Trends in postpartum Haemorrhage in a limited resource country: A review of 6 years in a tertiary care Centre of India

Abstract

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality. All women who carry a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks’ gestation are at risk for PPH and its sequelae. Although maternal mortality rates have declined greatly in the developed world, PPH remains a leading cause of maternal mortality elsewhere. Methods: We reviewed the data in a tertiary care set up over 6 years from 2014 to 2019. The data source was a record book for PPH patients. Results: There has been a significant increase in deliveries between 2014 and 2019. Atonic uterus is the most common etiology, and also the most common cause of obstetric hysterectomy. The Foleys condom tamponade has been used successfully for management of atonic uterus and as a prophylactic measure in coagulopathies. 4.7% of patients who had PPH had to undergo obstetric hysterectomy. The overall mortality rate due to PPH over 6 years is 2.54%.