Postpartum%20hemorrhage Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Assessment

Clinicians should be knowledgeable on risk assessment of PPH, in recognizing stages and identifying cause of hemorrhage and in prompt systematic intervention to avoid poor outcomes (eg maternal blood loss, hypotension, hypoxia, acidosis)
- As visual estimation of blood loss is inaccurate as it is often underestimated, patient’s overall signs and symptoms should always be considered in the clinical assessment
- An obstetric shock index [pulse rate divided by systolic blood pressure (SBP)] of >0.9-1 is associated with significant PPH and needs immediate intervention
- The rule of 30 estimates blood loss of 30% of normal: A rise of 30 beats per minute in pulse rate and a fall of 30 mmHg in SBP, 30% in hemoglobin and 30% in hematocrit
- Consider an intra-abdominal cause of bleeding if visible blood loss is less than the observed degree of hemodynamic instability
Perform clinical assessment simultaneously with acute treatment of PPH
Prompt assessment to identify source or cause of hemorrhage
- Exploration of the uterus
- Careful inspection of the cervix and vagina
Include complete blood count (CBC), ABO type screen and crossmatch, and coagulation studies
All centers involved in the care of pregnant women should have a protocol addressing obstetric hemorrhage

Degrees of Shock

Severe PPH

Loss of 35-45% (2-3 L) of the total blood volume
Patient is in profound shock manifesting as lethargy, SBP 50-70 mmHg, rapid and deep breathing and is anuric

Moderate PPH

Loss of 25-35% (1.5-2 L) of the total blood volume
Patient is restless with worsening tachycardia and tachypnea, confused with SBP 70-80 mmHg and is oliguric (urinary output is 5-20 mL/hr)

Mild PPH

Loss of 15-25% (1-1.5 L) of the total blood volume
Patient is weak, agitated, sweating, tachypneic and tachycardic with cold extremities; there is usually a slight fall in SBP to 80-100 mmHg and urine output is 20-30 mL/hr

Compensated PPH

Loss of 10-15% (0.5-1 L) of the total blood volume
Patient experiences palpitations and dizziness, urine output may remain adequate at >30 mL/hr

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