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n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1635
Review Article
From the Division of Maternal-Fetal
Medicine, Department of Gynecology and
Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine, Baltimore. Address
reprint requests to Dr. Bienstock at the
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, De-
partment of Gynecology and Obstetrics,
Johns Hopkins University School of Med-
icine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD
21287, or at ­jbienst@​­jhmi​.­edu.
N Engl J Med 2021;384:1635-45.
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra1513247
Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society.
P
ostpartum hemorrhage continues to be the leading prevent-
able cause of maternal illness and death globally.1,2
Worldwide, postpartum
hemorrhage accounts for 8% of maternal deaths in developed regions of the
world and 20% of maternal deaths in developing regions.2
The United States has
one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries, with ap-
proximately 11% of all maternal deaths associated with postpartum hemorrhage.3
During the period from 1993 through 2014, the rate of postpartum hemorrhage
(which was defined as blood loss >1000 ml after vaginal or cesarean delivery) re-
quiring a blood transfusion4
increased from approximately 8 cases per 10,000
deliveries to 40 per 10,000 deliveries in the United States.5
With the increasing prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage, well-designed cohort
studies and randomized clinical trials that evaluate interventions that are critical
for predicting, preventing, and managing postpartum hemorrhage remain a high
priority.6
However, as a result of challenges in the quantification of blood loss,
various definitions of postpartum hemorrhage, and differences in outcome report-
ing, data from relevant randomized clinical trials are difficult to interpret and
compare across studies.6
In addition, guidelines for preventing and managing post-
partum hemorrhage vary substantially among major national obstetrics and gyne-
cology organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gyne-
cologists,7
the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the French
College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, the Royal College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists (United Kingdom), and the Royal Australian and New Zealand
College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.8
This review discusses the causes,
identification, management, prevention, and prediction of postpartum hemorrhage.
Definition, Causes, and Risk Factors
The normal rate of blood flow to the uterus at full term is approximately 600 ml
per minute, in contrast to approximately 60 ml per minute in the nonpregnant
state.9
The control of postpartum blood loss depends primarily on uterine contrac-
tions and, to a lesser degree, on activation of the coagulation cascade.
The traditional definition of postpartum hemorrhage is blood loss of more than
500 ml after a vaginal delivery or more than 1000 ml after a cesarean delivery.10
More recently, postpartum hemorrhage has been redefined as a cumulative blood
loss of 1000 ml or more or blood loss associated with signs or symptoms of hypo-
volemia, irrespective of the route of delivery.10
Typical clinical signs and symptoms
of hypovolemia (e.g., hypotension and tachycardia) due to postpartum hemorrhage
may not appear until blood loss exceeds 25% of total blood volume (>1500 ml during
late pregnancy).11
Postpartum hemorrhage is considered to be primary when it occurs within the
first 24 hours after delivery and secondary when it occurs between 24 hours and up
to 12 weeks after delivery.10,12
The causes of postpartum hemorrhage can be sum-
marized by the four “T’s”: tone (uterine atony), trauma (lacerations or uterine rupture),
Dan L. Longo, M.D., Editor
Postpartum Hemorrhage
Jessica L. Bienstock, M.D., M.P.H., Ahizechukwu C. Eke, M.D., Ph.D.,
and Nancy A. Hueppchen, M.D.​​
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1636
The new engl and jour nal of medicine
tissue (retained placenta or clots), and thrombin
(clotting-factor deficiency).10
The most common
cause is uterine atony (accounting for approxi-
mately 70% of cases), followed by obstetrical lac-
erations (approximately 20%), retained placen-
tal tissue (approximately 10%), and clotting-factor
deficiencies (<1%).10
Postpartum hemorrhage can
lead to severe anemia requiring blood transfu-
sion, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, hys-
terectomy, multisystem organ failure, and death.10
Postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony is
often preceded by chorioamnionitis, therapeutic
use of magnesium sulfate, prolonged labor or
precipitous delivery, labor induction or augmen-
tation, uterine fibroids, or uterine overdistention
as a result of multiple gestation, fetal macrosomia,
or polyhydramnios. Cesarean delivery is associat-
ed with a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage
than vaginal delivery. Advanced maternal age and
extremes of parity (0 and >4) are additional risk
factors.
Other risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage
are closely linked to the type of hemorrhage that
develops. For example, obstetrical lacerations can
be caused by operative vaginal delivery, precipitous
delivery, or episiotomy, whereas retained placen-
tal tissue can be caused by placenta accreta
spectrum (PAS; a spectrum of abnormal placenta-
tion disorders, including placenta accreta, placenta
increta, and placenta percreta), which is associ-
ated with prior uterine surgery. Retained placen-
tal tissue can also be the result of incomplete
delivery of the placental tissue and membranes.
Maternal coagulopathy that leads to postpartum
hemorrhage can be a complication of severe pre-
eclampsia and eclampsia, HELLP (hemolysis, ele-
vated liver-enzyme level, and low platelet count)
syndrome, intrauterine fetal death, placental ab-
ruption, or a coagulation disorder that is acquired
(e.g., amniotic fluid embolism) or inherited.
Despite efforts to identify patients who are at
increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage, this
life-threatening complication often occurs in
women who have no identifiable risk factors.10
Therefore, vigilance is crucial after all deliveries.
Management of Postpartum
Hemorrhage
General Approach
Management of postpartum hemorrhage neces-
sitates a coordinated multidisciplinary approach,
which involves good communication, accurate
assessment of blood loss, monitoring of mater-
nal vital signs and symptoms, fluid replacement,
and arrest of the source of hemorrhage, all oc-
curring concurrently (Fig. 1).10,13
Assessment of
ongoing blood loss is a critical step in the man-
agement of postpartum hemorrhage. Blood loss
can be assessed on the basis of visual estimation
or weighing of materials, including blood and
amniotic fluid–soaked surgical sponges and
drapes.7
Although there is no strong evidence
that one method of assessing blood loss is better
than the other, quantification provides a more
accurate estimation of blood loss, as compared
with subjective assessment.7,14
Morbidity among
women with severe postpartum hemorrhage may
be reduced when quantitative estimation of blood
loss is used as a component of maternal safety
protocols,7
but this method has not consistently
been found to improve clinical outcomes. A re-
cent Cochrane review and meta-analysis showed
no evidence that quantitative estimation of blood
loss reduces the need for uterotonic agents, blood
transfusion, or volume expanders during post-
partum hemorrhage.15
Despite these limitations,
some obstetrics and gynecology societies7
favor
quantification of blood loss by weighing of blood-
soaked materials (lap sponges and pads), moni-
toring of fluid used during irrigation, and use of
underbuttock, graduated cylinder drapes during
postpartum hemorrhage. More recently, the use
of colorimetric techniques, which involve elec-
tronic artificial intelligence (e.g., smartphone
applications), to estimate blood loss in real time
seems encouraging.16
Once a woman is admitted for delivery, if
there is a high index of suspicion for the devel-
opment of postpartum hemorrhage (e.g., placenta
previa, PAS, or active vaginal bleeding), two large-
bore intravenous cannulas should be inserted, a
complete blood count should be obtained, and
a specimen should be sent to the blood bank.
The blood bank should be notified, and at least
2 units of blood should be typed and cross-
matched for the patient. Additional maternal
monitoring should be tailored to the cause and
degree of increased risk of postpartum hemor-
rhage and can include the use of continuous
pulse oximetry, assessment of urine output with
the use of an indwelling bladder catheter, con-
tinuous cardiac monitoring, assessment of coagu-
lation status (on the basis of prothrombin time,
fibrinogen level, and activated thromboplastin
time), and a comprehensive metabolic panel.10
If
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n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1637
Postpartum Hemorrhage
the patient is at very high risk for postpartum
hemorrhage, central venous and arterial cathe-
ters should be placed. A heating–cooling circu-
lating water pad or a forced-air warming system
may be used to help mitigate the hypothermia
that is often associated with massive fluid resus-
citation and prolonged surgery. Although both
crystalloids and colloids can be used as intrave-
nous fluids,17
crystalloids are slightly favored
over colloids.18
Management of Retained Placental Tissue
Inspection of the placenta after delivery is im-
portant to rule out retained placental tissue or a
retained succenturiate lobe of the placenta (an
abnormality in the placental structure in which
one or more accessory lobes is connected to the
main part of the placenta by blood vessels).
When retained placental tissue is suspected,
evacuation with manual exploration or a banjo
(blunt) curette under ultrasonographic guidance
Figure 1. Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Screening, Evaluation, and Management.
The abbreviation aPTT denotes activated partial-thromboplastin time, BMP basic metabolic panel, CBC complete blood count, FFP
fresh-frozen plasma, IV intravenous, PT prothrombin time, and T and S type and screen.
