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Comparison of quantitative and calculated postpartum blood loss after vaginal delivery
Madar, H., Sentilhes, L., Goffinet, F., Bonnet, M. P., Rozenberg, P., Deneux-Tharaux, C.
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM. 2023;:101065
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because there is no consensual method of assessing postpartum blood loss, the comparability and relevance of the postpartum hemorrhage-related literature is questionable. Quantitative blood loss assessment using a volumetric technique with a graduated collector bag has been proposed to overcome limitations of intervention-based outcomes but remains partly subjective and potentially biased by amniotic fluid or missed out-of-bag losses. Calculated blood loss based on laboratory parameters has been published and used as an objective method expected to reflect total blood loss, but few studies have compared quantitative with calculated blood loss. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the distribution of postpartum blood loss after vaginal delivery assessed by two methods - quantitative and calculated blood loss - and the incidence of abnormal blood loss with each method. STUDY DESIGN The data came from the merged database of 3 multicenter, randomized controlled trials, all testing different interventions to prevent postpartum blood loss in individuals with a singleton live fetus ≥ 35 weeks, born vaginally. All 3 trials measured blood loss volume by using a graduated collector bag. Hematocrit was measured in the eighth or ninth month of gestation and on day 2 postpartum. The two primary outcomes were: quantitative blood loss defined by the total volume of blood loss measured in a graduated collector bag, and calculated blood loss mathematically defined from the peripartum hematocrit change (estimated blood volume × [(antepartum hematocrit - postpartum hematocrit)/antepartum hematocrit], where estimated blood volume (mL) = booking weight (kg) × 85). We modelled the association between positive quantitative blood loss and positive calculated blood loss with polynomial regression and calculated the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS Among the 8341 individuals included in this analysis, the median quantitative blood loss (100 mL, interquartile range 50-275) was significantly lower than the median calculated blood loss (260 mL, interquartile range 0-630) (P<.05). The incidence of abnormal blood loss was lower with quantitative blood loss than calculated blood loss for blood loss ≥ 500 mL, ≥ 1000 mL and ≥ 2000 mL, respectively, it was 9.6% (799/8341) vs 32.3% (2691/8341), 2.1% (176/8341) vs 11.5% (959/8341), and 0.1% (10/8341) vs 1.4% (117/8341); (P<.05). Quantitative blood loss and calculated blood loss were significantly but moderately correlated (Spearman coefficient=0.44; P<.05). The association between them was not linear, and their difference tended to increase with blood loss. Negative calculated blood loss values occurred in 23% (1958/8341) of individuals; among them, more than 99% (1939/1958) had quantitative blood loss ≤ 500 mL. CONCLUSION Quantitative and calculated blood loss were significantly but moderately correlated after vaginal delivery. However, clinicians should be aware that quantitative blood loss is lower than calculated blood loss, with a difference that tended to rise as blood loss increased.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients who gave birth vaginally, participating in the TRACOR, CYTOCINON, and TRAAP randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in several French maternity units (n= 8,341).
Intervention
This study aimed to compare the distribution of postpartum blood assessed by two methods - quantitative and calculated blood loss - and the incidence of abnormal blood loss with each method.
Comparison
Outcome
The data came from 3 RCTs testing different interventions to prevent postpartum blood loss. All 3 trials measured blood loss volume by using a graduated collector bag. The authors modelled the association between positive quantitative blood loss and positive calculated blood loss with polynomial regression and calculated the Spearman correlation coefficient. The median quantitative blood loss (100 mL, IQR= 50, 275) was significantly lower than the median calculated blood loss (260 mL, IQR= 0, 630). The incidence of abnormal blood loss was lower with quantitative blood loss than calculated blood loss. Quantitative blood loss and calculated blood loss were significantly but moderately correlated (Spearman coefficient= 0.44). The association between them was not linear, and their difference tended to increase with blood loss. Negative calculated blood loss values occurred in 23% (1,958/8,341) of individuals; among them, more than 99% (1,939/1,958) had quantitative blood loss ≤ 500 mL.
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Quantification of blood loss for the diagnosis of postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Ruiz, M. T., Azevedo, N. F., Resende, C. V., Rodrigues, W. F., Meneguci, J., Contim, D., Wernet, M., Oliveira, C. J. F.
