Primary postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality. This presentation defines PPH as blood loss exceeding 500mL after vaginal delivery or 1000mL after c-section within 24 hours of delivery. The main causes are uterine atony, retained placenta or clots, genital tract trauma, and coagulopathy. Risk factors include previous c-sections, multiple gestation, and medical disorders. Prevention focuses on active management of the third stage of labor and treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, fluid resuscitation, blood transfusion, and potentially hysterectomy for uncontrolled bleeding.
Presentation highlights the significance of PPH as an obstetric emergency, noting its global impact and prevalence, particularly in developing countries.
Defines PPH in terms of blood loss and classifies it into minor, major, moderate, and severe categories.
Presents global rates of PPH, with Africa having the highest rates and specifics on risk factors related to multiple pregnancies.
Explores the 4T's (Tone, Tissue, Trauma, Thrombi) as main risk factors contributing to PPH, including uterine atony and coagulopathy.
Outlines risk stratification of patients based on previous deliveries, uterine conditions, and signs at presentation.
Details physiological changes during pregnancy and after delivery, emphasizing uterine contraction mechanisms and atony.
Methods to estimate blood loss using visual inspection, clinical signs, and various measurement techniques.
Discusses preventive measures during pre-pregnancy and pregnancy stages, including health education and evaluations.
Highlights the importance of active management to prevent PPH, including uterotonics and monitoring.
Describes urgent management steps during PPH, including resuscitation and thorough examination protocols.
Details various treatments for underlying causes of PPH such as uterine atony, retained tissue, trauma, and coagulopathy.
Lists early and late complications arising from PPH, emphasizing the need for vigilance in patient care.
Summarizes the criticality of AMTSL in PPH prevention and the necessity for clear management protocols.
Provides a list of authoritative sources and guidelines referenced in the presentation on PPH.
Introduction
• Primary PPHis a frequently encountered obstetric emergency.
• Systemic reviews suggest that the burden of the condition
varies from region to region however it is agreed among
respected colleges that its attendant mortality and morbidity
is significant both in developed and developing countries.
• WHO statistics suggest that 25% of maternal deaths in
developing countries are due to PPH.
• Unpredictable and relatively common, it is pertinent at the
very least identify women at risk and take appropriate
measures to limit the prevalence of the emergency.
4.
Definition of PrimaryPostpartum hemorrhage
1. Blood loss in excess of 500mls following vaginal delivery or In
excess of 1000mls following caesarean section or in excess of
1500mls following caesarean hysterectomy…
2. Blood loss that is significant enough to cause hemodynamic
instability…
3. Decline in hematocrit value by up to 10% or more from the
premorbid value…
*Any of the above occurring after the age of viability (28weeks)
and within the first 24hours after delivery.
5.
Classification
Minor:
Estimated blood lossis 500mls – 1000mls
Major:
Estimated blood loss is in excess of 1000mls or clinical shock or
presence of ongoing or continuous hemorrhage.
• Moderate: 1000 – 2000mls
• Severe: >2000mls
6.
Epidemiology
A systematic reviewand meta-analysis by Clara Calvert et al in
2012 reported the highest rates of PPH in Africa (27.5%), and the
lowest in Oceania (7.2%), with an overall rate globally of 10.8%.
Both Europe and North America was around 13%.
High rates:
• Multiple pregnancies (32.4% compared with 10.6% for
singletons)
• The overall rate of major PPH (>1000mls) was much lower at
an overall rate of 2.8%, again with highest rate in Africa
(5.1%).
7.
Etiology/Risk factors (The4T’s)
1. Tone (Uterine atony):
a. Over distension:
i. Multifetal Gestation
ii. Grandmultiparity
iii. Fetal Macrosomia
iv. Fetal Abnormalities
v. Polyhydramnios
vi. Retained Placenta
vii. Retained blood clots
viii. Uterine Structural Abnormalities
8.
Etiology/Risk factors (The5 T’s)
1. Tone (Uterine atony):
b. Poor myometrial activity:
i. Prolong labour
ii. Precipitous labour
iii. Placenta implantation in lower uterine segment
iv. Drugs
v. chorioamnionitis
vi. Hypoxia
vii. Hypothermia
viii. Uterine anomalies
ix. Uterine inversion
9.