Estimated Blood Loss of 1000–1500 ml Estimated Blood Loss of >3000 ml
Estimated Blood Loss of >1500–3000 ml
During Pregnancy
Screen all women for risk factors for PPH
Identify women at risk for PPH
Optimize hemoglobin levels before delivery
Seek multidisciplinary consultation (e.g., for inherited hematologic disorders)
On Admission to Labor and Delivery
Assess patients for risk factors for PPH
Categorize patients into risk strata (low, medium, and high risk for PPH)
Create IV access with a large-bore cannula (2 IV cannulas for patients at increased risk)
Obtain baseline laboratory values (CBC, BMP, T and S, fibrinogen, PT, aPTT)
Notify anesthesia and other consultation services (e.g., hematology, gynecologic oncology)
Document pertinent contraindications to specific pharmacotherapies (e.g., asthma,
hypertension)
Call for help from nursing, additional obstetrical
providers
Notify anesthesia, blood bank, interventional
radiology suite, operating room
Place additional IV catheter
Deliver placenta, membranes, and any retained
products of conception
Place urinary catheter to monitor urine output
and assist in uterine contraction
Perform bimanual uterine massage and manual
uterine exploration and evacuate retained
tissue or clots
Administer IV fluid to replace blood loss
(crystalloids, colloids)
Administer pharmacotherapy (oxytocin,
methylergonovine, carboprost, misoprostol)
Examine and repair any genital tract lacerations
Monitor laboratory values (CBC, BMP, T and S,
fibrinogen, PT, aPTT, lactate)
Monitor for coagulation (thromboelastography
or rotational thromboelastometry)
Place arterial catheter, central venous catheters
Administer blood and blood products (especially
if patient is hemodynamically unstable)
Continue to administer pharmacotherapy to
maximum tolerated doses
Place uterine tamponade device (e.g., Bakri or
Rusch balloon tamponade)
Administer tranexamic acid
Continue transfusion of red cells, FFP, and
platelets according to local protocols
(e.g., 1:1:1 ratio)
Continue to monitor laboratory values (CBC,
BMP, T and S, fibrinogen, PT, aPTT, lactate)
Continue to monitor for coagulation (thrombo-
elastography or rotational thromboelastometry)
Consider readministration of tranexamic acid
Consider recombinant factor VIIa therapy
(in hemophilia A or B)
Consider uterine artery embolization (if patient
is stable) with interventional radiology
Perform laparotomy
Repair any uterine lacerations or uterine rupture
Place uterine compression sutures (e.g.,
B-Lynch, Hayman, Cho, Esike methods)
Perform stepwise suture ligation
Perform bilateral uterine artery ligation
(O’Leary sutures)
Perform bilateral utero-ovarian artery ligation
Perform internal iliac artery ligation
Perform hysterectomy (total or supracervical —
may be appropriate earlier in management,
particularly if future childbearing is not
desired)
Development of Postpartum Hemorrhage
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1638
The new engl and jour nal of medicine
is recommended; the positive and negative pre-
dictive values of ultrasonography in detecting
retained placental tissue are approximately 58%
and 87%, respectively.19
Abnormal uterine bleed-
ing that warrants manual removal of the pla-
centa increases the likelihood that the bleeding
is due to a PAS disorder.20
Management of Genital Tract Lacerations
Careful inspection of the lower genital tract for
cervical, vaginal, perineal, or rectovaginal lac-
erations is important. Lacerations should be
promptly repaired with absorbable sutures. There
is insufficient evidence in support of routine
antibiotic prophylaxis after uterine evacuation
for postpartum hemorrhage or repair of a peri-
neal laceration.21
Management of Uterine Atony
Bimanual uterine massage is usually the first step
in the management of postpartum hemorrhage
due to uterine atony. Massage is performed in an
attempt to induce uterine contractions by stimu-
lating endogenous prostaglandins.10,22
Oxytocin
(administered intravenously or intramuscularly)
is the mainstay of treatment for controlling
postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony;
administration of oxytocin is usually begun simul-
taneously with uterine massage, if the agent has
not already been administered prophylactically.
The uterine response after the administration of
intravenous oxytocin is usually immediate (oxy-
tocin half-life, 1 to 6 minutes in plasma).23
Additional agents (e.g., methylergonovine
maleate, a semisynthetic ergot alkaloid) and
intramuscular prostaglandins (e.g., carboprost
tromethamine, a 15-methyl analogue of prosta-
glandin F2α
) can be used as second-line pharma-
cotherapy to control postpartum hemorrhage. A
Cochrane review and meta-analysis have ques-
tioned the usefulness of misoprostol, a prosta-
glandin E1
analogue.24,25
Although oxytocin causes
rhythmic contractions of the uterus, methylergo-
novine maleate stimulates uterine smooth mus-
cle and uterine vascular α1
-adrenergic receptors
in a sustained manner, causing vasoconstriction
and cessation of bleeding. Methylergonovine
maleate is often considered the next agent to be
administered after oxytocin.23
The indications
and contraindications for pharmacotherapy in
postpartum hemorrhage are listed in Table 1.
If pharmacotherapy fails in the management
of uterine atony, mechanical methods, including
balloon tamponade (Fig. 2A) and uterine com-
pression sutures (Fig. 2B), can be lifesaving.
Balloon tamponade systems, such as the Bakri
balloon, first described in 2001,26
involve instill-
ing fluid (to a maximum volume of approxi-
mately 500 ml) into an intrauterine balloon,
with removal of the balloon up to 24 hours after
insertion; the tamponade effect of the filled bal-
loon is intended to stop or reduce intrauterine
bleeding.27
A 2020 systematic review and meta-
analysis concluded that uterine balloon tampon-
ade systems appear to be safe,28
with a success
rate of more than 85% in the management of
postpartum hemorrhage.
Uterine compression sutures, also known as
“brace sutures,” were first described in 1997 by
B-Lynch and colleagues and were shown to be
highly effective in controlling postpartum hem-
orrhage.29
Since 1997, several other compression
suture techniques have been described.30-36
Some
techniques involve sutures that enter the uterine
cavity34
and abut the anterior and posterior walls
of the uterus, with a potential to increase the
risk of uterine synechiae, but other techniques
do not.29,36
Several systematic reviews of case
series have shown a combined success rate of
more than 90% with the use of brace sutures in
managing postpartum hemorrhage.37,38
Uterine
necrosis and intrauterine synechiae are possible
complications of uterine compression proce-
dures.39,40
The frequency of successful pregnancy
after management of postpartum hemorrhage
with uterine compression sutures has ranged
from 11 to 75%.37
Uterine and vaginal packing has been used
successfully in cases of postpartum hemor-
rhage, but it is not routinely recommended be-
cause of the potential for intrauterine infection.41
Although a positive tamponade test (decreased
bleeding with bimanual uterine compression
involving a hand on the maternal abdomen to
compress the uterine fundus from above and a
hand in the vagina to compress from below) has
not been rigorously studied in postpartum hem-
orrhage trials, it is a reasonable pretest to con-
sider using before choosing uterine balloon place-
ment or compression sutures.42
In severe cases of postpartum hemorrhage,
when pharmacologic therapy, uterine compres-
sion or tamponade, and other conservative mea-
sures have failed to control bleeding, surgical
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Postpartum Hemorrhage
Table
1.
Medical
Therapy
for
Postpartum
Hemorrhage.*
Medication
Mechanism
of
Action
Route
of
Administration
and
Dose
Concerns
and
Contraindications
Adverse
Effects
First-line
therapy:
oxytocin
Stimulates
oxytocin
receptors
in
the
uterus
IV
route,
10–40
IU/500–1000
ml
of
lactated
Ringer’s
solution;
IM
or
IMM
route,
5–10
IU
for
up
to
4
doses
SIADH,
hypotension
Rapid
bolus
administration
may
cause
hyponatre-
mia,
hypotension,
tachy-
cardia,
and
arrhythmia
Second-line
therapy
Methylergonovine
maleate
(ergot
alkaloid)
Partial
agonist
or
antagonist
at
serotoninergic,
dopaminergic,
α
1
-adrenergic
receptors
in
the
uterus
IM
or
IMM
route,
0.2
mg
every
2–4
hr,
for
a
maximum
of
5
doses;
oral
route,
0.2
mg
every
6–8
hr
for
2–7
days
Hypertension,
cardiovascular
disease
(stroke,
Renaud’s
disease)
Elevated
blood
pressure,
nausea,
vomiting,
myo-
cardial
infarction
Carboprost
tromethamine
(PGF
2α
)
PGF
2α
agonist
in
uterine
myometrium
IM
or
IMM
route,
250
μg
every
15–90
min
for
a
maximum
of
8
doses
Asthma,
cardiovascular
disease,
hepatic
disease,
renal
disease
Nausea,
vomiting,
and
diarrhea
Adjunctive
agents
Tranexamic
acid
Diminishes
the
dissolution
of
hemostatic
fibrin
by
plasmin,
stabilizing
clot
in
uterine
vessels
IV
route,
1
g
(100
mg/ml)
over
a
10-min
period;
if
bleeding
persists
after
30
min
or
stops
and
restarts
within
24
hr
after
the
first
dose,
a
second
dose
may
be
administered
Contraindicated
if
known
hypersensitivity
to
tranexamic
acid,
thromboembolic
event
during
pregnancy,
history
of
hypercoagulopathy
Headache,
musculoskeletal
pain,
nausea,
diarrhea
Recombinant
factor
VIIa
Activates
clotting
cascade
by
cleaving
factor
IX
and
factor
X,
which
activates
these
fac-
tors
and
leads
to
activation
of
thrombin
and
fibrin
IV
route,
50–100
μg/kg
(single
dose)
Severe
anemia,
severe
thrombocytope-
nia,
hyperfibrinogenemia,
allergy
to
mouse,
hamster,
or
bovine
proteins
Thromboembolic
events,
cerebrovascular
infarcts,
myocardial
infarction
Treatment
of
uncertain
useful-
ness:
misoprostol
PGE
1
agonist
in
the
uterine
myometrium
Sublingual,
oral,
or
rectal
route
(sublingual
route
preferred),
600–1000
μg
in
single
dose;
repeat
doses
not
recommended
Sepsis,
allergy
to
misoprostol,
concurrent
anticoagulant
therapy,
cardiovascular
disease;
efficacy
is
disputed
Nausea,
vomiting,
fever,
diarrhea
*	
I
M
denotes
intramuscular,
IMM
intramyometrial,
IV
intravascular,
PGE
1
prostaglandin
E
1
,
PGF
2α
15-methyl
prostaglandin
F
2α
,
and
SIADH
syndrome
of
inappropriate
antidiuretic
hor-
mone
secretion.
