Exploring the role of uterine artery embolization in the management of postpartum hemorrhage

Effect of pelvic artery embolization for postpartum hemorrhage on subsequent pregnancies: a single-center retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Pelvic artery embolization (PAE) is a uterus-saving treatment for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH); however, subfertility or abnormal placentation for subsequent pregnancy has been a concern in several previous reports. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PAE on subsequent pregnancies in women with a history of PPH.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on women transferred to the tertiary center for PPH and delivered for the next pregnancy at the same center later. The study group was divided into two groups based on PAE application to treat previous PPH.

RESULTS

Of the 62 women included, 66% (41/62) had received PAE for the previous PPH, while 21 had not. Pregnancy outcomes for subsequent pregnancies were compared between the PAE and non-PAE groups. The PAE group had a higher estimated blood loss volume for the present delivery than the non-PAE group (600 vs. 300 mL, p = 0.008). The PAE group also demonstrated a higher incidence of placenta previa (4.8% vs. 24.4%, p = 0.080) and placenta accreta (0% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.082) than the non-PAE group, although the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the use of PAE to treat PPH may increase the risk of bleeding, placenta previa, and placenta accreta spectrum in subsequent pregnancies.

Uterine Artery Embolization: A Case Report on Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage Management

When traditional therapies fail to control obstetric emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), uterine artery embolization (UAE) has become an essential intervention. This case study demonstrates the effective use of UAE in a 32-year-old patient who had an elective cesarean section and was experiencing refractory PPH. Despite initial attempts at controlling bleeding with uterotonic agents and surgical intervention, the hemorrhage persisted, necessitating packed red blood cell transfusion. A multidisciplinary team opted for UAE due to the patient's deteriorating condition. Gelatin sponge particles were utilized as embolic agents, resulting in the immediate cessation of uterine blood flow and the stabilization of the patient. This case underscores the importance of early detection, collaborative decision-making, and prompt intervention in managing PPH. UAE offers several advantages, including targeted vascular occlusion, rapid bleeding control, and the preservation of fertility. Further research and practice are warranted to optimize UAE techniques and enhance outcomes in obstetric emergencies. The primary cause of severe maternal morbidity and death is postpartum hemorrhage. For successful uterine artery embolization (UAE), prompt management is essential. UAE is widely acknowledged as a dependable and safe process.

Repeat Uterine Artery Embolization for Obstetric Hemorrhages: A Rare Event in a Single Patient

This is a case report of a single patient who had two episodes of obstetric hemorrhages, first in the puerperium and second one post medical termination of pregnancy for which the patient had to be managed by uterine artery embolization (UAE). This is a rare case in which this interventional radiological procedure proved life-saving twice in her obstetric history.

A 29-year-old woman with an obstetric history of para two and living two (P2L2), presented with a complaint of per-vaginum (p/v) spotting with a history of recent intake of pills for medical termination of pregnancy (MTP). Retained products of conception (RPOC) were ruled out radiologically and she was managed conservatively. She subsequently presented with acute uterine bleed with severe anemia and lethargy. After initial resuscitation and failing of conservative therapy, she was promptly taken up for bilateral UAE. She had also undergone UAE 5 years ago during her puerperal period.

Uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective life-saving procedure to control torrential uterine bleed and should be considered when the conservative approach has failed.

Outcomes and complications of severe acute postpartum hemorrhage treated with or without transarterial embolization in a single tertiary referral center: A 20-year experience

OBJECTIVE

PPH is usually unpredictable; and such fast, urgent and sudden massive life-threating hemorrhage. This study is to assess the efficacy of transarterial embolization (TAE) in treating severe PPH in a single institution over a period of 20 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2000 to October 2019, all women with acute PPH more than 1500 cc and/or DIC were enrolled in this retrospective study. These women were divided into two groups according to whether they have received TAE as the second-line treatment. Group 1 (n = 27) included women without receiving TAE from January 1, 2000 to October 31, 2009, and group 2 (n = 30) included those who receiving TAE from November 1, 2009 to October 31, 2019.

RESULTS

The overall success rate of TAE in control the PPH and preserved the uterus is 80%. The hemoglobin 12 h after PPH in group 2 is significantly lower than in group 1 (7.64 ± 1.6 vs. 8.58 ± 1.9, respectively. P = 0.05). Total unit of packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion is significantly higher in the group 2 than group 1 (9.8 ± 5.7 vs. 6.8 ± 3.9; p = 0.03). The rate of hysterectomy is significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 (46.7 vs. 20%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, TAE is safe and effective in control bleeding in PPH with a high success rate to preserve uterus and prevent DIC. TAE should be routinely used as a secondary line of treatment during PPH in all hospitals.