Etiology/Risk factors (The5 T’s)
2. Tissue:
a. Retained placenta
b. Retained blood clots
3. Trauma: Spontaneous or Iatrogenic:
a. Uterine Rupture
b. Cervical, vaginal or perineal lacerations
10.
Etiology/Risk factors (The5 T’s)
4. Thrombi (Coagulopathy):
a. Consumptive coagulopathy
DIC
Dilutional coagulopathy
Thrombocytopenia: ITP, TTP
b. Pharmacological inhibition
Warfarin
Heparin
Dextran infusion
c. Hereditary coagulation Disorders
Familial Hypofibroginaemia
Von Wille Brand disease
11.
Risk assessment:
Low riskModerate risk High risk
Singleton pregnancy Prior C/S or uterine
surgery
Previa, accreta,
percreta, increta
< 4 previous
deliveries
> 4 previous deliveries PCV <30%
Unscarred uterus Multiple gestation Bleeding at presentation
No previous Hx Large uterine fibroids Known Coagulation
defects
Chorioamnionitis Positive Previous Hx
MgSo4 use Abnormal vital signs
Prolonged us of oxytocin
12.
Pathophysiology
Physiological changes duringpregnancy:
Hematological:
• Progressive decline in Platelet count, (5 – 10%) 100 – 150 x
109 cells/l
Cardiovascular:
• Blood flow to the uterus at term is 500 – 800mls/min (10 –
15% of cardiac output)
13.
Pathophysiology
Physiological changes afterdelivery of placenta:
• Uterine contraction and retraction
• Activation of coagulation system (Factor)
Pathology:
• Uterine atony (80%)
• Trauma
• Retained tissue
• Coagulopathy (DIC)
“Living Ligatures”
14.
Estimation of bloodloss:
• Visual inspection
• Clinical signs
• Hematocrit
• Gravimetric method
• Maximum swab (gauze) capacity: small (10 x 10cm) – 60mls,
medium (30 x 30cm) – 140mls, Large (45 x 45cm): 350ml
• Photometric method
Prevention:
a. Pre-pregnancy: HealthEducation (men & women)
Primary Health care Services
Women Empowerment
b. Pregnancy: Antenatal care: Clinical Evaluation
Investigations
17.
Labour:
a. Review patientsobstetric history
b. Examine
c. Establish a diagnosis
d. Intravenous cannula
e. Investigations: Urgent Full Blood Count (Hematocrit)
GXM 2pints
Urinalysis
f. Use of Partograph (Active Phase)
g. Episiotomy???, There must be a clear indication based on the
experienced judgment
18.
ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OFTHIRD STAGE OF LABOUR:
Paramount in preventing primary PPH, it involve:
a. Administration of uterotonics, oxytocin, after delivery of the
fetus and exclusion of a 2nd twin.
b. Cord clamping & cutting after 1 – 3min after delivery of fetus
c. Delivery of the placenta by control cord traction after
resumption of uterine contraction (signs of separation)
d. Inspect placenta for completeness
e. Rub-up contraction and monitor uterine state every
15minutes for first 2hours.
f. Prophylactic measures for high risk patients should be
ensured.
Monitor patient up to 24hours before discharge.
19.
Management:
• CALL FORHELP (4 ASSISTANTS)
• Resuscitation: Airway
Breathing
Circulation: 2 wide-bore IV cannula in-situ,
investigation samples, normal saline.
Anti-shock garment
• Request for 2 – 4 pints of Fresh Whole blood
• Notify the theater to be on stand-bye and blood bank of the
possibility of the need for more blood within a short time.
• Document critical intervention/information and time, i.e. note
vital signs momentarily, drugs, fluids given and volume, SPo2
and chest auscultation.
20.
Management:
3. Tertiary levelcontinue:
Examination:
• Uterine palpation for atony, rupture or inversion
• Inspect placenta for completeness
• Inspect Genital tract for laceration
• Inspect for signs of coagulopathy
• Review of results
21.