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1640
The new engl and jour nal of medicine
A Bakri Balloon Tamponade
B Uterine Compression B-Lynch Suture
C
Ovarian
ligament
Fallopian
tube
Round
ligament
Ovarian
artery
Ligated ascending
uterine artery for
hemorrhage control
Ligature
Ovarian suspensory
ligament
Uterus
Vagina
Cervix
Ovary
Uterus
Ureter
Section
of uterine wall
showing suture path
Internal iliac
artery
Uterine
artery
Round
Round
Round
Round
Round
Suture
ligament
Inflated
intrauterine
balloon providing
compression and
hemorrhage
control
Suture providing
uterine compression
and hemorrhage
control
Uterine Artery Ligation
Syringe with sterile liquid used
for balloon inflation
5
0
6
0
1
2 3
4
5
5
5
6
1
2
3
4
4
5
6
Broad
ligament
Myometrium
Ligature
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Postpartum Hemorrhage
methods can be lifesaving. Bilateral uterine ar-
tery ligation (Fig. 2C) is an appropriate next step
at the time of laparotomy. Described by Waters
in 195243
and by O’Leary and O’Leary in 1966,44
this surgical technique involves suture ligation
of the uterine vessels on the lateral aspect of the
lower uterine segment. If bilateral uterine artery
ligation fails, the vessels of the utero-ovarian
pedicle can be suture-ligated in a stepwise fash-
ion (bilateral utero-ovarian artery ligation). Inter-
nal iliac artery ligation, initially described in
1964 by Burchell et al. for controlling postpar-
tum hemorrhage,45
is usually a suture ligation
procedure of last resort, with a 50 to 60% suc-
cess rate, but it has largely fallen out of favor
because of the extent of surgical dissection that
is necessary.45
Hysterectomy (total or supracervi-
cal) for the control of postpartum hemorrhage
can be a lifesaving procedure.10
Use of Blood Products
Although there are no strict criteria for initiating
blood transfusion in cases of postpartum hem-
orrhage, transfusion is typically begun when the
estimated blood loss exceeds 1500 ml or when
hemodynamic changes become apparent.10,46
If
the need arises, massive blood transfusion (de-
fined as infusion of ≥10 units of packed red cells
in a 24-hour period or ≥4 units of packed red
cells within 1 hour)47
is initiated. No data from
randomized clinical trials provide the ratio for
transfusing blood products in obstetrics10
; the
obstetrical protocols for transfusion of packed
red cells, fresh-frozen plasma, and platelets in a
ratio of 6:4:1, 4:4:1, or 1:1:1 were derived from
the trauma literature.48,49
Treatment goals are to
maintain the hemoglobin level at more than 8 g
per deciliter, the fibrinogen level at more than
2 g per liter, the platelet count at more than
50,000 per microliter, and the activated partial-
thromboplastin and prothrombin times at less
than 1.5 times the normal values, on the basis
of practical guidelines such as those established
by the British Committee for Standards in Hae-
matology.50
In an observational study, thrombo-
elastography or rotational thromboelastometry
was recommended for maintaining adequate
coagulation while managing severe postpartum
hemorrhage.51
Blood-product replacement ther-
apy for the management of postpartum hemor-
rhage, when to administer it, and dosage recom-
mendations are listed in Table 2.
Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders
The frequency of peripartum hysterectomy per-
formed for the management of postpartum
hemorrhage due to PAS disorders continues to
rise with increased cesarean delivery rates.52
There is insufficient evidence to determine the
optimal time of delivery; however, the American
College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists rec-
ommends planned cesarean delivery, with or
without hysterectomy, at 34 weeks to 35 weeks
6 days of gestation in cases of PAS disorders,
whereas the Royal College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists53
recommends delivery between
35 weeks and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation.
Cesarean hysterectomy in women with PAS
disorders is a complex procedure. When per-
formed by obstetricians and gynecologists with
expertise in complex pelvic surgery, working in
collaboration with other surgical specialties, such
as vascular surgery, interventional radiology,
urology, and hematology, cesarean hysterectomy
has the potential to reduce maternal morbidity
and mortality.54
Both ureters may be stented
before the procedure to facilitate their identifica-
tion and reduce the risk of injury during the
procedure, especially if extensive pelvic dissec-
tion is anticipated.55
In women thought to be at
very high risk for placenta percreta, placement of
balloon catheters in the internal iliac arteries
immediately before the procedure, with inflation
immediately after delivery of the fetus, may re-
duce intraoperative bleeding.55
Although defini-
tive management of PAS disorders involves im-
mediate hysterectomy with the placenta left in
situ, some experts recommend expectant man-
agement and delayed hysterectomy in selected
cases in order to minimize hemorrhage and the
need for massive blood transfusion.56
In planned
cases of cesarean hysterectomy, a midline verti-
cal incision should ideally be used, since it mini-
mizes dissection of tissue planes that may bleed
if coagulopathy develops and provides good visu-
alization of the abdomen, uterine pedicles, and
pelvis.
Figure 2 (facing page). Mechanical Methods for Managing
Uterine Atony.
Panel A shows balloon tamponade (with a Bakri balloon),
Panel B uterine compression sutures (B-Lynch sutures,
placed according to the numbers, from 1 to 6), and
Panel C uterine artery ligation.
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1642
The new engl and jour nal of medicine
Management of Uterine Inversion
Uterine inversion, a protrusion of the uterus
through the vaginal orifice at the time of deliv-
ery, can cause postpartum hemorrhage and hypo-
tension, which may be disproportionate to blood
loss. The first step in management is immediate
manual replacement of the uterus (with the pla-
centa still in place). If this attempt is unsuccess-
ful, relaxing the uterus with tocolytic agents
(nitroglycerin, terbutaline, magnesium sulfate, or
halothane) is an appropriate next step.57
If replac-
ing the uterus is still unsuccessful, laparotomy
can be performed, followed by one of several
techniques: reduction of the uterine inversion
back into the abdomen by gentle upward trac-
tion with Allis clamps placed at both uterine
cornua (Huntington’s method)58
; posterior longi-
tudinal incision of the cervical ring, followed by
gentle upward traction of the uterus with Allis
clamps placed at both cornua (Haultain’s meth-
od)59
; or placement of a Silastic cup of a vacuum
extractor on the fundus from above and use of
negative pressure to restore the uterus back to
its normal position (Antonelli’s method).60
Once
the uterus is replaced, uterotonic agents are ad-
ministered to aid uterine contraction, and man-
ual extraction of the placenta may be performed.
Other Management Approaches
A nonpneumatic antishock garment has been
used in the treatment of hypovolemic shock from
postpartum hemorrhage. The garment is worn
to decrease blood flow in the aorta and increase
venous return from the inferior vena cava,61
making it an invaluable device in cases of hypo-
volemic shock to temporarily maintain blood
pressure while awaiting definitive management.62
If the patient’s condition is stable enough for the
patient to be transported to the radiology suite
and preservation of fertility is desired, uterine
artery embolization (often as a supplement to
intrauterine balloon tamponade) can be consid-
ered. The uterine artery embolization procedure
involves injection of gelatin or polyvinyl alcohol
particles into the uterine artery or the anterior
division of the internal iliac arteries through the
femoral arteries with the use of the Seldinger
technique under fluoroscopic and ultrasonograph-
ic guidance.63
Success rates in the control of
postpartum hemorrhage range from 75 to 100%,64
and pregnancy after uterine artery embolization
has been reported in 43 to 48% of women.65,66
Secondary Postpartum
Hemorrhage
Secondary postpartum hemorrhage accounts for
approximately 1 to 2% of cases.10
The causes
include uterine subinvolution, retained products
of conception, endomyometritis, uterine vascular
disorders such as arteriovenous malformations,
and coagulopathies such as von Willebrand dis-
ease.10
Management of secondary postpartum
hemorrhage is directed at correcting the sus-
pected cause of the hemorrhage.10
Complications of Postpartum
Hemorrhage
In the immediate postpartum period, complica-
tions of postpartum hemorrhage include hypo-
volemic shock from massive blood loss, dissemi-
nated intravascular coagulopathy, acute renal
failure, hepatic failure, and complications of
blood transfusion, including transfusion-related
acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syn-
Table 2. Blood-Product Replacement Therapy for Postpartum Hemorrhage.
