significant (72.3% vs 15.5%) (RR = 0.47; 95% CI 0.35, 0.60; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Duration of labour is associated with the development of PPH, and the risk of PPH is increased in women with weak contractions or with a prolonged second or third stage of labour.

Primary and secondary postpartum haemorrhage: a review for a rationale endovascular approach.

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a significant cause of maternal mortality globally, necessitating prompt and efficient management. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of endovascular treatment dimensions for both primary and secondary PPH, with a focus on uterine atony, trauma, placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), and retained products of conception (RPOC). Primary PPH, occurring within 24 h, often results from uterine atony in 70% of causes, but also from trauma, or PAS. Uterine atony involves inadequate myometrial contraction, addressed through uterine massage, oxytocin, and, if needed, mechanical modalities like balloon tamponade. Trauma-related PPH may stem from perineal injuries or pseudoaneurysm rupture, while PAS involves abnormal placental adherence. PAS demands early detection due to associated life-threatening bleeding during delivery. Secondary PPH, occurring within 24 h to 6 weeks postpartum, frequently arises from RPOC. Medical management may include uterine contraction drugs and hemostatic agents, but invasive procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C) or hysteroscopic resection may be required.Imaging assessments, particularly through ultrasound (US), play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment planning of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), except for uterine atony, where imaging techniques prove to be of limited utility in its management. Computed tomography play an important role in evaluation of trauma related PPH cases and MRI is essential in diagnosing and treatment planning of PAS and RPOC.Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has become a standard intervention for refractory PPH, offering a rapid, effective, and safe alternative to surgery with a success rate exceeding 85% (Rand T. et al. CVIR Endovasc 3:1-12, 2020). The technical approach involves non-selective uterine artery embolization with resorbable gelatine sponge (GS) in semi-liquid or torpedo presentation as the most extended embolic or calibrated microspheres. Selective embolization is warranted in cases with identifiable bleeding points or RPOC with AVM-like angiographic patterns and liquid embolics could be a good option in this scenario. UAE in PAS requires a tailored approach, considering the degree of placental invasion. A thorough understanding of female pelvis vascular anatomy and collateral pathways is essential for accurate and safe UAE.In conclusion, integrating interventional radiology techniques into clinical guidelines for primary and secondary PPH management and co-working during labour is crucial.

Intravenous versus intramuscular oxytocin injection for preventing uterine atonic primary postpartum haemorrhage in third stage of labour: A double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous and intramuscular oxytocin in preventing atonic primary postpartum haemorrhage in the third stage of labour. Methods: A double-blind randomised clinical study on consenting women without risk factors for primary postpartum haemorrhage in labour at term. Two hundred and thirty-two women were randomly allotted into intravenous (n = 115) and intramuscular (n = 117) oxytocin groups in the active management of the third stage of labour. All participants received 10 IU of oxytocin, either IV or IM, and 1 ml of water for injection as a placebo via a route alternate to that of administration of oxytocin within 1 min of the baby's delivery. The primary outcome measures were mean postpartum blood loss and haematocrit change. Trial Registration No.: PACTR201902721929705. Results: The baseline socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regards to the mean postpartum blood loss (254.17 ± 34.85 ml versus 249.4 ± 39.88 ml; p = 0.210), haematocrit change (2.4 (0.8%) versus 2.1 (0.6%); p = 0.412) or adverse effects (p > 0.05). However, the use of additional uterotonics was significantly higher in the intravenous group (25 (21.73%) versus 17 (14.53%); p = 0.032). Conclusion: Although oxytocin in both study groups showed similar efficacy in terms of preventing atonic primary postpartum haemorrhage, participants who received intravenous oxytocin were more likely to require additional uterotonics to reduce their likelihood of having an atonic primary postpartum haemorrhage. However, both routes have similar side effect profiles.

Randomized controlled study comparing oral misoprostol with intramuscular oxytocin in active management of third stage of labour.