Treatment of underlyingcauses:
UTERINE ATONY:
• Mix 40IU Oxytocin + 1L Normal saline to over 4hours + empty
urinary bladder.
• Other uterotonic agents may be used:
Misoprostol (800ug – 1000ug), Ergometrine or Carboprost
• Bimanual compression
• Uterine tamponade:
SOS Bakri tamponade, Ebb uterine tamponade system, Condom or
Surgical gloves
OPTIONS INCLUDE:
• Uterine/Ovarianartery ligation or Selective Arterial
Embolization
• Uterine compression sutures
B-lynch, Modified B-lynch, vertical uterine, square
compression suture.
• Hysterectomy
OTHER TREATMENT:
• Use of tranexamic acid
• Use of antibiotic prophylaxis
Further care in the Intensive Care Unit!
Treatment of underlyingcauses:
RETAINED TISSUE:
Require performing a manual/digital exploration,
Therapeutic indication:
• Uterine atony despite optimal use of uterotonics
• Incomplete Placenta
• Retained placenta due to avulsion of cord
• Retained blood clots.
Diagnostic values:
• Complete or partial uterine inversion
• Detects uterine rupture
• Genital tract lacerations
• Retained tissue
27.
Treatment of underlyingcauses:
RETAINED TISSUE:
Require performing a manual/digital exploration…
• Done under anesthesia or adequate analgesic cover based on
the clinical urgency of the situation.
• Using elbow length surgical gloves*
• Continue uterotonic infusion during evacuation or delivery of
the placenta.
• Resume bimanual massage/compression after evacuation.
• Have an assistant examine the placenta for completeness
if/when retrieved.
• Short term broad spectrum antibiotics.
28.
Treatment of underlyingcauses:
TRAUMA:
Uterine Rupture: Absence of contraction with abdominal
pain/tenderness. repair of laceration or hysterectomy .
Despite well contracted uterus bleeding persists “per vagina “…
Consider cervical, vaginal or perineal lacerations or a combination.
Repair immediately under
• Adequate analgesia
• Excellent lighting
• Good positioning & exposure: realize the full extent & proper
anatomy of the laceration before repair
• Extensive lacerations (cervical lacerations inclusive) are best
repaired in the theatre
• Observe laceration for bleeding after repair
29.
Treatment of underlyingcauses:
COAGULOPATHY:
• History (risk factors)
• clinical signs (bleeding from puncture sites, mucous membranes or
into the skin, spontaneous bruising)
• Available Investigation results:
Bedside clotting time
Clotting profile (PT, aPTT, D-dimer)
Platelet count (<50 x 109/L)
• Transfuse with Fresh whole blood or
• Transfuse with relevant blood component:
FFP: requirement 5 pints of PRBC : 1 pint FFP (10-20ml/kg).
Platelet concentrate: 1 pint increase count by 10 x 109/L, maintain
count >50 x 109/L.
Cryoprecipitate in isolated deficiencies.
30.
Treatment of underlyingcause:
HEMATOMA:
An extravascular localized (progressive) collection or accumulation of
blood associated with intense pain and localized tender swelling. This
may be associated with significant deterioration in the hemodynamic
state of the patient. It may occur in relation to laceration or in
isolation.
Rx:
Vulva or vaginal hematoma: for large progressive hematomas +
tachycardia, hypotension or anemia. I & D, secure hemostasis, and
repair defect in layers
Retroperitoneal hematoma requires Laparotomy
31.
COMPLICATIONS:
EARLY COMPLICATIONS:
• Postpartumanaemia
• Infections
• ATN
• Pulmonary edema
• Thromboembolic events
• Blood transfusion related (massive blood transfusion)
• Gastrointestinal ulceration
• Surgical related
• Anesthesia related
CONCLUSION:
AMTSL is paramountto preventing primary PPH.
It is necessary to have a protocol for its management which
should be communicated to medical staffs involved.
Conducting periodic reviews and practice drills will enhance the
efficiency of its management.
34.
REFERENCES:
1. Textbook ofObstetrics and Gynecology for Medical Students, 2nd
Edition, Edited by Akin Agboola, 2006
2. WHO Recommendation for the prevention and treatment of
postpartum hemorrhage, 2012.