Blood Product Component Therapy Dose When to Administer
Packed red cells Red cells 1 Unit is 450 ml in volume and is
expected to increase the maternal
hemoglobin level by 1 g/dl
If hemoglobin 7 or 8 g/dl (depending on
local protocols and coexisting maternal
conditions)
Fresh-frozen plasma Plasma proteins, clotting
factors (except platelets),
fibrinogen, anticoagulants
(proteins C and S)
1 Unit is approximately 250 ml in
volume; a dose of 10–20 ml/kg
will increase clotting factors by
10–20%
After every 1, 4, or 6 units of packed red
cells (depending on local protocols) or
if prothrombin time is prolonged (INR
or aPTT 1.5 times the normal value)*
Platelet concentrate Platelets 1 Pack of pooled platelets If platelet count 75,000/μl or after every 1,
4, or 6 units of packed red cells
Cryoprecipitate Factor VIII, fibrinogen 2 Pools of cryoprecipitate If fibrinogen 1 or 2 g/liter
*	
The abbreviation aPTT denotes activated partial-thromboplastin time, and INR international normalized ratio.
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n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1643
Postpartum Hemorrhage
drome, transfusion-associated circulatory over-
load, and death.10,67
Late complications such as
Sheehan’s syndrome (pituitary necrosis and pan-
hypopituitarism) and infertility may also occur.10,67
It is critical to manage postpartum hemorrhage
promptly and adequately in order to minimize
the risk of these complications.
Prevention of Postpartum
Hemorrhage
Preventive measures for postpartum hemorrhage
should be undertaken when possible, ideally
beginning before conception, with identification
of women at high risk and interventions to in-
crease iron stores and hemoglobin levels when
necessary. Screening women during pregnancy
and labor for risk factors for postpartum hemor-
rhage can be useful in the preparation for deliv-
ery, including identifying an appropriate loca-
tion for delivery (Table 3). Blood typing and
screening are important for women at moderate
risk for postpartum hemorrhage, whereas those
at high risk should undergo blood typing and
cross-matching of at least 2 units of packed red
cells in anticipation of possible postpartum
hemorrhage.
Active management of the third stage of
labor, including prophylactic use of uterotonic
agents and controlled umbilical cord traction,
has been shown to reduce blood loss during this
stage68
and to reduce the risk of postpartum
hemorrhage by approximately 66%, as compared
with expectant management.68
However, con-
trolled umbilical cord traction has limited bene-
fits in cases of severe postpartum hemorrhage
and may lead to uterine inversion if the manage-
ment team is inexperienced.69
Another method,
early cord clamping, can result in decreased neo-
natal iron stores and an increased risk of infant
anemia70
and therefore is no longer recom-
mended as a component of active management
of the third stage. Uterine massage, although a
mainstay of management, has not been consis-
tently shown to be beneficial in the prevention
of postpartum hemorrhage.22
Prediction of Postpartum
Hemorrhage
Identification of patients at risk for postpartum
hemorrhage, early intervention with the use of
standardized protocols, and a coordinated, team-
based approach once hemorrhage occurs have
been shown to decrease maternal morbidity and
mortality.7,71
Prenatal diagnosis of PAS disorders
in women who have undergone prior uterine
surgery is invaluable for surgical planning.72
Al-
though obstetrical ultrasonography (color Dop-
pler or three-dimensional power Doppler) and
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have similar
diagnostic accuracy in detecting PAS disorders
(sensitivity of approximately 94% and specificity
of approximately 84%),73
MRI can complement
ultrasonography in assessing the depth of uter-
ine muscular and parametrial invasion.72
Catego-
rization of patients on admission to labor and
delivery into risk strata (low, medium, or high
risk) (Table 3) may identify up to 85% of preg-
nant women at risk for postpartum hemor-
rhage,74
with negative predictive values of more
than 98%.71,75
In a case–control study, Nyfløt et al.
showed that prolonged active labor (duration
12 hr) is associated with an increased risk of
severe postpartum hemorrhage.76
Risk stratifica-
tion can help the multidisciplinary team to be
alert to a patient’s risk and make informed
choices about the need for and availability of
intravenous access, uterotonic medications, blood
products, and additional personnel.
Table 3. Classification of Postpartum Hemorrhage Risk and Potential Need
for Transfusion.
Risk Level (Preparation
for Transfusion) Defining Factors
Low risk (having blood speci-
men available in case
blood products become
needed)
No previous uterine incision
Singleton pregnancy
≤4 Previous vaginal deliveries
No known bleeding disorders
No history of postpartum hemorrhage
Medium risk (blood typing
and screening)
Prior cesarean delivery or uterine surgery
Multiple gestation
4 Previous vaginal deliveries
Chorioamnionitis
History of postpartum hemorrhage
Large uterine fibroids
Fetal death
Estimated fetal weight 4000 g
Morbid obesity (body-mass index 40)*
High risk (blood typing and
cross-matching of at least
2 units of packed red
cells)
Placenta previa or low-lying placenta
Suspected placenta accreta spectrum
Hemoglobin 10 mg/dl and other risk factors
Platelet count 100,000/μl
Active bleeding on admission
Known coagulopathy
*	
The body-mass index is the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the
height in meters.
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Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021
1644
The new engl and jour nal of medicine
Conclusions
Postpartum hemorrhage remains a clinically
significant cause of maternal complications
and death; worldwide, one woman dies from
postpartum hemorrhage every 7 minutes. There-
fore, prompt identification of patients who are
at risk for postpartum hemorrhage, routine ac-
tive management of the third stage of labor,
expeditious assessment of blood loss, appropri-
ate patient monitoring, and management of
postpartum hemorrhage are important.77
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was
reported.
Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with
the full text of this article at NEJM.org.
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hemorragia postparto desde el sangrado vaginal

  • 1. The new engl and jour nal of medicine n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1635 Review Article From the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore. Address reprint requests to Dr. Bienstock at the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, De- partment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Med- icine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, or at ­jbienst@​­jhmi​.­edu. N Engl J Med 2021;384:1635-45. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra1513247 Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. P ostpartum hemorrhage continues to be the leading prevent- able cause of maternal illness and death globally.1,2 Worldwide, postpartum hemorrhage accounts for 8% of maternal deaths in developed regions of the world and 20% of maternal deaths in developing regions.2 The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries, with ap- proximately 11% of all maternal deaths associated with postpartum hemorrhage.3 During the period from 1993 through 2014, the rate of postpartum hemorrhage (which was defined as blood loss >1000 ml after vaginal or cesarean delivery) re- quiring a blood transfusion4 increased from approximately 8 cases per 10,000 deliveries to 40 per 10,000 deliveries in the United States.5 With the increasing prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage, well-designed cohort studies and randomized clinical trials that evaluate interventions that are critical for predicting, preventing, and managing postpartum hemorrhage remain a high priority.6 However, as a result of challenges in the quantification of blood loss, various definitions of postpartum hemorrhage, and differences in outcome report- ing, data from relevant randomized clinical trials are difficult to interpret and compare across studies.6 In addition, guidelines for preventing and managing post- partum hemorrhage vary substantially among major national obstetrics and gyne- cology organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gyne- cologists,7 the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the French College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (United Kingdom), and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.8 This review discusses the causes, identification, management, prevention, and prediction of postpartum hemorrhage. Definition, Causes, and Risk Factors The normal rate of blood flow to the uterus at full term is approximately 600 ml per minute, in contrast to approximately 60 ml per minute in the nonpregnant state.9 The control of postpartum blood loss depends primarily on uterine contrac- tions and, to a lesser degree, on activation of the coagulation cascade. The traditional definition of postpartum hemorrhage is blood loss of more than 500 ml after a vaginal delivery or more than 1000 ml after a cesarean delivery.10 More recently, postpartum hemorrhage has been redefined as a cumulative blood loss of 1000 ml or more or blood loss associated with signs or symptoms of hypo- volemia, irrespective of the route of delivery.10 Typical clinical signs and symptoms of hypovolemia (e.g., hypotension and tachycardia) due to postpartum hemorrhage may not appear until blood loss exceeds 25% of total blood volume (>1500 ml during late pregnancy).11 Postpartum hemorrhage is considered to be primary when it occurs within the first 24 hours after delivery and secondary when it occurs between 24 hours and up to 12 weeks after delivery.10,12 The causes of postpartum hemorrhage can be sum- marized by the four “T’s”: tone (uterine atony), trauma (lacerations or uterine rupture), Dan L. Longo, M.D., Editor Postpartum Hemorrhage Jessica L. Bienstock, M.D., M.P.H., Ahizechukwu C. Eke, M.D., Ph.D., and Nancy A. Hueppchen, M.D.​​ The New England Journal of Medicine Downloaded from nejm.org by Damian Absalon Herrera Gonzales on May 11, 2021. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