Objective: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness and side effects of 600 µg of oral Misoprostol with 10 IU intramuscular oxytocin in managing the third stage of labor. Methods: This open-label, randomized controlled trial included 260 low-risk women in the second stage of labor with anticipated vaginal delivery. They were randomly assigned, to receive either 600 µg of misoprostol orally or 10 IU of oxytocin intramuscularly. The primary outcomes were blood loss during delivery and incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, evaluated using intention-to-treat analysis. Significance was set at P≤0.05. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups (P>0.05). The misoprostol group had a significantly lower blood loss than that of the oxytocin group (306.557±176.44 mL vs. 349.37±135.50 mL; relative difference [RD], -12.251 [95% confidence intervals [CI], -22.528 to -1.575]; P=0.012). Incidence of postpartum hemorrhage was similar in both the groups (relative risk [RR], 0.952 [95% CI, 0.543 to 1.671]; P=0.865). Additional oxytocic therapy requirement was also comparable (RR, 1.143 [95% CI, 0.671 to 1.947]; P=0.623). Nausea, shivering, and mean increase in temperature were significantly more common in the misoprostol group than in the oxytocin-parturient group. Conclusion: In this study, 600 µg oral misoprostol was superior to intramuscular 10 IU oxytocin in reducing blood loss at birth, and equally effective in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. However, misoprostol exhibited more side effects compared to that of oxytocin.

Effectiveness of care bundles for prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Care bundles are a promising approach to reducing postpartum hemorrhage-related morbidity and mortality. We assessed the effectiveness and safety of care bundles for postpartum hemorrhage prevention and/or treatment. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Maternity and Infant Care Database, and Global Index Medicus (inception to June 9, 2023) and ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (last 5 years) using a phased search strategy, combining terms for postpartum hemorrhage and care bundles. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Peer-reviewed studies evaluating postpartum hemorrhage-related care bundles were included. Care bundles were defined as interventions comprising ≥3 components implemented collectively, concurrently, or in rapid succession. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, interrupted time series, and before-after studies (controlled or uncontrolled) were eligible. METHODS: Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 (randomized trials) and ROBINS-I (nonrandomized studies). For controlled studies, we reported risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences for continuous outcomes, with certainty of evidence determined using GRADE. For uncontrolled studies, we used effect direction tables and summarized results narratively. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were included for analysis. For prevention-only bundles (2 studies), low-certainty evidence suggests possible benefits in reducing blood loss, duration of hospitalization, and intensive care unit stay, and maternal well-being. For treatment-only bundles (9 studies), high-certainty evidence shows that the E-MOTIVE intervention reduced risks of composite severe morbidity (risk ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.50) and blood transfusion for bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, severe postpartum hemorrhage, and mean blood loss. One nonrandomized trial and 7 uncontrolled studies suggest that other postpartum hemorrhage treatment bundles might reduce blood loss and severe postpartum hemorrhage, but this is uncertain. For combined prevention/treatment bundles (11 studies), low-certainty evidence shows that the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative care bundle may reduce severe maternal morbidity (risk ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.57-0.72). Ten uncontrolled studies variably showed possible benefits, no effects, or harms for other bundle types. Nearly all uncontrolled studies did not use suitable statistical methods for single-group pretest-posttest comparisons and should thus be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSION: The E-MOTIVE intervention improves postpartum hemorrhage-related outcomes among women delivering vaginally, and the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative bundle may reduce severe maternal morbidity. Other bundle designs warrant further effectiveness research before implementation is contemplated.

Impact of inherited bleeding disorders on maternal bleeding and other pregnancy outcomes: A population-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing rate of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) has been observed between 2003 and 2010 in Canada. Inherited bleeding disorders contribute to the risk of PPH. AIM: To identify the trend in PPH in the last decade, assess the impact of bleeding disorders on pregnancy outcomes and evaluate their coagulation workup during pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using the Alberta Pregnancy Birth Cohort from 2010 to 2018. We included women with von Willebrand disease (VWD) and haemophilia, identified by previously validated algorithm and matched with controls. Logistic regression was used to compute odds of PPH and other pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 311,330 women with a total of 454,400 pregnancies with live births. The rate of PPH did not change significantly from 10.13 per 100 deliveries (95% CI 10.10-10.16) in 2010-10.72 (95% CI 10.69-10.75) in 2018 (p for trend = .35). Women with bleeding disorders were significantly more likely to experience PPH (odds ratio [OR] 2.3; 95% CI 1.5-3.6), antepartum haemorrhage (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.5-5.9) and red cell transfusion (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.1-7.0). We observed a nonsignificant rise in the rate of PPH in women with VWD and haemophilia. Only 49.5% pregnancies with bleeding disorders had third trimester coagulation factor levels checked. Higher odds of PPH and antepartum haemorrhage were observed even with factor levels ≥0.50 IU/mL in third trimester. CONCLUSION: Despite comprehensive care in women with bleeding disorders, they are still at higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to population controls.

