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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) in preventing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) among women with identified risk factors for PPH undergoing vaginal delivery in China. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) trial enrolled 2258 women with one or more risk factors for PPH who underwent vaginal delivery. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive an intravascular infusion of 1 g TXA or a placebo immediately after the delivery of the infant. The primary outcome assessed was the incidence of PPH, defined as blood loss ≥500 mL within 24 h after delivery, while severe PPH was considered as a secondary outcome and defined by total blood loss ≥1000 mL within 24 h. RESULTS: 2245 individuals (99.4%) could be followed up to their primary outcome. PPH occurred in 186 of 1128 women in the TXA group and in 215 of 1117 women in the placebo group (16.5% vs. 19.2%; RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.02; p = 0.088). Regarding secondary outcomes related to efficacy, women in the TXA group had a significant lower rate of severe PPH than those in the placebo group (2.7% vs. 5.6%; RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.74; p = 0.001; adjusted p = 0.002). Similarly, there was a significant reduction in the use of additional uterotonic agents (7.8% vs. 15.6%; RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.63; p < 0.001; adjusted p = 0.001). No occurrence of thromboembolic events and maternal deaths were reported in both groups within 30 days after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: In total population with risk factors for PPH, the administration of TXA following vaginal delivery did not result in a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of PPH compared to placebo; however, it was associated with a significantly lower incidence of severe PPH.

Prophylactic administration of TXA did not yield a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of PPH among women with risk factors in vaginal deliveries.Prophylactic use of TXA may help to reduce the incidence of severe PPH.

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OBJECTIVE: To analyse temporal trends for primary Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH), Major Obstetric Haemorrhage (MOH) between 2005 and 2021 and to examine the causes and factors contributing to the risk of PPH during 2017-2021. METHODS: International ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes from hospital discharge records were used to identify cases of PPH. Temporal trends in PPH and MOH incidence were illustrated graphically. Poisson regression was used to assess the time trends and to examine factors associated with the risk of PPH during 2017-2021. RESULTS: A total of 1,003,799 childbirth hospitalisations were recorded; 5.6% included a diagnosis of primary PPH. Risk increased almost fourfold from 2.5% in 2005 to 9.6% in 2021. The ICD-10 AM code for other immediate primary PPH was recorded for 85% of PPH cases in 2017-2021 whereas a diagnosis of uterine inertia/atony was associated with just 3.6% of the cases. Respectively, trauma-related, tissue-related and thrombin-related causes were associated with one third, 4.2% and 0.5% of cases. A wide range of factors relating to the woman including comorbidities, mode of delivery, labour-related interventions and associated traumas increased risk of PPH but placental complications, especially morbidly adherent placenta, were strong risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in detection and anticipation of placental complications may be effective in addressing the increasing trend of PPH, however, the trends of increasing C-sections and other interventions may also need to be addressed while staff education and quality improvement projects will have a role to play.