  • 2. n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1636 The new engl and jour nal of medicine tissue (retained placenta or clots), and thrombin (clotting-factor deficiency).10 The most common cause is uterine atony (accounting for approxi- mately 70% of cases), followed by obstetrical lac- erations (approximately 20%), retained placen- tal tissue (approximately 10%), and clotting-factor deficiencies (<1%).10 Postpartum hemorrhage can lead to severe anemia requiring blood transfu- sion, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, hys- terectomy, multisystem organ failure, and death.10 Postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony is often preceded by chorioamnionitis, therapeutic use of magnesium sulfate, prolonged labor or precipitous delivery, labor induction or augmen- tation, uterine fibroids, or uterine overdistention as a result of multiple gestation, fetal macrosomia, or polyhydramnios. Cesarean delivery is associat- ed with a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage than vaginal delivery. Advanced maternal age and extremes of parity (0 and >4) are additional risk factors. Other risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage are closely linked to the type of hemorrhage that develops. For example, obstetrical lacerations can be caused by operative vaginal delivery, precipitous delivery, or episiotomy, whereas retained placen- tal tissue can be caused by placenta accreta spectrum (PAS; a spectrum of abnormal placenta- tion disorders, including placenta accreta, placenta increta, and placenta percreta), which is associ- ated with prior uterine surgery. Retained placen- tal tissue can also be the result of incomplete delivery of the placental tissue and membranes. Maternal coagulopathy that leads to postpartum hemorrhage can be a complication of severe pre- eclampsia and eclampsia, HELLP (hemolysis, ele- vated liver-enzyme level, and low platelet count) syndrome, intrauterine fetal death, placental ab- ruption, or a coagulation disorder that is acquired (e.g., amniotic fluid embolism) or inherited. Despite efforts to identify patients who are at increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage, this life-threatening complication often occurs in women who have no identifiable risk factors.10 Therefore, vigilance is crucial after all deliveries. Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage General Approach Management of postpartum hemorrhage neces- sitates a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, which involves good communication, accurate assessment of blood loss, monitoring of mater- nal vital signs and symptoms, fluid replacement, and arrest of the source of hemorrhage, all oc- curring concurrently (Fig. 1).10,13 Assessment of ongoing blood loss is a critical step in the man- agement of postpartum hemorrhage. Blood loss can be assessed on the basis of visual estimation or weighing of materials, including blood and amniotic fluid–soaked surgical sponges and drapes.7 Although there is no strong evidence that one method of assessing blood loss is better than the other, quantification provides a more accurate estimation of blood loss, as compared with subjective assessment.7,14 Morbidity among women with severe postpartum hemorrhage may be reduced when quantitative estimation of blood loss is used as a component of maternal safety protocols,7 but this method has not consistently been found to improve clinical outcomes. A re- cent Cochrane review and meta-analysis showed no evidence that quantitative estimation of blood loss reduces the need for uterotonic agents, blood transfusion, or volume expanders during post- partum hemorrhage.15 Despite these limitations, some obstetrics and gynecology societies7 favor quantification of blood loss by weighing of blood- soaked materials (lap sponges and pads), moni- toring of fluid used during irrigation, and use of underbuttock, graduated cylinder drapes during postpartum hemorrhage. More recently, the use of colorimetric techniques, which involve elec- tronic artificial intelligence (e.g., smartphone applications), to estimate blood loss in real time seems encouraging.16 Once a woman is admitted for delivery, if there is a high index of suspicion for the devel- opment of postpartum hemorrhage (e.g., placenta previa, PAS, or active vaginal bleeding), two large- bore intravenous cannulas should be inserted, a complete blood count should be obtained, and a specimen should be sent to the blood bank. The blood bank should be notified, and at least 2 units of blood should be typed and cross- matched for the patient. Additional maternal monitoring should be tailored to the cause and degree of increased risk of postpartum hemor- rhage and can include the use of continuous pulse oximetry, assessment of urine output with the use of an indwelling bladder catheter, con- tinuous cardiac monitoring, assessment of coagu- lation status (on the basis of prothrombin time, fibrinogen level, and activated thromboplastin time), and a comprehensive metabolic panel.10 If The New England Journal of Medicine Downloaded from nejm.org by Damian Absalon Herrera Gonzales on May 11, 2021. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
  • 3. n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1637 Postpartum Hemorrhage the patient is at very high risk for postpartum hemorrhage, central venous and arterial cathe- ters should be placed. A heating–cooling circu- lating water pad or a forced-air warming system may be used to help mitigate the hypothermia that is often associated with massive fluid resus- citation and prolonged surgery. Although both crystalloids and colloids can be used as intrave- nous fluids,17 crystalloids are slightly favored over colloids.18 Management of Retained Placental Tissue Inspection of the placenta after delivery is im- portant to rule out retained placental tissue or a retained succenturiate lobe of the placenta (an abnormality in the placental structure in which one or more accessory lobes is connected to the main part of the placenta by blood vessels). When retained placental tissue is suspected, evacuation with manual exploration or a banjo (blunt) curette under ultrasonographic guidance Figure 1. Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Screening, Evaluation, and Management. The abbreviation aPTT denotes activated partial-thromboplastin time, BMP basic metabolic panel, CBC complete blood count, FFP fresh-frozen plasma, IV intravenous, PT prothrombin time, and T and S type and screen. Estimated Blood Loss of 1000–1500 ml Estimated Blood Loss of >3000 ml Estimated Blood Loss of >1500–3000 ml During Pregnancy Screen all women for risk factors for PPH Identify women at risk for PPH Optimize hemoglobin levels before delivery Seek multidisciplinary consultation (e.g., for inherited hematologic disorders) On Admission to Labor and Delivery Assess patients for risk factors for PPH Categorize patients into risk strata (low, medium, and high risk for PPH) Create IV access with a large-bore cannula (2 IV cannulas for patients at increased risk) Obtain baseline laboratory values (CBC, BMP, T and S, fibrinogen, PT, aPTT) Notify anesthesia and other consultation services (e.g., hematology, gynecologic oncology) Document pertinent contraindications to specific pharmacotherapies (e.g., asthma, hypertension) Call for help from nursing, additional obstetrical providers Notify anesthesia, blood bank, interventional radiology suite, operating room Place additional IV catheter Deliver placenta, membranes, and any retained products of conception Place urinary catheter to monitor urine output and assist in uterine contraction Perform bimanual uterine massage and manual uterine exploration and evacuate retained tissue or clots Administer IV fluid to replace blood loss (crystalloids, colloids) Administer pharmacotherapy (oxytocin, methylergonovine, carboprost, misoprostol) Examine and repair any genital tract lacerations Monitor laboratory values (CBC, BMP, T and S, fibrinogen, PT, aPTT, lactate) Monitor for coagulation (thromboelastography or rotational thromboelastometry) Place arterial catheter, central venous catheters Administer blood and blood products (especially if patient is hemodynamically unstable) Continue to administer pharmacotherapy to maximum tolerated doses Place uterine tamponade device (e.g., Bakri or Rusch balloon tamponade) Administer tranexamic acid Continue transfusion of red cells, FFP, and platelets according to local protocols (e.g., 1:1:1 ratio) Continue to monitor laboratory values (CBC, BMP, T and S, fibrinogen, PT, aPTT, lactate) Continue to monitor for coagulation (thrombo- elastography or rotational thromboelastometry) Consider readministration of tranexamic acid Consider recombinant factor VIIa therapy (in hemophilia A or B) Consider uterine artery embolization (if patient is stable) with interventional radiology Perform laparotomy Repair any uterine lacerations or uterine rupture Place uterine compression sutures (e.g., B-Lynch, Hayman, Cho, Esike methods) Perform stepwise suture ligation Perform bilateral uterine artery ligation (O’Leary sutures) Perform bilateral utero-ovarian artery ligation Perform internal iliac artery ligation Perform hysterectomy (total or supracervical — may be appropriate earlier in management, particularly if future childbearing is not desired) Development of Postpartum Hemorrhage The New England Journal of Medicine Downloaded from nejm.org by Damian Absalon Herrera Gonzales on May 11, 2021. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