Tranexamic acid for the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage in resource-limited settings: a literature review.

Introduction: Postpartum haemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing postpartum haemorrhage. Objectives: This literature review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in the prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage in resource-limited settings. Search methods: This literature review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A computerized systematic search of the MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases using a combination of the following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms for PubMed: [(obstetric haemorrhage OR postpartum haemorrhage OR massive obstetric haemorrhage) AND (tranexamic acid OR antifibrinolytic drugs) AND (prophylaxis OR prevention) AND (management OR treatment) AND (resource-limited settings OR resource-limited area OR developing countries)] to find articles published in English since 2010. Selection criteria: Studies on the obstetric population who underwent vaginal or caesarean delivery, comparing the use of tranexamic acid versus placebo (or no treatment) for treatment (or prevention) of postpartum haemorrhage with the outcome of postpartum haemorrhage rate, blood transfusion requirements, uterotonics requirements, hysterectomy, or mortality were included. Result: In total, 5315 articles were identified. Following the elimination of duplicates, the methodological quality of 15 studies was evaluated independently, with eligibility determined based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as outcome variables. Finally, eight articles were included in the review. Conclusion: This review provides evidence that the administration of tranexamic acid has the potential to decrease the need for blood transfusion, incidence of postpartum haemorrhage, demand for supplementary uterotonics, and maternal morbidity and mortality with marginal adverse effects. Healthcare systems must develop and implement interventions that involve the use of tranexamic acid for the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage in resource-limited settings.

Use of cell salvage in obstetrics in Germany: analysis of national database of 305 610 cases with peripartum haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: One of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide is severe obstetric haemorrhage after childbirth. Use of intraoperative cell salvage is strongly recommended by international guidelines on patient blood management. Recent data provide strong evidence that use of cell salvage in obstetrics is effective and safe in women with postpartum haemorrhage resulting in fewer transfusion-related adverse events and shorter hospital stay. We retrospectively analysed the use of cell salvage in bleeding women during delivery for a period of 10 yr in German hospitals. METHODS: Data from the German Federal Statistical Office were used that covers all in-hospital birth deliveries from 2011 to 2020. Prevalence of peripartum haemorrhage (pre-, intra-, and post-partum haemorrhage), comorbidities, peripartum complications, administration of blood products, and use of cell salvage were analysed. RESULTS: Of 6 356 046 deliveries in Germany, 305 610 women (4.8%) suffered from peripartum haemorrhage. Of all women with peripartum haemorrhage, postpartum haemorrhage was the main cause for major obstetric haemorrhage (92.33%). Cell salvage was used in only 228 (0.07%) of all women with peripartum haemorrhage (cell salvage group). In women undergoing Caesarean delivery with postpartum haemorrhage, cell salvage was used in only 216 out of 70 450 women (0.31%). CONCLUSION: Cell salvage during peripartum haemorrhage is rarely used in Germany. There is tremendous potential for the increased use of cell salvage in peripartum haemorrhage nationwide.

Shock index as a predictor of postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal delivery: Secondary analysis of a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the shock index (SI) distribution during the first 2 hours after delivery and to evaluate its performance when measured 15 and 30 minutes after delivery for predicting postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) occurrence in the general population of parturients after vaginal delivery. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a multicentre randomised controlled trial testing prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid versus placebo in addition to prophylactic oxytocin to prevent PPH. SETTING: 15 French maternity units in 2015-2016. SAMPLE: 3891 women with a singleton live fetus ≥35 weeks, born vaginally. METHODS: For each PPH-related predicted outcome, we calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values of the SI at 15 and 30 minutes after delivery and its predictive performance for SI cut-off values of 0.7, 0.9 and 1.1. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative blood loss ≥1000 ml (QBL ≥1000 ml) measured in a graduated collector bag and provider-assessed clinically significant PPH (cPPH). RESULTS: Prevalence of QBL ≥1000 ml and cPPH was respectively 2.7% (104/3839) and 9.1% (354/3891). The distributions of the SI at 15 and 30 minutes after delivery were similar with a median value of 0.73 and 97th percentile of 1.11 for both. The AUROC values of the 15-minute SI for discriminating QBL ≥1000 ml and cPPH were respectively 0.66 (lower limit of the 95% confidence interval [LCI] 0.60) and 0.56 (LCI 0.52); and for the 30-minute SI 0.68 (LCI 0.61) and 0.49 (LCI 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: The shock index at 15 and 30 minutes after delivery did not satisfactorily predict either QBL ≥1000 ml or clinical PPH.

