POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE PART 2

Course overview

Obstetrical hemorrhage is one of the three leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide every year. Postpartum bleeding is far and away the most frequent cause of obstetrical hemorrhage; postpartum bleeding complicates 5% of all deliveries and is the cause of approximately 500 maternal deaths in the United States each year. Medical errors in deliveries that are complicated by postpartum hemorrhage can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, lawsuits in this arena are often exceptionally costly. When postpartum hemorrhage occurs, more extensive knowledge of key risk and documentation issues can significantly improve patient care and reduce the potential for litigation. Postpartum hemorrhage is presented in two separate activities. In this activity, Postpartum Hemorrhage Part 2, we continue to present and discuss evidence-based literature and cases to inform practitioners about risk factors, etiologies, management, complications, and litigation issues associated with the high-risk obstetric problem of postpartum hemorrhage. After completing this activity, practitioners should be able to: explain the pathophysiology and etiologies of invasive placentation, uterine inversion, and coagulopathy as causes of postpartum hemorrhage; describe how retained placenta, uterine subinvolution, and infection can lead to delayed postpartum hemorrhage; and discuss the principles and techniques of managing severe postpartum blood loss.