ABSTRACT
Background: Postpartum haemorrhage is one of the dreadful complications that occur during delivery. It is often un-anticipated and occurs suddenly and un-expectedly. It is responsible for 20 percent of maternal deaths in developing countries. These deaths are largely preventable. The objective of the study was to find out the clinical profile, associated co-morbid conditions and contributory factors and treatment modalities used in the management.Methods: Retrospective observational study of maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) was carried out at tertiary care hospital. The data of maternal deaths for seven years from year 2013 to 2019 was reviewed, compiled and analyzed to draw conclusions.Results: There were 18 maternal deaths (19%) due to PPH out of total 86 maternal deaths. The average age of the woman who died due to PPH was 24 years. Ninety five percent of the cases of PPH were due to atonic uterus. Seventy percent of the cases had reported in advanced stage of shock with average blood loss of more than two to three litres. Poor general condition due to delay in reaching to tertiary care hospital was predominant feature. Sixty percent women underwent obstetric hysterectomy. Massive blood transfusion was given in fifty percent cases. Severe pregnancy induced hypertension, severe anaemia and severe concealed accidental haemorrhage were common associated factors in sixty percent of maternal deaths.Conclusions: Postpartum haemorrhage is still a common cause of maternal death. Early detection, prompt aggressive management, adequate blood replacement, use of uterine balloon tamponade and non-pneumatic anti-shock garment, timely transfer to higher centre and timely decision for surgical interventions can prevent maternal deaths.
ABSTRACT
Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening complication, that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Institutional delivery by skilled birth attendant who are trained in active management of third stage of labour and those who can use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment can reduce incidence and morbidity related to PPH. The objective of the paper was to share the experiences of the training programmes held for maternal health care workers in the newer modalities of PPH management.Methods: During one and a half year period, 32 Continuation of Medical Education (CME) programmes, with the theme of “Managing Obstetric Emergencies and Obstetric Trauma”, covering important topics related to high risk pregnancies like Hypertension, Eclampsia ,Anaemia and Haemorrhage at 32 health institutions, spread over 11 states and 2 union territories in India, were conducted .In addition,42 hands on workshops at various health facilities were conducted with training of more than 2575 maternal health care providers.Results: The pre and post test scores revealed that 95 percent of the maternal health care providers were unaware about the use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade (Bakri balloon) in PPH and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment (NASG). Seventy percent were unaware about the proper sequence of steps of active management of third stage of labour. Training programmes helped to improve the knowledge, whereas hands on workshop, helped in skill development of the health care providers. The participants expressed great satisfaction regarding the knowledge and skills they acquired through training programme on management of post-partum haemorrhage. They gave positive feedback about the quality, contents and conduct of training programme.Conclusions: There is need for refresher training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities like AMTSL, NASG and Bakri balloon, which have potential to save lives.
ABSTRACT
Background: Non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) is a first-aid device that reverses hypovolemic shock and decreases obstetric haemorrhage. It consists of articulated neoprene segments that close tightly with Velcro, shunting blood from the lower body to the core organs, elevating blood pressure and increasing preload and cardiac output. The use of an NASG can stabilize a patient while awaiting transport, during transport, or during delays in receiving care at referral facilities.Methods: A prospective observational study of use of non-pneumatic anti shock garment (NASG) in cases with obstetric hemorrhagic shock was carried out at a tertiary referral center. As soon as severe shock was recognized in the hospital, the anti-shock garment was placed. Data on various parameters related to use of NASG was collected and interpreted to draw conclusions.Results: NASG was used in 25 cases of hemorrhagic shock during one-year period. Post-partum hemorrhage (36%) was the commonest indication for NASG use, followed by ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy (28%). It was observed that 68% and 32 % of women had shock index of 1-1.5 and above 1.5 respectively at the time of application of NASG. The shock index rapidly improved to 0.5-0.9 in 92% and 1-1.5 in 8 percent of cases respectively after the application of NASG. The NASG was mainly used in labour room (40%) and emergency department (36%). NASG was applied by nurses and doctors together in 64% of cases. NASG was kept for a period 24 hours in 92% cases. The survival rate was 96% following use of NASG.Conclusions: NASG is a temporizing alternative measure in hemorrhagic shock management that shows a trend to reduce hemorrhage related deaths and severe morbidities. NASG should be made available at all health facilities that deal with high risk pregnancies and deliveries.
ABSTRACT
Background: Non-pneumatic Anti-shock garment (NASG) has been identified as a device for effective management of postpartum haemorrhage especially in developing countries where maternal mortality is high. Hence, it is important that midwives are skilled and knowledgeable about its use. This study therefore assessed the midwives’ skills in the application of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) in the management of postpartum hemorrhage.Methods: This study adopted quasi-experimental research design. The study was done in two secondary health facilities in the state. Sixty-eight midwives participated in the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 37 and 31 midwives into experimental and control groups respectively. Written consent was obtained from all the participants. The study involved three stages; Pre-test, an intervention and a post test. Questionnaire and observation rating scale that elicited demographic characteristics, knowledge and skills on the application and removal of NASG was used to collect data pre and post intervention. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Mean knowledge score of midwives in the control group in the use of NASG in the management of PPH was found to be 10.32±4.17 compared with 12.24±5.05 in experimental group pre-intervention. There was a significant increase in knowledge and skills of NASG application, nonetheless the post intervention from experimental group had the highest increase from 6.32±4.97 to 17.14±0.95.Conclusions: Educational intervention enhanced skills of midwives in the use of NASG. Therefore, continuous education units in hospitals should include periodic training of midwives on the use of NASG.