Interprofessional obstetric simulation training improves postpartum haemorrhage management and decreases maternal morbidity: a before-and-after study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of the Obstetric Simulation Training and Teamwork (OB-STaT) curriculum on postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) rates and outcomes. DESIGN: Before-and-after study. SETTING: Maternity care hospitals within the USA. POPULATION: Patients who delivered between February 2018 and November 2019. METHODS: Interprofessional obstetric teamwork training (OB-STaT) conducted at each hospital. Electronic medical records for deliveries were reviewed for 6 months before and after conducting OB-STaT at participating hospitals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The PPH rate (blood loss of ≥1000 ml), uterotonic medications used, tranexamic acid use, blood product transfusion, hysterectomy, length of stay and composite maternal morbidity (postpartum haemorrhage, hysterectomy, transfusion of ≥4 units of blood products and intensive care unit admission for PPH). RESULTS: A total of 9980 deliveries were analysed: 5059 before and 4921 after OB-STaT. The PPH rates did not change significantly (5.48% before vs 5.14% after, p = 0.46). Composite maternal morbidity decreased significantly by 1.1% (6.35%-5.28%, p = 0.03), massive transfusions decreased by 57% (0.42%-0.18%, p = 0.04) and the mean postpartum length of stay decreased from 2.05 days (1.05 days SD) to 2.01 days (0.91 days SD) (p = 0.04). Following OB-STaT, haemorrhage medication use increased by 36% (14.8%-51.2%, p = 0.03), the use of tranexamic acid for PPH treatment almost doubled (2.7%-4.8%, p < 0.001) and the rate of hysterectomy significantly increased (0%-0.1%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Although the PPH rates did not decrease, OB-STaT significantly improved maternal morbidity, decreased massive transfusions, and improved PPH management by increasing the utilization of uterotonic medications, tranexamic acid and hysterectomy.

Major postpartum haemorrhage after frozen embryo transfer: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect on major postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) of mode of conception, differentiating between naturally conceived pregnancies, fresh embryo in vitro fertilisation (fresh-IVF) and frozen embryo transfer (frozen-IVF). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The French Burgundy Perinatal Network database, including all deliveries from 2006 to 2020, was linked to the regional blood centre database. POPULATION OR SAMPLE: In all, 244 336 women were included, of whom 240 259 (98.3%) were singleton pregnancies. METHODS: The main analyses were conducted in singleton pregnancies, including 237 608 naturally conceived, 1773 fresh-IVF and 878 frozen-IVF pregnancies. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted on maternal age, body mass index, smoking, parity, induction of labour, hypertensive disorders, diabetes, placenta praevia and/or accreta, history of caesarean section, mode of delivery, birthweight, birth place and year of delivery, were used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Major PPH was defined as PPH requiring blood transfusion and/or emergency surgery and/or interventional radiology. RESULTS: The prevalence of major PPH was 0.74% (n = 1749) in naturally conceived pregnancies, 1.92% (n = 34) in fresh-IVF pregnancies, and 3.30% (n = 29) in frozen-IVF pregnancies. The risk of major PPH was higher in frozen-IVF pregnancies than in both naturally conceived pregnancies (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.63, 95% CI 1.68-4.10) and fresh-IVF pregnancies (aOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.44-5.35). CONCLUSIONS: We found that frozen-IVF pregnancies have a higher risk of major PPH and they should be subject to increased vigilance in the delivery room.

Viscoelastic coagulation monitoring for tranexamic acid: personalised antifibrinolytic dosing?

Ex vivo viscoelastic testing can be used to assess the concentration responses to tranexamic acid in blood samples obtained from pregnant women across the three trimesters and in non-pregnant controls. Minor variations in fibrinolysis across pregnancy suggest a target tranexamic acid blood concentration of 12.5 mg L-1 for complete inhibition of fibrinolysis. Although the data support the potential utility of viscoelastic testing using the ClotPro® TPA test in maintaining therapeutic tranexamic acid concentrations during postpartum haemorrhage, it might obscure potentially crucial endogenous fibrinolysis inhibitor interactions essential to the microcirculation.