3. RCOG Guideline, Prevention and Management of Postpartum
Hemorrhage , December 2016.
4. ACOG Practice Bulletin, Postpartum hemorrhage, October 2017.
5. Medscape, Postpartum Hemorrhage, updated August 03, 2017.
6. Monroe Kerrs, Operative Obstetrics, 11th Edition.
Editor's Notes
#5 2. This correlates to other factors like body mass, premorbid or medical state
3. Majorly a retrospective diagnosis and affected by factors such as blood transfusion or amount of fluid resuscitation.
#7 Most reviews and updates are based on primary PPH, the more frequent and severe form of PPH
#9 Drugs: Nitrates, NSAIDS, Nifedipine, MgSO4, B-mimetics, and Halogenated anaesthetics, oxytocin (induction of labour)
#11 Bleeding disorder suspected in patients with history of – *menorrhagia since menarche, *familial history, *spontaneous bruising, *bleeding from craniofacial orifices or gastrointestinal tract without obvious causes, or *epistaxis >10mins.
DIC from AP, Severe PE, Eclampsia, AFE, prolong IUFD. (all associated with high tissue phospholipid)
#13 mls/Kg: Average BV Male = 75mls, Women = 65mls, Infants = 80mls, Neonates = 85mls
#14 Sympathetic pain receptors x platelet+collagen (release of serotonin+ADP+TXA2 ) x Endothelin = vasoconstriction
Vitamin k dependent coagulation components = 1972 (10, 9, 7, 2) X IX VII II
DIC:
#15 ABL= BV [Hct(i) – Hct(f)] / Hct(m)
I = initial, F = final.
#18 Partograph – maternal: PR – Q30mins, BP, T & VE – 4hrly, Urinalysis – each time urine is voided; fetal (for 1 minute after contractions): HR - 30mins. (1st stage), Q5mins. (2nd stage); Liquor: C, M, B; Uterine contraction: Q30mins; Membranes: I, R; Molding: 0, +1, +2, +3; Record all medications given.
#19 Prophylaxis = 20IU/L over 4hr or 600ug per rectum, commence uterine massage and empty the urinary bladder.
Regular assessment of vaginal bleeding, uterine contraction, fundal height, pulse rate & temperature routinely during the first 24hours starting from the first hour after birth.
Blood pressure should be measured shortly after birth. If normal, second blood pressure measurement should be within 6hours.
Urine voiding should be documented with 6hours. *WHO recommendation on postnatal care of mother, 2013.
#20 Investigations: Urgent PCV & clotting profile (Bedside clotting time).
In extreme situations uncrossmatched blood can be used if the benefit outweigh the risks using O RhD –ve blood or ABO Rh –ve compatible blood. 1L of blood loss require 4 – 5L crystalloid infusion. (fully crossmatched blood should be made available in 30minutes).
#21 N/B: Based on religious grounds some patients may refuse blood transfusion, this must be respected and must not be equated with a desire for no further intervention of be taken as an excuse or suboptimal care.
#22 Ergometrine (0.2mg): CI – hypertension, cardiovascular dx, hypersensivity, retained placenta.
Carboprost (0.25mg): CI – Asthma.
#29 Surgery in uterine rupture depends on *type, *extent, *degree of hemorrhage,*general condition of mother, and patients desire for future child-bearing.
#30 PT: Extrinsic & final common pathway; factor I, II, III, V, VII, X; 9.5 – 13.5s
aPTT: Intrinsic pathway; VIII, IX, XI, and XII
>70s (aPTT) and >100s (PTT) signifies spontaneous bleeding
Cryo: richly in Factor I, VIII, VWF mainly
#32 Massive blood transfusion: 10units in 24hrs or the equivalent of patients blood volume, coagulopathy, citrate toxicity (hypocalcemia), hypothermia, acid base imbalance, hyperkalaemia, dilutional thrombocytopenia
Hemolytic: acute, delayed
Nonhemolytic: Febrile, anaphylactic, post-transfusion purpura, urticarial, Graft vs Host reaction, TRALI; infections