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OBJECTIVE: While there have been numerous innovations recently for the management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), a limited body of research supports their application during this critical complication, which contributes significantly to maternal mortality worldwide. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three interventions - transvaginal uterine artery clamp (TVUAC), vacuum-assisted uterine contraction using a suction cannula (SC), and condom tamponade (CT) - in the management of atonic PPH. METHODS: An open-label RCT was conducted among women who delivered vaginally and developed atonic PPH at a tertiary care obstetric facility. Block randomization with sealed envelopes was used to allocate eligible participants into three interventional arms with a 1:1:1 ratio. The exclusion criteria were twin deliveries, haemodynamically unstable patients, and individuals who did not provide informed consent. The primary outcome variables assessed were blood loss post-application, total blood loss, time taken for application, and time required to achieve haemostasis within each trial arm. The secondary outcomes were the need for a second instrument or surgical intervention to control bleeding, and requirement for blood transfusion. Effectiveness outcomes were analysed as intention-to-treat, whilst safety outcomes were analysed as as-treated. RESULTS: Sixteen participants were randomized to each intervention group (n = 48). TVUAC and SC demonstrated comparable outcomes, while CT lagged in all examined parameters. Following device application, blood loss was similar in both the TVUAC (235 ± 187 ml) and SC (246.5 ± 189 ml) groups. However, following the use of CT, there was blood loss of 431 ± 427 ml, although this difference was not significant (p = 0.113). When considering total blood loss, the TVUAC group (903 ± 234 ml) showed slightly higher values than the SC group (887 ± 184 ml). However, the CT group exhibited notably higher total blood loss (1068 ± 455 ml) than the TVUAC and SC groups. In terms of application time, both TVUAC (1.8 ± 1.1 min) and SC (1.6 ± 0.9 min) significantly outperformed CT (3 ± 1.3 min) (p = 0.002). Furthermore, the time interval from the diagnosis of PPH to achieving haemostasis (defined as the time taken for active haemostasis) was significantly shorter in the TVUAC group (6 ± 4 min) and the SC group (5.7 ± 1.6 min) compared with the CT group (9.7 ± 3.8 min) (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: TVUAC and SC are more effective for the management of PPH than CT. However, both TVUAC and SC have advantages and disadvantages. While these results suggest a potential preference for TVUAC and SC over CT for the management of PPH, further research is necessary to validate these findings.

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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and subsequent cardiovascular disease. DESIGN: Population-based retrospective cohort study, using record linkage between Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank (AMND) and Scottish healthcare data sets. SETTING: Grampian region, Scotland. POPULATION: A cohort of 70 904 women who gave birth after 24 weeks of gestation in the period 1986-2016. METHODS: We used extended Cox regression models to investigate the association between having had one or more occurrences of PPH in any (first or subsequent) births (exposure) and subsequent cardiovascular disease, adjusted for sociodemographic, medical, and pregnancy and birth-related factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cardiovascular disease identified from the prescription of selected cardiovascular medications, hospital discharge records or death from cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: In our cohort of 70 904 women (with 124 795 birth records), 25 177 women (36%) had at least one PPH. Compared with not having a PPH, having at least one PPH was associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as defined above, in the first year after birth (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.51-2.53; p < 0.001). The association was attenuated over time, but strong evidence of increased risk remained at 2-5 years (aHR 1.19, 95% CI 1.11-1.30, P < 0.001) and at 6-15 years after giving birth (aHR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05-1.30, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with women who have never had a PPH, women who have had at least one episode of PPH are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease in the first year after birth, and some increased risk persists for up to 15 years.

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Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity on a global scale. Ethnic background is known to be a determinant of variation in the outcomes of women receiving maternity care across the world. Despite free maternity healthcare in the UK National Health Service, women with an ethnic minority background giving birth have an increased risk of PPH, even when other characteristics of the mother, the baby and the care received are considered. Improving PPH care has significant implications for improving health equity. The underlying causes of ethnic disparities are complex and multifaceted. It requires a deep dive into analysing the unique patient factors that make these women more likely to suffer from a PPH as well as reflecting on the efficacy of intra and postpartum care and prophylactic treatment these women receive.

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PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes and complications of prophylactic internal iliac balloon occlusion (PIIBO) in the management of patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) at a large regional referral centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all PIIBO for PAS performed over a 12-year period (2010-2022). Information for analysis was gathered from the local RIS/PACS and clinical documentation. Collected data included patient demographics, indication for procedure, sheath insertion and removal time, total duration of balloon inflation and complications that occurred. RESULTS: 106 patients underwent temporary internal iliac artery balloon occlusion within the 12-year period. All procedures utilised bilateral common femoral artery punctures, 6Fr sheath and 5Fr Le Maitre occlusion balloons. Catheters were successfully positioned and balloons inflated in obstetric theatre following caesarean delivery in 100% of the cases. The uterus was conserved in every case. There was no maternal mortality or foetal morbidity. Twenty patients (18.9%) had some form of complication that required further intervention. Of these, 7(6.6%) had post-operative PPH, which was treated with uterine artery embolisation; and 13 (12.3%) had arterial thrombus which required aspiration thrombectomy. All procedures were technically successful with no long-term sequelae. CONCLUSION: PIIBO plays an important part in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with PAS. Clear pathways and multidisciplinary team working is critical in the management of these patients to ensure that any complications are dealt with promptly to avoid long-term sequelae.

