Postpartum Haemorrhage Flashcards
What is the historic definition of a PPH?
Blood loss after delivery > 500mls
What is the current definition of a PPH?
Minor (500-1000mls)
Major (More than 1000mls)
What is considered as a moderate major PPH?
1000-2000mls
What is considered as a Severe major PPH?
More than 2000mls
What is the classification of a primary PPH?
Within 24hrs of delivery
What is the classification of a secondary PPH?
Between 24hrs and 6weeks
What is the incidence of PPH?
Approx 5-10% of all deliveries
What are three recommendations provided by the RCOG (2009;2016)?
Active Management of Third stage
Oxytocin
Multi-professional management
What are some mistakes made by professionals that can increase the risk of PPH?
With reference?
Lack of routine observation in postnatal period.
Failure to appreciate bleeding
lack of accurate observation of pulse and BP
poor recognition of abnormal signs such as oxygen saturation or respiratory rate
Untreated Anaemia
Inaccurate use of MEOWS chart
(MMBRACE, 2006-2008)
What are the recommendations given to professionals when treating PPH with ref?
staff should have regular training on identification and management of maternal collapse and identification of hidden bleeding
An early warning scoring system may help in recognition
With severe haemorrhage, the help of colleagues with greater gynaecological surgical experience should be sought
Management of women with placenta percreta requires careful multidisciplinary planning and a Consultant led team at delivery
Guidelines for women who refuse blood products must be made available
Women should be advised that caesarean sections are not an entirely risk free procedure
All women who have had a previous caesarean section must have their placental site determined
(MMBRACE)
What is classified as anaemia in the 1st trimester? with ref
haemoglobin less than 110g/l
RCOG,2015
What is classified as anaemia in the 2nd and 3rd trimester? with ref
haemoglobin less than 105g/l
RCOG,2015
What is classified as anaemia in the postpartum period? with ref
haemoglobin less than 100g/l
RCOG,2015
What should be considered when haemoglobin levels are below the normal range of pregnancy? with ref
Iron supplementation
MBRRACE,2015
What should be considered when PPH occurs? with ref
Stimulating or augmenting uterine contractions should be done in accordance with current guidance and paying particular attention to avoiding uterine hyperstimulation.
Fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion should not be delayed because of false reassurance from a single haemoglobin result.
What are the two main physiological disturbances shown in a significant haemorrhage?
Tachycardia
bradycardia
hypo tension (late sign)
what are the three difficulties when recognising a PPH?
underestimation of blood loss
Occult blood loss missed
Slow, steady bleeding underestimate
Name the risk factors in the history of a woman?
Previous PPH
Grand multiparity (parity 5 or more) or nulliparous
Obesity
Asian Ethnicity
Name the risk factors in the antenatal period?
Maternal Hb below 8.5 gd/l at labour onset (investigate and treat antenatally )
BMI greater than 3
APH
Platelets <100
Over distension of the uterus (polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy, macrosomia >4kg)
Existing uterine abnormalities
Abnormal Placentation
Women with large fibroids >5cm
Maternal age over 35
Name the risk factors in the intrapartum period?
Prolonged 1st , 2nd or 3rd stage of labour
Induction of labour
Oxytocin use
Episiotomy (mediolateral & midline)
Lacerations
Precipitate labour/ delivery
Operative deliveries or caesarean section
Assisted delivery
Shoulder dystocia
(NICE,2014)
Name three recommendations by NICE guidelines 2014?
women with risk factors for PPH should be advised to give birth in an obstetric unit where emergency treatment options are available
If a woman has risk factors for PPH, these should be highlighted in her notes and a care plan covering the third stage should be made
The unit should have strategies in place in order to respond quickly and appropriately should a PPH occur
Name the 6 potential complications
Severe anaemia
Pituitary infarction
Coagulopathies
Renal damage
Coma
Death
What 4 things can be done to prevent a PPH?
Treat anaemia antenatally
Avoid routine episiotomy
Actively manage third stage (Mbrrace 2016)
Close observation post delivery
Name the 4 major causes of PPH (think of the 4 T’s) and their percentages
Tone 70%
Trauma 20%
Tissue 9%
Thrombin 1%
What is considered the first line prevention of PPH, when using drug therapy?
Syntometrine 1ml IM
Syntocinon 10 iu IM (if hypertensive)
Reduces PPH by 60% with active management