  • 4. n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1638 The new engl and jour nal of medicine is recommended; the positive and negative pre- dictive values of ultrasonography in detecting retained placental tissue are approximately 58% and 87%, respectively.19 Abnormal uterine bleed- ing that warrants manual removal of the pla- centa increases the likelihood that the bleeding is due to a PAS disorder.20 Management of Genital Tract Lacerations Careful inspection of the lower genital tract for cervical, vaginal, perineal, or rectovaginal lac- erations is important. Lacerations should be promptly repaired with absorbable sutures. There is insufficient evidence in support of routine antibiotic prophylaxis after uterine evacuation for postpartum hemorrhage or repair of a peri- neal laceration.21 Management of Uterine Atony Bimanual uterine massage is usually the first step in the management of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony. Massage is performed in an attempt to induce uterine contractions by stimu- lating endogenous prostaglandins.10,22 Oxytocin (administered intravenously or intramuscularly) is the mainstay of treatment for controlling postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony; administration of oxytocin is usually begun simul- taneously with uterine massage, if the agent has not already been administered prophylactically. The uterine response after the administration of intravenous oxytocin is usually immediate (oxy- tocin half-life, 1 to 6 minutes in plasma).23 Additional agents (e.g., methylergonovine maleate, a semisynthetic ergot alkaloid) and intramuscular prostaglandins (e.g., carboprost tromethamine, a 15-methyl analogue of prosta- glandin F2α ) can be used as second-line pharma- cotherapy to control postpartum hemorrhage. A Cochrane review and meta-analysis have ques- tioned the usefulness of misoprostol, a prosta- glandin E1 analogue.24,25 Although oxytocin causes rhythmic contractions of the uterus, methylergo- novine maleate stimulates uterine smooth mus- cle and uterine vascular α1 -adrenergic receptors in a sustained manner, causing vasoconstriction and cessation of bleeding. Methylergonovine maleate is often considered the next agent to be administered after oxytocin.23 The indications and contraindications for pharmacotherapy in postpartum hemorrhage are listed in Table 1. If pharmacotherapy fails in the management of uterine atony, mechanical methods, including balloon tamponade (Fig. 2A) and uterine com- pression sutures (Fig. 2B), can be lifesaving. Balloon tamponade systems, such as the Bakri balloon, first described in 2001,26 involve instill- ing fluid (to a maximum volume of approxi- mately 500 ml) into an intrauterine balloon, with removal of the balloon up to 24 hours after insertion; the tamponade effect of the filled bal- loon is intended to stop or reduce intrauterine bleeding.27 A 2020 systematic review and meta- analysis concluded that uterine balloon tampon- ade systems appear to be safe,28 with a success rate of more than 85% in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Uterine compression sutures, also known as “brace sutures,” were first described in 1997 by B-Lynch and colleagues and were shown to be highly effective in controlling postpartum hem- orrhage.29 Since 1997, several other compression suture techniques have been described.30-36 Some techniques involve sutures that enter the uterine cavity34 and abut the anterior and posterior walls of the uterus, with a potential to increase the risk of uterine synechiae, but other techniques do not.29,36 Several systematic reviews of case series have shown a combined success rate of more than 90% with the use of brace sutures in managing postpartum hemorrhage.37,38 Uterine necrosis and intrauterine synechiae are possible complications of uterine compression proce- dures.39,40 The frequency of successful pregnancy after management of postpartum hemorrhage with uterine compression sutures has ranged from 11 to 75%.37 Uterine and vaginal packing has been used successfully in cases of postpartum hemor- rhage, but it is not routinely recommended be- cause of the potential for intrauterine infection.41 Although a positive tamponade test (decreased bleeding with bimanual uterine compression involving a hand on the maternal abdomen to compress the uterine fundus from above and a hand in the vagina to compress from below) has not been rigorously studied in postpartum hem- orrhage trials, it is a reasonable pretest to con- sider using before choosing uterine balloon place- ment or compression sutures.42 In severe cases of postpartum hemorrhage, when pharmacologic therapy, uterine compres- sion or tamponade, and other conservative mea- sures have failed to control bleeding, surgical The New England Journal of Medicine Downloaded from nejm.org by Damian Absalon Herrera Gonzales on May 11, 2021. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
  • 5. n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1639 Postpartum Hemorrhage Table 1. Medical Therapy for Postpartum Hemorrhage.* Medication Mechanism of Action Route of Administration and Dose Concerns and Contraindications Adverse Effects First-line therapy: oxytocin Stimulates oxytocin receptors in the uterus IV route, 10–40 IU/500–1000 ml of lactated Ringer’s solution; IM or IMM route, 5–10 IU for up to 4 doses SIADH, hypotension Rapid bolus administration may cause hyponatre- mia, hypotension, tachy- cardia, and arrhythmia Second-line therapy Methylergonovine maleate (ergot alkaloid) Partial agonist or antagonist at serotoninergic, dopaminergic, α 1 -adrenergic receptors in the uterus IM or IMM route, 0.2 mg every 2–4 hr, for a maximum of 5 doses; oral route, 0.2 mg every 6–8 hr for 2–7 days Hypertension, cardiovascular disease (stroke, Renaud’s disease) Elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, myo- cardial infarction Carboprost tromethamine (PGF 2α ) PGF 2α agonist in uterine myometrium IM or IMM route, 250 μg every 15–90 min for a maximum of 8 doses Asthma, cardiovascular disease, hepatic disease, renal disease Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Adjunctive agents Tranexamic acid Diminishes the dissolution of hemostatic fibrin by plasmin, stabilizing clot in uterine vessels IV route, 1 g (100 mg/ml) over a 10-min period; if bleeding persists after 30 min or stops and restarts within 24 hr after the first dose, a second dose may be administered Contraindicated if known hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid, thromboembolic event during pregnancy, history of hypercoagulopathy Headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, diarrhea Recombinant factor VIIa Activates clotting cascade by cleaving factor IX and factor X, which activates these fac- tors and leads to activation of thrombin and fibrin IV route, 50–100 μg/kg (single dose) Severe anemia, severe thrombocytope- nia, hyperfibrinogenemia, allergy to mouse, hamster, or bovine proteins Thromboembolic events, cerebrovascular infarcts, myocardial infarction Treatment of uncertain useful- ness: misoprostol PGE 1 agonist in the uterine myometrium Sublingual, oral, or rectal route (sublingual route preferred), 600–1000 μg in single dose; repeat doses not recommended Sepsis, allergy to misoprostol, concurrent anticoagulant therapy, cardiovascular disease; efficacy is disputed Nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea * I M denotes intramuscular, IMM intramyometrial, IV intravascular, PGE 1 prostaglandin E 1 , PGF 2α 15-methyl prostaglandin F 2α , and SIADH syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hor- mone secretion. The New England Journal of Medicine Downloaded from nejm.org by Damian Absalon Herrera Gonzales on May 11, 2021. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
  • 6. n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1640 The new engl and jour nal of medicine A Bakri Balloon Tamponade B Uterine Compression B-Lynch Suture C Ovarian ligament Fallopian tube Round ligament Ovarian artery Ligated ascending uterine artery for hemorrhage control Ligature Ovarian suspensory ligament Uterus Vagina Cervix Ovary Uterus Ureter Section of uterine wall showing suture path Internal iliac artery Uterine artery Round Round Round Round Round Suture ligament Inflated intrauterine balloon providing compression and hemorrhage control Suture providing uterine compression and hemorrhage control Uterine Artery Ligation Syringe with sterile liquid used for balloon inflation 5 0 6 0 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 Broad ligament Myometrium Ligature The New England Journal of Medicine Downloaded from nejm.org by Damian Absalon Herrera Gonzales on May 11, 2021. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
  • 7. n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1641 Postpartum Hemorrhage methods can be lifesaving. Bilateral uterine ar- tery ligation (Fig. 2C) is an appropriate next step at the time of laparotomy. Described by Waters in 195243 and by O’Leary and O’Leary in 1966,44 this surgical technique involves suture ligation of the uterine vessels on the lateral aspect of the lower uterine segment. If bilateral uterine artery ligation fails, the vessels of the utero-ovarian pedicle can be suture-ligated in a stepwise fash- ion (bilateral utero-ovarian artery ligation). Inter- nal iliac artery ligation, initially described in 1964 by Burchell et al. for controlling postpar- tum hemorrhage,45 is usually a suture ligation procedure of last resort, with a 50 to 60% suc- cess rate, but it has largely fallen out of favor because of the extent of surgical dissection that is necessary.45 Hysterectomy (total or supracervi- cal) for the control of postpartum hemorrhage can be a lifesaving procedure.10 Use of Blood Products Although there are no strict criteria for initiating blood transfusion in cases of postpartum hem- orrhage, transfusion is typically begun when the estimated blood loss exceeds 1500 ml or when hemodynamic changes become apparent.10,46 If the need arises, massive blood transfusion (de- fined as infusion of ≥10 units of packed red cells in a 24-hour period or ≥4 units of packed red cells within 1 hour)47 is initiated. No data from randomized clinical trials provide the ratio for transfusing blood products in obstetrics10 ; the obstetrical protocols for transfusion of packed red cells, fresh-frozen plasma, and platelets in a ratio of 6:4:1, 4:4:1, or 1:1:1 were derived from the trauma literature.48,49 Treatment goals are to maintain the hemoglobin level at more than 8 g per deciliter, the fibrinogen level at more than 2 g per liter, the platelet count at more than 50,000 per microliter, and the activated partial- thromboplastin and prothrombin times at less than 1.5 times the normal values, on the basis of practical guidelines such as those established by the British Committee for Standards in Hae- matology.50 In an observational study, thrombo- elastography or rotational thromboelastometry was recommended for maintaining adequate coagulation while managing severe postpartum hemorrhage.51 Blood-product replacement ther- apy for the management of postpartum hemor- rhage, when to administer it, and dosage recom- mendations are listed in Table 2. Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders The frequency of peripartum hysterectomy per- formed for the management of postpartum hemorrhage due to PAS disorders continues to rise with increased cesarean delivery rates.52 There is insufficient evidence to determine the optimal time of delivery; however, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists rec- ommends planned cesarean delivery, with or without hysterectomy, at 34 weeks to 35 weeks 6 days of gestation in cases of PAS disorders, whereas the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists53 recommends delivery between 35 weeks and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation. Cesarean hysterectomy in women with PAS disorders is a complex procedure. When per- formed by obstetricians and gynecologists with expertise in complex pelvic surgery, working in collaboration with other surgical specialties, such as vascular surgery, interventional radiology, urology, and hematology, cesarean hysterectomy has the potential to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.54 Both ureters may be stented before the procedure to facilitate their identifica- tion and reduce the risk of injury during the procedure, especially if extensive pelvic dissec- tion is anticipated.55 In women thought to be at very high risk for placenta percreta, placement of balloon catheters in the internal iliac arteries immediately before the procedure, with inflation immediately after delivery of the fetus, may re- duce intraoperative bleeding.55 Although defini- tive management of PAS disorders involves im- mediate hysterectomy with the placenta left in situ, some experts recommend expectant man- agement and delayed hysterectomy in selected cases in order to minimize hemorrhage and the need for massive blood transfusion.56 In planned cases of cesarean hysterectomy, a midline verti- cal incision should ideally be used, since it mini- mizes dissection of tissue planes that may bleed if coagulopathy develops and provides good visu- alization of the abdomen, uterine pedicles, and pelvis. Figure 2 (facing page). Mechanical Methods for Managing Uterine Atony. Panel A shows balloon tamponade (with a Bakri balloon), Panel B uterine compression sutures (B-Lynch sutures, placed according to the numbers, from 1 to 6), and Panel C uterine artery ligation. The New England Journal of Medicine Downloaded from nejm.org by Damian Absalon Herrera Gonzales on May 11, 2021. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
  • 8. n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1642 The new engl and jour nal of medicine Management of Uterine Inversion Uterine inversion, a protrusion of the uterus through the vaginal orifice at the time of deliv- ery, can cause postpartum hemorrhage and hypo- tension, which may be disproportionate to blood loss. The first step in management is immediate manual replacement of the uterus (with the pla- centa still in place). If this attempt is unsuccess- ful, relaxing the uterus with tocolytic agents (nitroglycerin, terbutaline, magnesium sulfate, or halothane) is an appropriate next step.57 If replac- ing the uterus is still unsuccessful, laparotomy can be performed, followed by one of several techniques: reduction of the uterine inversion back into the abdomen by gentle upward trac- tion with Allis clamps placed at both uterine cornua (Huntington’s method)58 ; posterior longi- tudinal incision of the cervical ring, followed by gentle upward traction of the uterus with Allis clamps placed at both cornua (Haultain’s meth- od)59 ; or placement of a Silastic cup of a vacuum extractor on the fundus from above and use of negative pressure to restore the uterus back to its normal position (Antonelli’s method).60 Once the uterus is replaced, uterotonic agents are ad- ministered to aid uterine contraction, and man- ual extraction of the placenta may be performed. Other Management Approaches A nonpneumatic antishock garment has been used in the treatment of hypovolemic shock from postpartum hemorrhage. The garment is worn to decrease blood flow in the aorta and increase venous return from the inferior vena cava,61 making it an invaluable device in cases of hypo- volemic shock to temporarily maintain blood pressure while awaiting definitive management.62 If the patient’s condition is stable enough for the patient to be transported to the radiology suite and preservation of fertility is desired, uterine artery embolization (often as a supplement to intrauterine balloon tamponade) can be consid- ered. The uterine artery embolization procedure involves injection of gelatin or polyvinyl alcohol particles into the uterine artery or the anterior division of the internal iliac arteries through the femoral arteries with the use of the Seldinger technique under fluoroscopic and ultrasonograph- ic guidance.63 Success rates in the control of postpartum hemorrhage range from 75 to 100%,64 and pregnancy after uterine artery embolization has been reported in 43 to 48% of women.65,66 Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage Secondary postpartum hemorrhage accounts for approximately 1 to 2% of cases.10 The causes include uterine subinvolution, retained products of conception, endomyometritis, uterine vascular disorders such as arteriovenous malformations, and coagulopathies such as von Willebrand dis- ease.10 Management of secondary postpartum hemorrhage is directed at correcting the sus- pected cause of the hemorrhage.10 Complications of Postpartum Hemorrhage In the immediate postpartum period, complica- tions of postpartum hemorrhage include hypo- volemic shock from massive blood loss, dissemi- nated intravascular coagulopathy, acute renal failure, hepatic failure, and complications of blood transfusion, including transfusion-related acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syn- Table 2. Blood-Product Replacement Therapy for Postpartum Hemorrhage. Blood Product Component Therapy Dose When to Administer Packed red cells Red cells 1 Unit is 450 ml in volume and is expected to increase the maternal hemoglobin level by 1 g/dl If hemoglobin 7 or 8 g/dl (depending on local protocols and coexisting maternal conditions) Fresh-frozen plasma Plasma proteins, clotting factors (except platelets), fibrinogen, anticoagulants (proteins C and S) 1 Unit is approximately 250 ml in volume; a dose of 10–20 ml/kg will increase clotting factors by 10–20% After every 1, 4, or 6 units of packed red cells (depending on local protocols) or if prothrombin time is prolonged (INR or aPTT 1.5 times the normal value)* Platelet concentrate Platelets 1 Pack of pooled platelets If platelet count 75,000/μl or after every 1, 4, or 6 units of packed red cells Cryoprecipitate Factor VIII, fibrinogen 2 Pools of cryoprecipitate If fibrinogen 1 or 2 g/liter * The abbreviation aPTT denotes activated partial-thromboplastin time, and INR international normalized ratio. The New England Journal of Medicine Downloaded from nejm.org by Damian Absalon Herrera Gonzales on May 11, 2021. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
  • 9. n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1643 Postpartum Hemorrhage drome, transfusion-associated circulatory over- load, and death.10,67 Late complications such as Sheehan’s syndrome (pituitary necrosis and pan- hypopituitarism) and infertility may also occur.10,67 It is critical to manage postpartum hemorrhage promptly and adequately in order to minimize the risk of these complications. Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage Preventive measures for postpartum hemorrhage should be undertaken when possible, ideally beginning before conception, with identification of women at high risk and interventions to in- crease iron stores and hemoglobin levels when necessary. Screening women during pregnancy and labor for risk factors for postpartum hemor- rhage can be useful in the preparation for deliv- ery, including identifying an appropriate loca- tion for delivery (Table 3). Blood typing and screening are important for women at moderate risk for postpartum hemorrhage, whereas those at high risk should undergo blood typing and cross-matching of at least 2 units of packed red cells in anticipation of possible postpartum hemorrhage. Active management of the third stage of labor, including prophylactic use of uterotonic agents and controlled umbilical cord traction, has been shown to reduce blood loss during this stage68 and to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage by approximately 66%, as compared with expectant management.68 However, con- trolled umbilical cord traction has limited bene- fits in cases of severe postpartum hemorrhage and may lead to uterine inversion if the manage- ment team is inexperienced.69 Another method, early cord clamping, can result in decreased neo- natal iron stores and an increased risk of infant anemia70 and therefore is no longer recom- mended as a component of active management of the third stage. Uterine massage, although a mainstay of management, has not been consis- tently shown to be beneficial in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.22 Prediction of Postpartum Hemorrhage Identification of patients at risk for postpartum hemorrhage, early intervention with the use of standardized protocols, and a coordinated, team- based approach once hemorrhage occurs have been shown to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality.7,71 Prenatal diagnosis of PAS disorders in women who have undergone prior uterine surgery is invaluable for surgical planning.72 Al- though obstetrical ultrasonography (color Dop- pler or three-dimensional power Doppler) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have similar diagnostic accuracy in detecting PAS disorders (sensitivity of approximately 94% and specificity of approximately 84%),73 MRI can complement ultrasonography in assessing the depth of uter- ine muscular and parametrial invasion.72 Catego- rization of patients on admission to labor and delivery