Revista brasileira de enfermagem. 2023;76(6):e20230070
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to compare the effectiveness of different diagnostic methods to estimate postpartum blood volume loss. METHODS a systematic review of effectiveness according to PRISMA and JBI Protocol. Searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL, with descriptor "Postpartum Hemorrhage" associated with keyword "Quantification of Blood Loss". Tabulated extracted data, presented in metasynthesis and meta-analysis was applied to quantitative data. To assess risk of bias, JBI Appraisal Tools were applied. RESULTS fourteen studies were included, published between 2006 and 2021. Quantification of loss by any method was superior to visual estimation and is highly recommended, however the studies' high heterogeneity did not allow estimating this association. CONCLUSION the studies' high heterogeneity, with a probable margin of error given the uncontrolled factors, indicates the need for further studies, however quantification proved to be effective in relation to visual estimate. PROSPERO registration CRD 42021234486.
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The role of point of care thromboelastography (TEG) and thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in management of Primary postpartum haemorrhage: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Khanna P, Sinha C, Singh AK, Kumar A, Sarkar S
Saudi journal of anaesthesia. 2023;17(1):23-32
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utility of instantaneous evaluation of coagulation during primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is paramount in the context of empirical blood product transfusion-related risk of dilutional and consumptive coagulopathy and circulatory overload. METHODS A profound screening of electronic databases till August 15, 2022 was carried out after being enlisted in PROSPERO (CRD42021275514). Randomized control studies, comparative cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies comparing point-of-care viscoelastic test guided blood product transfusion with empirical transfusion in patients with PPH were included. RESULTS We retrieved five studies, with a total of 1914 parturient with PPH. Patients receiving transfusion based upon point of care viscoelastic tests had lesser risk of having emergency hysterectomy (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.55, 95% CI 0.32-0.95, I(2) = 7%), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) (OR = 0.03, 95% CI 0.00-0.50), reduced transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (OR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.04-0.14, I(2) = 89%), platelets (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.91, I(2) = 89%), packed red blood cell transfusion (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.55-0.88, I(2) = 89%), and had better cost-effective treatment [Mean difference (MD) = -357.5, 95% CI - 567.75 to -147.25, I(2) = 93%] than patient received empirical transfusion. However, there was no significant difference in the requirement of ICU admissions (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.46-1.29, I(2) = 82%). No mortality was detected across the studies. CONCLUSIONS Point of care viscoelastic assessment guided transfusion in PPH confederates with reduced morbidity. Nevertheless, more studies on the triggering values for transfusion, long-term survival, and cost-benefit in patients with PPH are warranted to establish its utility.
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Improving Preparedness of Emergency Medicine Residents in the Management Postpartum Hemorrhage: a randomized controlled study of two pedagogical approaches
Casper S, Kayani T, Galerneau F, Evans L, Pal L
International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 2022
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate a novel curriculum to enhance knowledge and preparedness of Emergency Medicine (EM) residents in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) METHODS A randomized controlled trial examined two pedagogical approaches. Following baseline testing of knowledge and confidence in PPH management, participants were randomized to receive a didactic lecture on PPH management (group A, n=14) or to the didactic lecture followed by simulation-based training on PPH management and debriefing (group B, n=16). Post-intervention, proficiency in PPH management was evaluated by clinical skills simulation and post-intervention assessment for participants. The change in the mean test and clinical skills scores were compared using student's t test. Linear regression examined the effects of covariates. RESULTS Both forms of intervention increased participants' knowledge (group A: mean=2.50 CI (1.63, 3.37), p<0.001; group B: mean=1.56 CI (0.89, 2.24), p<0.001) of and confidence (group A: mean=1.00 (0.46, 1.54),p=0.003; group B: mean=1.00 CI (0.52, 1.48),p=0.001) in PPH management, relative to baseline. However, addition of simulation and debriefing to didactic session did not offer any advantage (knowledge: mean=-0.94 CI (-1.97, 0.10), p=0.074; confidence: mean=0.00 CI (-0.66,0.66), p=1.000). CONCLUSION Delivery of a structured curriculum led to improvement of knowledge and confidence in the management of PPH by EM residents.