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BACKGROUND: Re-exploration following caesarean birth and the associated maternal morbidity has not been investigated in the UK. Our aims were to determine the national incidence and identify the associated risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational case-control study across 194 UK consultant-led maternity units in women whose caesarean birth was complicated by a re-exploration. Independent factors for re-exploration were analysed using multivariable multi-level mixed effects logistic regression. RESULTS: Over the study period (1 June 2021 and 31 May 2022) 238,423 caesarean births were recorded across the UK of which 187 women underwent re-exploration, giving an incidence of one re-exploration per 1282 caesarean births (95%CI 1:1099-1:1471). Haemorrhage (124/187, 66.3%) and sepsis (31/187, 16.6%) were the most common findings at re-exploration. Median (IQR [range]) time interval to re-exploration following the caesarean birth was 1 (0-4 [0-28]) day. Mechanical ventilation was required in 34 (18.6%) women, cardiac arrest was reported in 5 (2.7%) and 3 (1.6%) women died. Independent preceding factors associated with a re-exploration included: receipt of blood transfusion (adjusted OR (95%CI) 8.25 (2.66-25.61)); use of a general anaesthetic (adjusted OR (95%CI) 3.33 (1.61-6.88)); pre-eclampsia (adjusted OR (95%CI) 3.27 (1.55-6.91)); black ethnicity (adjusted OR (95%CI) 3.14 (1.39-7.11)); postpartum haemorrhage (adjusted OR (95%CI) 2.82 (1.81-4.37)); use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs pre-caesarean birth (adjusted OR (95%CI) 2.26 (1.35-3.81)); and emergency caesarean birth (adjusted OR (95%CI) 1.89 (1.01-3.57)). CONCLUSION: Re-exploration following caesarean birth in the UK is uncommon but is associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality. These study findings will help guide informed consent and encourage appropriate surveillance of high-risk women postpartum.

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Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a frequent complication of childbirth that is difficult to predict. Predelivery coagulation biomarkers may help to guide preventive strategies. Our objective was to evaluate the association of predelivery haemostatic biomarkers with non-severe PPH. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted within the « Study of Biological Determinants of Bleeding Postpartum ¼ in order to compare different haemostatic biomarkers in plasma from pregnant women with non-severe PPH (cases) and controls without PPH matched for age, body mass index, term, and mode of delivery. Blood was collected at entry in the delivery room. Global haemostatic assays (thrombin generation assay (TGA) and plasmin generation assay (PGA)) were then performed on freshly thawed aliquots of platelet-poor plasma. Results: A total of 370 pregnant women (185 cases and 185 controls) were included. Median [interquartile range] predelivery platelet count was lower in PPH cases than in controls (217 [181-259] versus 242 [196-280] G/L). TGA and PGA parameters were similar between cases and controls. In a subset analysis of vaginal deliveries (n = 144), median predelivery TGA thrombin peak was lower, and median predelivery PGA lag phase was longer in cases compared to controls. In multivariable analysis, only predelivery platelet count was independently associated with non-severe PPH. Conclusions: Predelivery platelet count is associated with non-severe PPH. Differences in other haemostatic parameters are tenuous, questioning their usefulness in predicting non-severe PPH.

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BACKGROUND: Unskilled health professionals in healthcare systems are contributing to the high numbers of maternal mortality in Malawi. It is therefore essential that midwifery students acquire postpartum hemorrhage management clinical skills, especially in view of high maternal mortality, with postpartum hemorrhage being the leading cause. However, there is limited evidence on how the teaching is conducted with regard to students' learning of postpartum hemorrhage management clinical skills. PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe the current teaching of postpartum hemorrhage management clinical skills in undergraduate nursing and midwifery program in Malawi. METHODS: The study applied a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Data were collected through ten individual interviews with lecturers and three focus group discussions with twenty-four students in a midwifery education program in Malawi. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) there are various teaching and learning approaches for postpartum hemorrhage management in use and (2) unpreparedness of midwifery students in postpartum hemorrhage management for patient care. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that teaching of postpartum hemorrhage management clinical skills in an undergraduate nursing and midwifery programme in Malawi focuses on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills, leaving midwifery students unprepared for postpartum hemorrhage management during clinical practice. The findings from the present study may provide knowledge guiding revision of the curriculum for the undergraduate nursing and midwifery programme in Malawi to consider global standards of midwifery education; enhance the lecturer to student ratio to provide the students with appropriate supervision; and to employ innovative teaching and learning strategies that promote peer education and skills practice among midwifery students. In addition, to conduct more research related to various teaching approaches in nursing and midwifery educational programs and among qualified midwives in Malawi. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Postpartum hemorrhage management education in undergraduate nursing and midwifery programme in Malawi focuses more on theory than clinical skills. Improving midwifery students' acquisition of postpartum hemorrhage management clinical skills is needed to ultimately help lower Malawi's maternal mortality ratio.

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BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of caesarean section as a delivery method is increasing worldwide. However, there is notable divergence among countries in their national guidelines regarding the optimal technique for blunt expansion hysterotomy of the low transverse uterine incision during caesarean section (cephalad-caudad or transverse). AIM: To compare the risk of severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) between cephalad-caudad and transverse blunt expansion hysterotomy during caesarean section. METHODS: This prospective comparative observational study was conducted in a university maternity hospital. All women who gave birth to one infant by caesarean section after 30 weeks of gestation between November 2020 and November 2021 were included in this study. The exclusion criteria were a coagulation disorder, the presence of placenta previa, multiple pregnancies, or enlargement of the hysterotomy with scissors. The choice between cephalad-caudad or transverse blunt expansion of the low transverse hysterotomy was left to the surgeon's discretion. The primary outcome measure was severe PPH, defined as estimated blood loss ≥ 1000 ml. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to assess the risk of severe PPH associated with the two methods of enlarging the low transverse hysterotomy. RESULTS: The study included 850 women, of whom 404 underwent transverse blunt expansion and 446 underwent cephalad-caudad blunt expansion. The overall incidence of severe PPH was 13.3 %. Univariate analysis revealed no significant difference in the frequency of severe PPH between the cephalad-caudad and transverse blunt expansion groups (13.9 % vs 12.6 %; p = 0.61). However, the use of additional surgical sutures (mainly additional haemostatic stitches) was less common with cephalad-caudad blunt expansion (26.7 % vs 36.9 %; p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed no significant difference in risk between the two techniques (odds ratio 1.17, 95 % confidence interval 0.77-1.78). CONCLUSION: No significant difference in the risk of severe PPH was found between cephalad-caudad and transverse blunt expansion of the low transverse hysterotomy during caesarean section.

