ACOG defines PPH as cumulative blood loss ≥ 1,000 mL or blood loss accompanied by signs or symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours after the birth process (including intrapartum) regardless of route of delivery. Unfortunately, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is still a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide.  Under the auspices of ACOG District II, multiple providers and hospitals came together as part of the Safe Motherhood Initiative, developing protocols and checklists for professional use.

CLINICAL ACTIONS:

In the setting of PPH, consider the 4 ‘T’s

• Tone (atony)
• Trauma (laceration)
• Tissue (retained products)
• Thrombin (coagulopathy)

Uterine atony is the single most common cause of PPH (70-80%)

• Empty bladder, perform bimanual pelvic exam, remove clots and initiate uterine massage
• There is lack of evidence to determine which specific uterotonics are superior (good and consistent scientific evidence – ACOG level A)
  • Choice at provider’s discretion
• If uterine atony is identified,  the following drugs have been shown to be effective:

DRUG	DOSE	CONTRAINDICATIONS
Oxytocin (Pitocin)	10-40 units per 500-1000ml solution continuous infusion OR 10 units IM
Methyl-ergonovine (Methergine)	0.2 mg IM every 2 to 4 hours	Avoid: Hypertension, Preeclampsia, Cardiovascular Disease
Prostaglandin F2 Alpha (Hemabate)	250 micrograms IM (may repeat in q15 – 90 minutes, maximum 8 doses) OR Intramyometrial: 250 micrograms	Avoid: Asthma Caution: Hypertension, Active Hepatic, Pulmonary, Cardiac Disease
Misoprostol (Cytotec)	600 – 1000 micrograms PR, PO or SL

NOTE: Contraindications include hypersensitivity to the specific medication

ACOG Update (2017) – Tranexamic Acid

• In the WOMAN trial (see Related OBG Topics below) women with PPH received
  • 1 g in 10 mL (100 mg/mL) of tranexamic acid intravenously at a rate of 1 mL per min (i.e., over 10 min)
  • If bleeding continued after 30 min or stopped and restarted within 24 h of the first dose, a second dose of 1 g of tranexamic acid could be given
• Tranexamic acid, administered within 3 hours of birth, has been shown to significantly reduce maternal death due to PPH by approximately 30%
• Based on improved outcomes and lack of adverse events including thromboembolism, ACOG has updated the practice bulletin to include the following

Although the generalizability of the WOMAN trial and the degree of effect in the United States is uncertain, given the mortality reduction findings, tranexamic acid should be considered in the setting of obstetric hemorrhage when initial medical therapy fails. (Level B evidence)

World Health Organization Update (2017) – Tranexamic Acid

Based on evidence review, WHO also supports the use of tranexamic acid with postpartum hemorrhage

Early use of intravenous tranexamic acid (within 3 hours of birth) in addition to standard care is recommended for women with clinically diagnosed postpartum haemorrhage following vaginal birth or caesarean section (Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence)

Administration of TXA should be considered as part of the standard PPH treatment package and be administered as soon as possible after onset of bleeding and within 3 hours of birth

The reference point for the start of the 3-hour window for starting TXA administration is time of birth

If time of birth is unknown, the best estimate of time of birth should be used as the reference point

TXA should be used in all cases of PPH, regardless of whether the bleeding is due to genital tract trauma or other causes

 

SYNOPSIS:

The key to managing PPH is identifying the severity of the situation early and quantifying estimated blood loss (EBL).  A 2nd large bore (16 gauge or larger) should be placed and Ringers Lactate used to replace blood loss at 2:1 while, at the same time that the team is notified, medications are brought to the patient and massive transfusion protocol is initiated.  Initiate fundal massage and place a Foley catheter.

KEY POINTS:

• ABCs
  • Airway: Assess and stabilize
  • Breathing: Supplemental oxygen, 5-7 L/min by tight face mask
  • Circulation: do NOT wait for change in vitals
    • Compromised blood volume: pallor, delayed capillary refill and decreased urinary output
    • Late signs: decreased BP and tachycardia
• Consider intrauterine balloon tamponade or compression sutures for refractory atony
• Surgical Interventions may be a life-saving measure and should not be delayed while waiting to correct coagulopathy

Learn More – Primary Sources:

ACOG District II Safe Motherhood Initiative – Obstetric Hemorrhage

NY State DOH Health Advisory:  Prevention of Maternal Deaths Through Improved Management of Hemorrhage

AWHONN video: Quantification of Blood Loss

ACOG Practice Bulletin 183: Postpartum Hemorrhage 

AFP: Postpartum Hemorrhage – Prevention and Treatment

Effect of early tranexamic acid administration on mortality, hysterectomy, and other morbidities in women with post-partum haemorrhage (WOMAN): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative

WHO recommendation on tranexamic acid for the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage

Updated WHO Recommendation on Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Postpartum Haemorrhage Highlights and Key Messages from the World Health Organization’s 2017 Global Recommendation

Related ObG Topics: