Mootz Allison A, Kowalczyk John J, Seifert Sebastian M, Katz Daniel, Reale Sharon C
Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center & Parkland Memorial Hospital, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas, 75390, USA.
Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol. 2024 Sep;38(3):221-232. doi: 10.1016/j.bpa.2024.10.004. Epub 2024 Oct 11.
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, and mitigating it is a global health priority. In this review, we discuss the measurement, assessment, and treatment of PPH. We review different methods of quantifying blood loss, including gravimetry, calibrated drapes and canisters, and colorimetric techniques. Additionally, we highlight the importance of obstetric-specific massive transfusion protocols, point-of-care coagulation testing, and the role of fibrinogen and tranexamic acid. Lastly, we review placenta accreta spectrum management. Anesthesiologists are critical participants in the management of PPH, ultimately influencing patient outcomes.