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AIMS: To establish a comprehensive understanding of the roles of midwives and the challenges they encounter in the prevention, diagnosis and management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) following normal vaginal delivery. DESIGN: We conducted a scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) recommendations. METHODS: We considered studies related to the roles of midwives and the challenges they encounter in the prevention, diagnosis and management of PPH during vaginal delivery. We excluded guidelines, consensuses, abstracts of meetings and non-English language studies. Databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Medline, Embase, JBI EBP and BIOSIS Previews, were searched on January 1, 2023, with no time limitations. RESULTS: We included 28 publications. Midwives play important roles in the prevention, diagnosis and management of postpartum haemorrhage during vaginal delivery. In the prevention of PPH, midwives' roles include identifying and managing high-risk factors, managing labour and implementing skin-to-skin contact. In the diagnosis of PPH, midwives' roles include early recognition and blood loss estimation. In the management of PPH, midwives are involved in mobilizing other professional team members, emergency management, investigating causes, enhancing uterine contractions, the repair of perineal tears, arranging transfers and preparation for surgical intervention. However, midwives face substantial challenges, including insufficient knowledge and skills, poor teamwork skills, insufficient resources and the need to deal with their negative emotions. Midwives must improve their knowledge, skills and teamwork abilities. Health care system managers and the government should give full support to midwives. Future research should focus on developing clinical practice guidelines for midwives for preventing, diagnosing and managing postpartum haemorrhage.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postpartum anaemia is a prevalent health problem. We aimed to determine the compliance rate for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion indication among postpartum women in a single tertiary care centre in Quebec, Canada. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including all women ≥6 h postpartum who received ≥1 RBC transfusion during their delivery hospitalization between January 2005 and February 2022. We determined our centre's compliance rate by indication as compared to current society guidelines, all published after 2015 (Network for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management, Haemostasis and Thrombosis [NATA], Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [RCOG], American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG]). We then explored predictors of guideline non-compliance and described transfusion practices in our centre. RESULTS: A total of 171 women were included. Our centre's compliance rate was 79.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.7-84.8). Predictors of guideline non-compliance were maternal medical comorbidity or abnormal placentation, both limited by large CIs (odds ratio [OR] 2.26, CI 1.02-4.94, p = 0.04; OR 4.00, CI 1.31-12.06, p = 0.01, respectively). Postpartum haemorrhage was diagnosed among 68% of the cohort, mostly due to uterine atony (73.3%). Mean baseline and nadir haemoglobin were 111 g/L (±18) and 62 g/L (±7.7), respectively. Multiple unit initial transfusion was found in a majority of patients (63.7%). Iron therapy was administered to 51.5% of women in-hospital and 81.9% received an oral iron prescription at discharge. There were no differences in primary or secondary outcomes subsequent to relevant guideline publication. CONCLUSION: Our centre's compliance rate for RBC transfusion indication meets current practice guidelines. Areas for improvement include single-unit initial transfusion protocols and adjuvant iron treatment. Antenatal optimization of haemoglobin and ferritin stores may limit postpartum transfusions.

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BACKGROUND: Viscoelastometric haemostatic assays (VHA) give rapid information on coagulation status, allowing individualised resuscitation. METHODS: This paper compares outcomes from two observational studies of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in the same institution, before and after practice changed from fixed ratio empirical transfusion of coagulation products with laboratory coagulation testing to VHA-guided fibrinogen replacement incorporated into an enhanced PPH care bundle. In both studies, all blood samples were taken near 1000 mL qualitative blood loss (QBL). In Study One, QBL started once PPH was identified, and resuscitation with coagulation blood products was empirical or based on laboratory tests of coagulation. In Study Two, QBL started at delivery and VHA was used to guide fibrinogen replacement if FIBTEM A5 was <12 mm (Claus fibrinogen ≤2 g/L) or to withhold coagulation products if FIBTEM A5 was >12 mm. RESULTS: Improved PPH outcomes were observed in Study Two, with rates of measured blood loss ≥2500 mL, ≥4 units red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, fresh frozen plasma transfusion and ≥8 units of any blood product transfusion all reduced (P < 0.01). Clinically significant improvements occurred in women with fibrinogen ≤2 g/L at study entry, where the proportion of women who received ≥4 units RBC transfusion fell from 67% in Study One to 0% in Study Two (P = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that use of VHA as part of an early bundle of PPH care targeting fibrinogen ≤2 g/L with fibrinogen concentrate reduces PPH progression. The greatest benefit was seen when fibrinogen levels were ≤2 g/L at first testing.

