Obstetric haemorrhage Flashcards
Why is obstetric haemorrhage important
Major cause of death in developing countries
Cause of up to 50% maternal deaths globally
What are the 3 classes of obstetric haemorrhage
Antepartum
Primary postpartum
Secondary postpartum
What is antepartum haemorrhage
Bleeding from genital tract from 24 weeks pregnancy, prior to birth
Usually caused by placenta praevia or abruption
Significant cause of maternal +fetal morbidity + mortality
Minor <50ml
Major 50-1000ml
Massive >1000ml
What is primary postpartum haemorrhage
Loss of 500ml or more blood from genital tract within 24 hours of birth
Major >1000ml
What is secondary postpartum haemorrhage
Abnormal/excessive bleeding from birth canal 24h-12 weeks postnatally
What are the blood volume changes in pregnancy
70ml/kg to 100ml/kg
Plasma vol increases 40-50%
Red cell mass increases 20-30%, relative anaemia
Why is increased blood volume in pregnancy beneficial
Facilitates maternal and fetal exchanges of respiratory gases, nutrients + metabolites
Reduces impact of maternal blood loss at delivery
What are the changes in clotting during pregnancy
Relatively hypercoagulable Decrease in fibrinolytic activity Prevent excessive bleeding at delivery Fibrinogen increased Clotting factors increased (2, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12) Platelet numbers increased DDimer levels elevated
What are the compensatory changes during pregnancy
Heart rate increases, beats more forcefully
Blood vessels constricted, increased vascular resistance
Less urine secreted so lose less fluid
What are the causes of obstetric haemorrhage
Tone
Tissue
Trauma
Thrombin
Describe tone in obstetric haemorrhage
Abnormalities of uterine contraction
Risk factors for atonic bleeding = prolonged labour, overdistended uterus
Describe tissue in obstetric haemorrhage
Retained products of conception
Retained placenta
Placenta praevia
Morbidly adherent placenta
Describe trauma in obstetric haemorrhage
Uterine trauma- inverted uterus, ruptured uterus, scars, surgical damage
Genital tract trauma- vaginal tears
Describe thrombin in obstetric haemorrhage
Abnormalites of coagulation
Acquired coagulopathy in pregnancy- Sepsis, preeclamspia, placental abruption, retained dead fetus
Platelet abnormalities- gestationsal thrombocytopenia, HELLP syndrome, idiopathic/immunological thromboctopenic purpura
What are the minimal staff that should be present in theatre for obstetric haemorrhage
Midwife, labour ward coordinator, neonatal team, 2 obstetric surgeons, 2 anaesthatists, 2 theatre nurses, 2 anaesthetic nurses, support worker