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Preparing for obstetric anaesthesia - an educational randomised controlled trial comparing e-learning to written course material
Andersson ML, Duch P, Bessmann EL, Lundstrøm LH, Ekelund K
Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. 2022
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Abstract
BACKGROUND E-learning is increasingly used in postgraduate medical education. Its numerous benefits include an enhanced learning experience through learning style individualisation, interactive elements, and assessment through tests and quizzes. Current meta-analyses conclude that the overall effectiveness of e-learning is comparable to traditional teaching modalities. However, studies demonstrating its benefits are heterogeneous and of varying quality. This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate whether contemporary e-learning completed prior to a course in obstetric anaesthesia prepares the course participants better than self-study of written course material. METHODS A randomised controlled trial allocated second-year resident anaesthetists to receive either e-learning in postpartum haemorrhage and written course material in preeclampsia or e-learning in preeclampsia and written course material in postpartum haemorrhage, prior to a compulsory course in obstetric anaesthesia. The primary outcome was knowledge after completion of e-learning before the course, assessed by type X multiple-choice questions with a score ranging from zero to 35. The secondary outcomes were anxiety level before course simulations, performance during course simulations, and knowledge four and 12 weeks after the course. RESULTS The per protocol analysis of the primary outcome included 45 participants and demonstrated a mean difference of 1.8 (95% CI 0.7 to 2.9; p=0.002) in knowledge after completion of e-learning before the course, in favour of e-learning compared to written course material. There were no statistically significant differences in the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION This blinded parallel group randomised controlled trial found a numerically small but statistically significant difference in knowledge favouring e-learning over written course material.
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Variation of outcome reporting in studies of interventions for heavy menstrual bleeding: a systematic review
Cooper NAM, Papadantonaki R, Yorke S, Khan KS
Facts, views & vision in ObGyn. 2022;14(3):205-218
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) detrimentally effects women. It is important to be able to compare treatments and synthesise data to understand which interventions are most beneficial, however, when there is variation in outcome reporting, this is difficult. OBJECTIVES To identify variation in reported outcomes in clinical studies of interventions for HMB. MATERIALS AND METHODS Searches were performed in medical databases and trial registries, using the terms 'heavy menstrual bleeding', menorrhagia*, hypermenorrhoea*, HMB, "heavy period "period", effective*, therapy*, treatment, intervention, manage* and associated MeSH terms. Two authors independently reviewed and selected citations according to pre-defined selection criteria, including both randomised and observational studies. The following data were extracted- study characteristics, methodology and quality, and all reported outcomes. Analysis considered the frequency of reporting. RESULTS There were 14 individual primary outcomes, however reporting was varied, resulting in 45 specific primary outcomes. There were 165 specific secondary outcomes. The most reported outcomes were menstrual blood loss and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS A core outcome set (COS) would reduce the evident variation in reporting of outcomes in studies of HMB, allowing more complete combination and comparison of study results and preventing reporting bias. WHAT IS NEW? This in-depth review of past research into heavy menstrual bleeding shows that there is the need for a core outcome set for heavy menstrual bleeding.
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Reproductive health and haemostatic issues in women and girls with congenital FVII deficiency: A systematic review
Kadir RA, Gomez K
Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH. 2022
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is an inherited bleeding disorder, with heterogenous bleeding symptoms. Women with FVII deficiency face haemostatic challenges during menstruation, ovulation, and childbirth. This systematic review evaluated prevalence and management of bleeding symptoms associated with gynaecological and obstetric issues in women with FVII deficiency. METHODS Databases (BIOSIS Previews, Current Contents Search, Embase and Medline) were searched for studies reporting FVII deficiency and gynaecological or obstetric issues in women. Articles were screened using Joanna Briggs institute checklists and relevant data extracted. RESULTS 114 women were identified from 62 publications. 46 women had severe deficiency (FVII:C <5% or <5 IU/dL). Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) was the most common bleeding symptom, (n=94; 82%); Hospitalisation and urgent medical/surgical interventions for acute HMB episodes were required in 16 women (14%). Seven women reported ovarian bleeding (6%); other bleeding symptoms varied. Patient management was inconsistent and included haemostatic and hormonal treatments. Only four women (7%) reporting vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) occurred following 12/45 deliveries (27%) (five [42%] requiring blood transfusion) and was not necessarily prevented by prophylaxis (eight women). CONCLUSION Women with congenital FVII deficiency have an increased risk of HMB, ovarian bleeding and PPH, impacting quality of life. Recognition of a bleeding disorder as the cause is often delayed. Management of bleeding complications is heterogeneous due to lack of treatment guidelines. Harmonising severity classification of FVII deficiency may help standardise treatment strategies and development of specific guidelines for these women. FUNDING Novo Nordisk. Registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021218888).