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Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for PPH using early risk factors and rank their importance in terms of predictive ability. The dataset was obtained from an observational case-control study in northern Rwanda. Various statistical models and machine learning techniques were evaluated, including logistic regression, logistic regression with elastic-net regularisation, Random Forests, Extremely Randomised Trees, and gradient-boosted trees with XGBoost. The Random Forest model, with an average sensitivity of 80.7%, specificity of 71.3%, and a misclassification rate of 12.19%, outperformed the other models, demonstrating its potential as a reliable tool for predicting PPH. The important predictors identified in this study were haemoglobin level during labour and maternal age. However, there were differences in PPH risk factor importance in different data partitions, highlighting the need for further investigation. These findings contribute to understanding PPH risk factors, highlight the importance of considering different data partitions and implementing cross-validation in predictive modelling, and emphasise the value of identifying the appropriate prediction model for the application. Effective PPH prediction models are essential for improving maternal health outcomes on a global scale. This study provides valuable insights for healthcare providers to develop predictive models for PPH to identify high-risk women and implement targeted interventions.

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BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anaesthesia, but the incidence of this complication is not well defined. METHODS: We performed a retrospective database review in a tertiary care university hospital to determine the incidence of pulmonary aspiration in pregnant patients undergoing endotracheal intubation, with and without Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI), as well as face-mask ventilation and supraglottic airway devices. We included Patients in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy and immediate postpartum undergoing surgical procedures. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of pulmonary aspiration. RESULTS: Data from 2,390 patients undergoing general anaesthesia for cerclage of cervix uteri, manual removal of retained placenta, repair of obstetric laceration, or postpartum bleeding were retrospectively evaluated. A supraglottic airway device or face-mask ventilation was used in 1,425/2,390 (60%) of patients, while 638/2,390 (27%) were intubated. RSI was used in 522/638 (82%) of patients undergoing tracheal intubation, or 522/2,390 (22%) of the entire cohort. In-depth review of the charts, including 54 patients who had been initially classified as "possible pulmonary aspiration" by anaesthetists, revealed that this adverse event did not occur in the cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in this obstetric surgery patient population at risk for pulmonary aspiration, supraglottic airway devices were used in approximately 60% of cases. Yet, no aspiration event was detected with either a supraglottic airway or endotracheal intubation.

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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of severe postpartum haemorrhage among nulliparous women with a spontaneous onset of labour at term from 2000 to 2020. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. SETTING: National, using the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. POPULATION: Women (n = 330 244) who gave birth to their first singleton child in a cephalic presentation after a spontaneous onset of labour at term. METHODS: Cross-tabulations and regression analysis with generalised linear models were used to assess time trends and adjust for potential confounding factors. We also stratified the analyses by maternal age groups, obstetric interventions, mode of delivery and institution size. Time trends were analysed using periods of 5 or 6 years as a unit, and the period from 2000 to 2004 was used as the reference. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) was defined as blood loss of >1500 mL within 24 h and/or in combination with blood transfusion. RESULTS: Severe PPH occurred in 7601/330 244 (2.30%) women. The incidence increased from 1.24% in 2000-2004 to 3.83% in 2015-2020 (adjusted relative risk, aRR 2.90; 95% CI 2.70-3.12). Changes in maternal characteristics or obstetric interventions did not explain the increase, and we found similar increases across institutions of all sizes. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of severe PPH among nulliparous women increased almost threefold over 21 years. The current high incidence warrants urgent efforts to assess unknown risk factors, the health care provided and health system factors that may contribute to the increase, to inform improvements in care.

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AIM: To map the commonly used quantitative blood loss measurement methods in clinical practice and provide a solid foundation for future studies. DESIGN AND METHOD: This study adhered to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews. We conducted a literature search using five databases to retrieve articles published between January 2012 and September 2022. The search was repeated on 29 February 2024. Data extraction and verification were carried out by two independent researchers using a self-designed data extraction form. RESULTS: Ultimately, 26 studies published between 2012 and 2024 were considered eligible for inclusion. Six categories of methods were identified from the 26 articles. Among the included studies, only two involved randomized controlled trials, with the majority being observational studies. The World Health Organization (2012) version of the postpartum haemorrhage diagnostic criteria was predominantly used in most studies. Gravimetric and volumetric methods emerged as the most commonly used methods for quantifying postpartum haemorrhages. The timing of blood collection was inconsistent among the included studies. Only 12 studies mentioned measures for the management of amniotic fluid. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review supports the replacement of the visual estimation of blood loss with quantitative assessment methods. Supporting a specific assessment approach is not feasible due to the variability of the study. Future research should focus on establishing the best practices for specific quantitative methods to standardize the management of postpartum haemorrhage and reduce the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage-related adverse outcomes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals need to acknowledge the low accuracy of visual estimation methods and implement quantitative methods to assess postpartum blood loss. Given the limitations inherent in each assessment method, quantification of blood loss should be combined with assessment of maternal vital signs, physiologic indicators and other factors.