into risk strata (low, medium, or high risk) (Table 3) may identify up to 85% of preg- nant women at risk for postpartum hemor- rhage,74 with negative predictive values of more than 98%.71,75 In a case–control study, Nyfløt et al. showed that prolonged active labor (duration 12 hr) is associated with an increased risk of severe postpartum hemorrhage.76 Risk stratifica- tion can help the multidisciplinary team to be alert to a patient’s risk and make informed choices about the need for and availability of intravenous access, uterotonic medications, blood products, and additional personnel. Table 3. Classification of Postpartum Hemorrhage Risk and Potential Need for Transfusion. Risk Level (Preparation for Transfusion) Defining Factors Low risk (having blood speci- men available in case blood products become needed) No previous uterine incision Singleton pregnancy ≤4 Previous vaginal deliveries No known bleeding disorders No history of postpartum hemorrhage Medium risk (blood typing and screening) Prior cesarean delivery or uterine surgery Multiple gestation 4 Previous vaginal deliveries Chorioamnionitis History of postpartum hemorrhage Large uterine fibroids Fetal death Estimated fetal weight 4000 g Morbid obesity (body-mass index 40)* High risk (blood typing and cross-matching of at least 2 units of packed red cells) Placenta previa or low-lying placenta Suspected placenta accreta spectrum Hemoglobin 10 mg/dl and other risk factors Platelet count 100,000/μl Active bleeding on admission Known coagulopathy * The body-mass index is the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters. The New England Journal of Medicine Downloaded from nejm.org by Damian Absalon Herrera Gonzales on May 11, 2021. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
  • 10. n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1644 The new engl and jour nal of medicine Conclusions Postpartum hemorrhage remains a clinically significant cause of maternal complications and death; worldwide, one woman dies from postpartum hemorrhage every 7 minutes. There- fore, prompt identification of patients who are at risk for postpartum hemorrhage, routine ac- tive management of the third stage of labor, expeditious assessment of blood loss, appropri- ate patient monitoring, and management of postpartum hemorrhage are important.77 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with the full text of this article at NEJM.org. References 1. Making pregnancy safer. Geneva:​ World Health Organization, 2007 (https:// www​.­who​.­int/​­maternal_child_adolescent/​ ­documents/​­newsletter/​­mps_newsletter_ issue4​.­pdf). 2. Say L, Chou D, Gemmill A, et al. Global causes of maternal death: a WHO systematic analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2014;​2(6):​e323-e333. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion. Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance Sys- tem. Trends in pregnancy-related mortality in the United States: 1987-2017 (graph) (https://www​.­cdc​.­gov/​­reproductivehealth/​ ­maternal​-­mortality/​­pregnancy​-­mortality​ -­surveillance​-­system​.­htm). 4. Borovac-Pinheiro A, Pacagnella RC, Cecatti JG, et al. Postpartum hemorrhage: new insights for definition and diagnosis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018;​ 219:​ 162-8. 5. Centers for Disease Control and Pre- vention. Postpartum hemorrhage, 1993-2014 (graph) (https://www​.­cdc​.­gov/​­reproductive health/​­maternalinfanthealth/​­pregnancy​ -­complications​-­data​.­htm#post). 6. Meher S. How should we diagnose and assess the severity of PPH in clinical trials? Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynae- col 2019;​61:​41-54. 7. Quantitative blood loss in obstetric hemorrhage: ACOG committee opinion, number 794. Obstet Gynecol 2019;​ 134(6):​ e150-e156. 8. Dahlke JD, Mendez-Figueroa H, Mag- gio L, et al. Prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage: a comparison of 4 national guidelines. Am J Obstet Gy- necol 2015;​213(1):​76.e1-76.e10. 9. Dobiesz VA, Robinson DW. Trauma in pregnancy. In:​Walls RM, Hockberger R, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s emergency medicine: concepts and clinical practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia:​Elsevier, 2017:​ 2314- 22. 10. Committee on Practice Bulletins- Obstetrics. Practice bulletin no. 183: post- partum hemorrhage. Obstet Gynecol 2017;​ 130(4):​e168-e186. 11. Pacagnella RC, Souza JP, Durocher J, et al. A systematic review of the relation- ship between blood loss and clinical signs. PLoS One 2013;​8(3):​e57594. 12. Prevention and management of post- partum haemorrhage: Green-top Guide- line no. 52. BJOG 2017;​ 124(5):​ e106-e149. 13. Cho HY, Na S, Kim MD, et al. Imple- mentation of a multidisciplinary clinical pathway for the management of postpar- tum hemorrhage: a retrospective study. Int J Qual Health Care 2015;​ 27:​ 459-65. 14. Bose P, Regan F, Paterson-Brown S. Improving the accuracy of estimated blood loss at obstetric haemorrhage using clinical reconstructions. BJOG 2006;​ 113:​ 919-24. 15. Diaz V, Abalos E, Carroli G. Methods for blood loss estimation after vaginal birth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018;​ 9:​CD010980. 16. Gerdessen L, Meybohm P, Choorapoi- kayil S, et al. Comparison of common perioperative blood loss estimation tech- niques: a systematic review and meta- analysis. J Clin Monit Comput 2020 Au- gust 19 (Epub ahead of print). 17. Alderson P, Schierhout G, Roberts I, Bunn F. Colloids versus crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in critically ill pa- tients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;​ 2:​ CD000567. 18. WHO guidelines for the management of postpartum haemorrhage and retained placenta. Geneva:​World Health Organi- zation, 2009. 19. Carlan SJ, Scott WT, Pollack R, Harris K. Appearance of the uterus by ultra- sound immediately after placental deliv- ery with pathologic correlation. J Clin Ultrasound 1997;​25:​301-8. 20. Porreco RP, Stettler RW. Surgical rem- edies for postpartum hemorrhage. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2010;​53:​182-95. 21. ACOG practice bulletin no. 120: use of prophylactic antibiotics in labor and delivery. Obstet Gynecol 2011;​ 117:​ 1472- 83. 22. Hofmeyr GJ, Abdel-Aleem H, Abdel- Aleem MA. Uterine massage for prevent- ing postpartum haemorrhage. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;​ 7:​ CD006431. 23. Butwick AJ, Carvalho B, Blumenfeld YJ, El-Sayed YY, Nelson LM, Bateman BT. Second-line uterotonics and the risk of hemorrhage-related morbidity. Am J Ob- stet Gynecol 2015;​212(5):​642.e1-642.e7. 24. Tunçalp Ö, Hofmeyr GJ, Gülmezoglu AM. Prostaglandins for preventing post- partum haemorrhage. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;​8:​CD000494. 25. Gallos ID, Papadopoulou A, Man R, et al. Uterotonic agents for preventing post- partum haemorrhage: a network meta- analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018;​12:​CD011689. 26. Bakri YN, Amri A, Abdul Jabbar F. Tamponade-balloon for obstetrical bleed- ing. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2001;​ 74:​ 139-42. 27. Vintejoux E, Ulrich D, Mousty E, et al. Success factors for Bakri balloon usage secondary to uterine atony: a retrospec- tive, multicentre study. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2015;​55:​572-7. 28. Suarez S, Conde-Agudelo A, Borovac- Pinheiro A, et al. Uterine balloon tam- ponade for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta- analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020;​ 222:​ (4)293.e1-293.e52. 29. B-Lynch C, Coker A, Lawal AH, Abu J, Cowen MJ. The B-Lynch surgical tech- nique for the control of massive postpar- tum haemorrhage: an alternative to hys- terectomy? Five cases reported. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1997;​104:​372-5. 30. Ouahba J, Piketty M, Huel C, et al. Uterine compression sutures for postpar- tum bleeding with uterine atony. BJOG 2007;​114:​619-22. 31. Zheng J, Xiong X, Ma Q, Zhang X, Li M. A new uterine compression suture for postpartum haemorrhage with atony. BJOG 2011;​118:​370-4. 32. Marasinghe JP, Condous G, Senevi- ratne HR, Marasinghe U. Modified an- chored B-Lynch uterine compression su- ture for post partum bleeding with uterine atony. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2011;​90:​280-3. 33. Pereira A, Nunes F, Pedroso S, Saraiva J, Retto H, Meirinho M. Compressive uter- ine sutures to treat postpartum bleeding secondary to uterine atony. Obstet Gyne- col 2005;​106:​569-72. 34. Cho JH, Jun HS, Lee CN. Hemostatic suturing technique for uterine bleeding during cesarean delivery. Obstet Gynecol 2000;​96:​129-31. 35. Hayman RG, Arulkumaran S, Steer PJ. Uterine compression sutures: surgical management of postpartum hemorrhage. Obstet Gynecol 2002;​99:​502-6. 36. Esike COU. A uterus-preserving treat- ment for uncontrollable postpartum hem- orrhage: Esike’s technique. Obstet Gyne- col 2020;​136:​466-9. 37. Matsubara S, Yano H, Ohkuchi A, Ku- wata T, Usui R, Suzuki M. Uterine com- pression sutures for postpartum hemor- The New England Journal of Medicine Downloaded from nejm.org by Damian Absalon Herrera Gonzales on May 11, 2021. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
  • 11. n engl j med 384;17 nejm.org April 29, 2021 1645 Postpartum Hemorrhage rhage: an overview. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2013;​92:​378-85. 38. Mallappa Saroja CS, Nankani A, El- Hamamy E. Uterine compression sutures, an update: review of efficacy, safety and complications of B-Lynch suture and other uterine compression techniques for post- partum haemorrhage. Arch Gynecol Ob- stet 2010;​281:​581-8. 39. B-Lynch C. Partial ischemic necrosis of the uterus following a uterine brace com- pression suture. BJOG 2005;​ 112:​ 126-7. 40. Joshi VM, Shrivastava M. Partial ische­ mic necrosis of the uterus following a uterine brace compression suture. BJOG 2004;​111:​279-80. 41. Dildy GA III. Postpartum hemor- rhage: new management options. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2002;​45:​330-44. 42. Sebghati M, Chandraharan E. An up- date on the risk factors for and manage- ment of obstetric haemorrhage. Womens Health (Lond) 2017;​13:​34-40. 43. Waters EG. 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