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Postpartum hemorrhage drills or simulations and adverse outcomes: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis
Mendez-Figueroa H, Bell CS, Wagner SM, Pedroza C, Gupta M, Mulder I, Lee K, Blackwell SC, Bartal MF, Chauhan SP
The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians. 2022;:1-12
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Editor's Choice
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OBJECTIVE To compare the rates of adverse outcomes with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) before and after implementation of drills or simulation exercises. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included all English studies that reported on rates of PPH and associated complications during the pre- and post-implementation of interventional exercises. STUDY APPRASIAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Two investigators independently reviewed the abstracts, and full articles for eligibility of all studies. Inconsistencies related to study evaluation or data extraction were resolved by a third author. The co-primary outcomes were the rate of PPH and of any transfusion; the secondary outcomes included admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), transfusion ≥ 4 units of packed red blood cells, hysterectomy, or maternal death. Study effects were combined by Bayesian meta-analysis and reported as risk ratios (RR) and 95% credible intervals (Cr). RESULTS We reviewed 142 full length articles. Of these, 18 publications, with 355,060 deliveries-150,562 (42%) deliveries during the pre-intervention and 204,498 (57.6%) deliveries in the post-interventional period-were included in the meta-analysis. Using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, only three studies were considered good quality, and none of them were done in the US. The rate of PPH prior to intervention was 5.06% and 5.46% afterwards (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.87-1.36; probability of reduction in the diagnosis being 21%). The likelihood of transfusion decreased from 1.68% in the pre-intervention to 1.27% in the post-intervention period (RR 0.80, 95% Cr 0.57-1.09). The overall probability of reduction in transfusion was 93%, albeit it varied among studies done in non-US countries (96%) versus in the US (23%). Transfusion of 4 units or more of blood occurred in 0.44% of deliveries before intervention and 0.37% afterwards (RR of 0.85, 95% CI 0.50-1.52), with the overall probability of reduction being 72% (76% probability of reduction in studies from non-US countries and 49% reduction with reports from the US). Surgical interventions to manage PPH, which was not reported in any US studies, occurred in 0.14% before intervention and 0.28% afterwards (RR 1.29; 95% CI 0.56-3.06; probability of reduction 27%). Admission to the ICU occurred in 0.10% before intervention and 0.08% subsequently (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.58-1.43), with the overall probability of reduction being 65% (81% in studies from non-US countries and 27% from the study done in the US). Maternal death occurred in 0.17% in the pre-intervention period and 0.09% during the post-intervention (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.33-1.05; probability of reduction 93% in studies from non-US countries and 82% in one study from the US). CONCLUSIONS Interventions to reduce the sequelae of PPH are associated with decrease in adverse outcomes. The conclusion, however, ought not to be accepted reflexively for the US population. All of the studies on the topic done in the US are of poor quality and the associated probability of reduction in sequelae are consistently lower than those done in other countries. SYNOPSIS Since the putative benefits of PPH drills or simulation exercises are based on poor quality pre- and post-intervention trials, policies recommending them ought to be revisited.
PICO Summary
Population
Postpartum haemorrhage patients (PPH), (18 studies with 355,060 deliveries).
Intervention
Systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis to compare the rates of adverse outcomes with (PPH) before and after implementation of drills or simulation exercises.