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In this study we explored the relationship between home birth rates and increasing rates of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and manual removal of the placenta (MROP). Data were used from the Dutch national perinatal registry (2000-2014) of women in midwife-led care. Adjusting for place of birth flattened the increasing trends of PPH and MROP. By adjusting for place of birth, the rising trend of MROP among multiparous women disappeared. This suggests that if home birth rates had not declined, PPH and MROP rates might not have increased as much. This study supports policies of enabling women to choose home births.

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OBJECTIVES: The incidence, diagnosis, management and outcome of face presentation at term were analysed. METHODS: A retrospective, gestational age-matched case-control study including 27 singletons with face presentation at term was conducted between April 2006 and February 2021. For each case, four women who had the same gestational age and delivered in the same month with vertex position and singletons were selected as the controls (control group, n = 108). Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors of face presentation. The maternal and neonatal outcomes of the face presentation group were followed up. RESULTS: The incidence of face presentation at term was 0.14‰. After conditional logistic regression, the two factors associated with face presentation were high parity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.76, 95% CI 1.19-6.39)] and amniotic fluid index > 18 cm (aOR 2.60, 95% CI 1.08-6.27). Among the 27 cases, the diagnosis was made before the onset of labor, during the latent phase of labor, during the active phase of labor, and during the cesarean section in 3.7% (1/27), 40.7% (11/27), 11.1% (3/27) and 44.4% (12/27) of cases, respectively. In one case of cervical dilation with a diameter of 5 cm, we innovatively used a vaginal speculum for rapid diagnosis of face presentation. The rate of cesarean section and postpartum haemorrhage ≥ 500 ml in the face presentation group was higher than that of the control group (88.9% vs. 13.9%, P < 0.001, and 14.8% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.024), but the Apgar scores were similar in both sets of newborns. Among the 27 cases of face presentation, there were three cases of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including one case of neonatal right brachial plexus injury and two cases of severe laceration of the lower segment of the uterus with postpartum haemorrhage ≥ 1000 ml. CONCLUSIONS: Face presentation was rare. Early diagnosis is difficult, and thus easily neglected. High parity and amniotic fluid index > 18 cm are risk factors for face presentation. An early diagnosis and proper management of face presentation could lead to good maternal and neonatal outcomes.

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Background: Historically and to date, women still give birth at home with the support of elderly, experienced women who live within their communities. In Lesotho, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are sometimes the only option for pregnant women living far from facilities. Women are vulnerable during the third stage of labour; therefore, correct management is crucial to limit undesirable outcomes. Postpartum haemorrhage and postpartum sepsis remain the leading direct causes of maternal mortality. Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe how Basotho TBAs manage the third stage of labour. Setting: The study was conducted in Lesotho, at Bolahla and Sejakhosi. These villages have the highest number of women giving birth at home. Methods: An explorative and descriptive design with a qualitative approach was used. Semistructured interview guide was utilised to conduct individual in-depth interviews about how the TBAs manage the third stage of labour and their support needs concerning this phase. The TBAs were purposively sampled. The data were analysed thematically. Results: Four themes emerged: challenges TBA experience in the management of the third stage of labour, management of the placenta by Basotho traditional birth attendants, support during the management of the placenta by Basotho traditional birth attendants, and management during emergencies. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that if TBAs are supported, they can contribute to the health of the mother and baby. Contribution: This study's findings can be valuable to healthcare professionals to understand better how TBAs in Lesotho manage the third stage of labour and the support they need.