Volume replacement following severe postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) can be defined as a blood loss of more than 1500 mL to 2500 mL. While rare, severe PPH is a significant contributor to maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and throughout the world. Due to the maternal hematologic adaptation to pregnancy, the hypovolemia resulting from hemorrhage can be asymptomatic until a large amount of blood is lost. Rapid replacement of lost fluids can mitigate effects of severe hemorrhage. Current evidence on postpartum volume replacement suggests that crystalloid fluids should be used only until the amount of blood loss becomes severe. Once a woman displays signs of hypovolemia, blood products including packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and recombinant factor VIIa should be used for volume replacement. Overuse of crystalloid fluids increases the risk for acute coagulopathy and third spacing of fluids. A massive transfusion protocol is one mechanism to provide a rapid, consistent, and evidence-based team response to this life-threatening condition.

Keywords: blood transfusion; hemorrhage; hemorrhagic shock; hypovolemia; intrapartum care; maternal mortality; obstetric labor complications; placenta accreta; postpartum hemorrhage.