Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Practice Bulletin No 183 2017 PDF
Practice Bulletin No 183 2017 PDF
Committee on Practice Bulletins—Obstetrics. This Practice Bulletin was developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’
Committee on Practice Bulletins–Obstetrics in collaboration with Laurence E. Shields, MD; Dena Goffman, MD; and Aaron B. Caughey, MD, PhD.
Postpartum Hemorrhage
Maternal hemorrhage, defined as a cumulative blood loss of greater than or equal to 1,000 mL or blood loss accom-
panied by signs or symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours after the birth process, remains the leading cause of
maternal mortality worldwide (1). Additional important secondary sequelae from hemorrhage exist and include adult
respiratory distress syndrome, shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure, loss of fertility, and
pituitary necrosis (Sheehan syndrome).
Hemorrhage that leads to blood transfusion is the leading cause of severe maternal morbidity in the United States
closely followed by disseminated intravascular coagulation (2). In the United States, the rate of postpartum hemor-
rhage increased 26% between 1994 and 2006 primarily because of increased rates of atony (3). In contrast, maternal
mortality from postpartum obstetric hemorrhage has decreased since the late 1980s and accounted for slightly more
than 10% of maternal mortalities (approximately 1.7 deaths per 100,000 live births) in 2009 (2, 4). This observed
decrease in mortality is associated with increasing rates of transfusion and peripartum hysterectomy (2–4).
The purpose of this Practice Bulletin is to discuss the risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage as well as its evalu-
ation, prevention, and management. In addition, this document will encourage obstetrician–gynecologists and other
obstetric care providers to play key roles in implementing standardized bundles of care (eg, policies, guidelines, and
algorithms) for the management of postpartum hemorrhage.
VOL. 130, NO. 4, OCTOBER 2017 Practice Bulletin Postpartum Hemorrhage e169
VOL. 130, NO. 4, OCTOBER 2017 Practice Bulletin Postpartum Hemorrhage e171
VOL. 130, NO. 4, OCTOBER 2017 Practice Bulletin Postpartum Hemorrhage e173
Tamponade Techniques ending with extension of the gauze through the cervi-
cal os. To avoid leaving gauze in the uterus at time of
When uterotonics and bimanual uterine massage fail to
removal, it can be carefully counted and tied together.
sustain uterine contractions and satisfactorily control
Similarly, multiple large Foley catheters (which were
hemorrhage, the use of compression (including manual
common before the development of commercial intra-
compression), intrauterine tamponade or packing can be
uterine tamponade devices) can still be used, but the
effective in decreasing hemorrhage secondary to uterine
challenge is placing multiple devices and keeping
atony (Table 4). Although the evidence that compares
these approaches is poor or absent, it is important for Table 4. Tamponade Techniques for Postpartum Hemorrhage
institutions to adopt an approach and train personnel ^
in this approach. For example, the California Maternal
Quality Care Collaborative recommends the use of an Technique Comment
intrauterine balloon for tamponade after uterotonics Commercially available intrauterine Inserted transcervically or
have failed. balloon tamponade devices through cesarean incision; has
Evidence for the benefits of use of intrauterine bal- an exit port for blood drainage
loon tamponade is limited; however, in one study, 86% - Bakri Balloon Inflated with 300–500 mL of
saline
of women who had balloon tamponade did not require
- ebb uterine tamponade system Double Balloon: maximum rec-
further procedures or surgeries (12, 51). Similarly, a ommended fill volumes are 750
summary of studies showed that 75% of patients did mL for the uterine balloon and
not need further treatment after intrauterine balloon 300 mL for the vaginal balloon.
tamponade (12). In some refractory cases, intrauterine Foley catheter Insert one or more 60 mL bulbs
tamponade and uterine compression sutures (described and fill with 60 mL of saline.
later) may be used together (52). Uterine packing 4-inch gauze, can be soaked
If a balloon tamponade system is not available, the with 5,000 units of thrombin in
uterus may be packed with gauze. This requires careful 5 mL of saline then insert from
one cornua to the other with
layering of the material back and forth from one uterine
ring forceps.
cornu to the other repeatedly using a sponge stick, and
VOL. 130, NO. 4, OCTOBER 2017 Practice Bulletin Postpartum Hemorrhage e175
VOL. 130, NO. 4, OCTOBER 2017 Practice Bulletin Postpartum Hemorrhage e177
VOL. 130, NO. 4, OCTOBER 2017 Practice Bulletin Postpartum Hemorrhage e179
VOL. 130, NO. 4, OCTOBER 2017 Practice Bulletin Postpartum Hemorrhage e181
VOL. 130, NO. 4, OCTOBER 2017 Practice Bulletin Postpartum Hemorrhage e183
113.
Phipps MG, Lindquist DG, McConaughey E, 120. Guise JM, Lowe NK, Deering S, Lewis PO, O’Haire
O’Brien JA, Raker CA, Paglia MJ. Outcomes from a C, Irwin LK, et al. Mobile in situ obstetric emergency
labor and delivery team training program with simula- simulation and teamwork training to improve maternal-
tion component. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2012;206:3–9. fetal safety in hospitals. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf
(Level II-3)^ 2010;36:443–53. (Level III)^
114. Merien AE, van de Ven J, Mol BW, Houterman S, 121.
Severe maternal morbidity: screening and review.
Oei SG. Multidisciplinary team training in a simulation Obstetric Care Consensus No. 5. American College
setting for acute obstetric emergencies: a systematic of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol
review. Obstet Gynecol 2010;115:1021–31. (Systematic 2016;128:e54–60. (Level III)^
Review)^ 122. Preparing for clinical emergencies in obstetrics and
115.
Pettker CM, Thung SF, Raab CA, Donohue KP, gynecology. Committee Opinion No. 590. American
Copel JA, Lockwood CJ, et al. A comprehensive obstet- College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet
rics patient safety program improves safety climate Gynecol 2014;123:722–5. (Level III)^
VOL. 130, NO. 4, OCTOBER 2017 Practice Bulletin Postpartum Hemorrhage e185
This information is designed as an educational resource to aid clinicians in providing obstetric and gynecologic care, and use of this information is
voluntary. This information should not be considered as inclusive of all proper treatments or methods of care or as a statement of the standard of care.
It is not intended to substitute for the independent professional judgment of the treating clinician. Variations in practice may be warranted when, in
the reasonable judgment of the treating clinician, such course of action is indicated by the condition of the patient, limitations of available resources, or
advances in knowledge or technology. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reviews its publications regularly; however, its publica-
tions may not reflect the most recent evidence. Any updates to this document can be found on www.acog.org or by calling the ACOG Resource Center.
While ACOG makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information, this publication is provided “as is” without any warranty of accuracy,
reliability, or otherwise, either express or implied. ACOG does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the products or services of any firm, organization, or
person. Neither ACOG nor its officers, directors, members, employees, or agents will be liable for any loss, damage, or claim with respect to any liabili-
ties, including direct, special, indirect, or consequential damages, incurred in connection with this publication or reliance on the information presented.