Comparison
Outcome
The meta-analysis included 150,562 (42%) deliveries during the pre-intervention and 204,498 (57.6%) deliveries in the post-interventional period. The rate of PPH prior to intervention was 5.06% and 5.46% afterwards (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.87-1.36; probability of reduction in the diagnosis being 21%). The likelihood of transfusion decreased from 1.68% in the pre-intervention to 1.27% in the post-intervention period (RR 0.80, 95% Cr 0.57-1.09). The overall probability of reduction in transfusion was 93%, albeit it varied among studies done in non-US countries (96%) versus in the US (23%). Transfusion of 4 units or more of blood occurred in 0.44% of deliveries before intervention and 0.37% afterwards (RR of 0.85, 95% CI 0.50-1.52), with the overall probability of reduction being 72% (76% probability of reduction in studies from non-US countries and 49% reduction with reports from the US). Surgical interventions to manage PPH, which was not reported in any US studies, occurred in 0.14% before intervention and 0.28% afterwards (RR 1.29; 95% CI 0.56-3.06; probability of reduction 27%). Admission to the ICU occurred in 0.10% before intervention and 0.08% subsequently (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.58-1.43), with the overall probability of reduction being 65% (81% in studies from non-US countries and 27% from the study done in the US). Maternal death occurred in 0.17% in the pre-intervention period and 0.09% during the post-intervention (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.33-1.05; probability of reduction 93% in studies from non-US countries and 82% in one study from the US).
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Predicting postpartum haemorrhage: A systematic review of prognostic models
Carr BL, Jahangirifar M, Nicholson AE, Li W, Mol BW, Licqurish S
The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology. 2022
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Editor's Choice
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BACKGROUND Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, and the rate is increasing. Using a reliable predictive model could identify those at risk, support management and treatment, and improve maternal outcomes. AIMS To systematically identify and appraise existing prognostic models for PPH and ascertain suitability for clinical use. MATERIALS AND METHODS MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched using combinations of terms and synonyms, including 'postpartum haemorrhage', 'prognostic model', and 'risk factors'. Observational or experimental studies describing a prognostic model for risk of PPH, published in English, were included. The Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies checklist informed data extraction and the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool guided analysis. RESULTS Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria after screening 1612 records. All studies were hospital settings from eight different countries. Models were developed for women who experienced vaginal birth (n = 7), caesarean birth (n = 2), any type of birth (n = 2), hypertensive disorders (n = 1) and those with placental abnormalities (n = 4). All studies were at high risk of bias due to use of inappropriate analysis methods or omission of important statistical considerations or suboptimal validation. CONCLUSIONS No existing prognostic models for PPH are ready for clinical application. Future research is needed to externally validate existing models and potentially develop a new model that is reliable and applicable to clinical practice.
PICO Summary
Population
Pregnant women (16 studies from eight different countries).
Intervention
Systematic review to identify and appraise existing prognostic models for post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and ascertain suitability for clinical use.
Comparison
Various prognostic models for PPH, (e.g., based on prior hospital admissions for chronic diseases, based on medical history and clinical characteristics, using available antenatal and intrapartum variables, using prepartum fibrinogen levels).
Outcome
All studies were hospital settings. Models were developed for women who experienced vaginal birth (n= 7), caesarean birth (n= 2), any type of birth (n= 2), hypertensive disorders (n= 1) and those with placental abnormalities (n= 4). All studies were at high risk of bias due to use of inappropriate analysis methods or omission of important statistical considerations or suboptimal validation.
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Thromboelastometry-guided treatment algorithm in postpartum haemorrhage: a randomised, controlled pilot trial
Jokinen S, Kuitunen A, Uotila J, Yli-Hankala A
British journal of anaesthesia. 2022
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum haemorrhage causes significant mortality among parturients. Early transfusion of blood products based on clinical judgement and conventional coagulation testing has been adapted to the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage, but rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) may provide clinicians means for a goal-directed therapy to control coagulation. We conducted a parallel design, randomised, controlled trial comparing these two approaches. We hypothesised that a ROTEM-guided protocol would decrease the need for red blood cell transfusion. METHODS We randomised 60 parturients with postpartum haemorrhage of more than 1500 ml to receive either ROTEM-guided or conventional treatment, with 54 patients included in the final analysis. The primary outcome was consumption of blood products, and secondarily we assessed for possible side-effects of managing blood loss such as thromboembolic complications, infections, and transfusion reactions. RESULTS The median (25th-75th percentile) number of RBC units transfused was 2 (1-4) in the ROTEM group and 3 (2-4) in the control group (P=0.399). The median number of OctaplasLG® units given was 0 in both groups (0-0 and 0-2) (P=0.030). The median total estimated blood loss was 2500 ml (2100-3000) in the ROTEM group and 3000 ml (2200-3100) in the control group (P=0.033). No differences were observed in secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS ROTEM-guided treatment of postpartum haemorrhage could have a plasma-sparing effect but possibly only a small reduction in total blood loss. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02461251.