[Multicentre clinical study into the optimal blood transfusion policy in patients with postpartum haemorrhage: the 'Wellbeing of obstetric patients on minimal blood transfusions' (WOMB) study]

Abstract

Postpartum haemorrhage is a common and potentially serious complication of delivery. In clinical obstetrics, exact measurement of blood loss is often difficult. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is the most important intervention to treat the complications of this sustained blood loss. Despite the introduction of various new guidelines, the triggers for transfusion still vary widely between clinicians. Therefore, a prospective randomised multicentre trial, the 'Wellbeing of obstetric patients on minimal blood transfusions' (WOMB) study, was developed. This study assesses the effect of RBC transfusion on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the mother after delivery. Patients with a haemoglobin (Hb) level between 3.0 and 4.9 mmol/l and a blood loss of at least 1000 ml or a decrease of > 1.2 mmol/l in the Hb level are randomly assigned to receive RBC transfusion or not. A total of 400 patients will be included. Primary outcome is physical fatigue. The total follow-up period is 6 weeks. Currently, the study is ongoing in 10 hospitals in the Netherlands. The goal of this study is to develop a new transfusion policy based on Hb-levels as well as HRQoL criteria.