ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in managing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to genital tract injury after vaginal delivery and to investigate factors associated with outcome of TAE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 43 women (mean age, 32.6 years) who underwent TAE to manage PPH secondary to genital tract injury after vaginal delivery was performed at a single institution between January 2007 and December 2018. Clinical data and outcomes were obtained. Patients were classified into clinical success (n = 39) and failure (n = 4) groups, and comparisons between the groups were performed. RESULTS: The clinical success rate of TAE for PPH due to genital tract injury was 90.7%. In the clinical failure group, transfusion volumes were higher (failure vs success: packed red blood cells, 14 pt ± 3.37 vs 6.26 pt ± 4.52, P = .003; platelets, 10.33 pt ± 4.04 vs 2.92 pt ± 6.15, P = .036); hemoglobin levels before the procedure were lower (failure vs success: 7.3 g/dL vs 10.7, P = .016). Periprocedural complications included pulmonary edema (25.6%), fever (23.3%), and pain (9.3%). Twenty-four patients were either followed for > 6 months or answered a telephone survey; 23 (95.8%) recovered regular menstruation, and pregnancy was confirmed in 11 (45.8%). Regarding fertility desires, 7 women attempted to conceive, 6 of whom (85.7%) became pregnant. CONCLUSIONS: TAE is an effective and safe method for managing PPH due to genital tract injury after vaginal delivery. Lower hemoglobin levels before the procedure and higher transfusion volumes were associated with clinical failure of TAE.
Subject(s)
Delivery, Obstetric/adverse effects , Postpartum Hemorrhage/therapy , Uterine Artery Embolization , Vascular System Injuries/therapy , Adult , Biomarkers/blood , Blood Transfusion , Female , Hemoglobins/metabolism , Humans , Postpartum Hemorrhage/diagnostic imaging , Postpartum Hemorrhage/etiology , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Uterine Artery Embolization/adverse effects , Vascular System Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Vascular System Injuries/etiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
AIM: The present study investigates the procedure-related fetal loss rate and obstetrical outcomes of selective feticide in dichorionic twins. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 44 cases of dichorionic twins. Two different indications for selective feticide were set: (i) the presence of genetic or congenital anomaly; and (ii) an obstetrical indication specified as a past maternal history of preterm delivery that caused fetal death or cerebral palsy of the child. Primarily, data on procedure-related fetal loss and obstetrical outcomes were retrieved. Additionally, data on obstetrical outcomes by reduction time and by indication of SF were obtained. RESULTS: Selective feticide was performed in 44 cases - specifically, in 23 cases with genetic or congenital anomaly and in 21 cases with obstetrical indications. The median gestational age at delivery was 38 + 4 weeks. One pregnancy loss (2.3%, 1/44) occurred within 4 weeks after the procedure. The overall pregnancy loss rate throughout the pregnancy term was 2.3% (1/44). When selective feticide was performed at 15 weeks and beyond, the birth weight was significantly decreased compared with when selective feticide was performed earlier than 15 weeks. CONCLUSION: Transabdominal ultrasound-guided selective feticide in dichorionic twins is an effective and safe procedure. If a patient desires to maximize her chances of having a healthy child and decrease the risk of prematurity, the option of selective feticide should be considered in certain cases of twin pregnancies. Selective feticide may be a reasonable alternative to expectant management or termination of the whole twin pregnancy.
