Trends in Postpartum Hemorrhage in the United States From 2010 to 2014

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States; its prevalence increased during the 1990s-2000s. The purpose of this study was to reevaluate trends in PPH using the National Inpatient Sample. From 2010 to 2014, the prevalence of PPH increased from 2.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7%-3.1%) to 3.2% (95% CI, 3.1%-3.3%) of deliveries. Adjusting for PPH risk factors did not substantially attenuate this trend. Among patients with PPH, there was a decline in associated coagulopathy, acute respiratory failure, and maternal death, but an increase in sepsis and acute renal failure. Continued focus on PPH management is warranted.