Role of interventional radiology in placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are rare but potentially life-threatening obstetric conditions, which can result in severe post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). Traditional management necessitates peripartum hysterectomy, but this carries high rates of morbidity and mortality. More recently, interventional radiology techniques have been developed in order to reduce morbidity and preserve fertility. This article summarises and compares the various reported interventional radiology techniques. Arterial embolisation performed to treat PPH is the therapeutic option which is supported by the highest degree of evidence. The role of preventative procedures, such as temporary balloon occlusion of the internal iliac arteries or distal aorta, continues to be debated due to conflicting outcome data and concerns regarding associated morbidity. The choice of which, if any, interventional radiological technique is utilised is determined by local expertise, available resources and the planned obstetric approach. The most complex patients are likely to benefit from multidisciplinary management in high-volume centres.

Uterine artery embolization versus hysterectomy in the treatment of refractory postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) compared with conventional hysterectomy on refractory postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI), Cochrane Library, and Wanfang database through October 2017 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies assessing the safety and effectiveness of UAE compared with hysterectomy on refractory PPH. The main outcome measures included the blood loss, operating time, hemostatic effective rate, and length of stay.Results: Six RCTs and nine observational studies were included in the meta-analysis, which involved 1142 women with refractory PPH. The results demonstrated that UAE was more beneficial on refractory PPH compared with hysterectomy using four scales: blood loss (WMD 893.39 mL; 95% CI: -1205.65, -581.13; p < .001); operating time (WMD -37.19 minutes; 95% CI: -44.42, -29.96; p < .001); length of stay (WMD -5.36 days; 95% CI: -5.76, -4.97; p < .001), hemostatic effective rate (OR 1.58, 95% CI: 0.80, 3.12, p = .184) .Conclusions: In the present meta-analysis, the positive findings suggest UAE has beneficial effects on refractory PPH. UAE significantly reduced blood loss, shortened the operating time, and length of stay compared with hysterectomy. And there is no difference between the UAE group and hysterectomy group in hemostatic effective rate. However, those findings should be treated with caution because of heterogeneity and potential biases.

Previous uterine artery embolization increases the rate of repeat embolization in a subsequent pregnancy

This study aimed to determine the rate of repeat uterine artery embolization (UAE) in women with a previous UAE. Study data were collected from the Korea National Health Insurance Claims Database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service for 2009–2013. We enrolled women who had a first delivery in 2009 and a second delivery between 2010 and 2013. Among 226,408 women who had a first delivery in 2009, 296 underwent UAE. A total of 127,506 women had a second delivery between 2010 and 2013. Of 296 women who underwent UAE after the first delivery, 94 had a second delivery between 2010 and 2013. Women with a previous UAE had a higher rate of UAE at the second delivery than women without a previous UAE. Multivariate adjusted analysis showed that a UAE at the first delivery increased the rate of UAE at the second delivery (odds ratio 25.56, 95% confidence interval 9.86–66.23). Women with a previous UAE should be appropriately counseled and monitored for the need for a repeat UAE.

Retrospective cohort study of prophylactic intraoperative uterine artery embolization for abnormally invasive placenta

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic intraoperative uterine artery embolization (UAE) during cesarean delivery as conservative treatment for patients with abnormally invasive placenta.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study enrolled patients surgically diagnosed with abnormally invasive placenta who underwent cesarean delivery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China, between February 1, 2012, and February 28, 2015. Postpartum estimated blood loss, blood transfusions, hysterectomy, and adverse events were compared between patients who underwent cesarean delivery only (control group) and those who underwent concurrent prophylactic intraoperative UAE (UAE group).

RESULTS

There were 45 patients included in the study; 26 and 19 in the UAE and control groups, respectively. Among patients who did not undergo hysterectomy owing to placenta accreta, the mean estimated blood loss was lower among patients in the UAE group (P=0.005); however, among patients who did undergo hysterectomy for placenta increta or percreta, no difference in mean estimated blood loss was observed (P=0.973). There were no differences in the hysterectomy rate (P=0.639) or incidence of requiring massive blood transfusion (P=0.050) between the groups. Only one patient in the UAE group experienced uterine necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic intraoperative UAE was relatively safe and effective for reducing postpartum hemorrhage among patients with placenta accreta. The potential benefits could be lower among patients with placenta increta or percreta.

Management of the Jehovah's Witness in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Comprehensive Medical, Ethical, and Legal Approach

IMPORTANCE

Obstetricians and gynecologists frequently deal with hemorrhage so they should be familiar with management of patients who refuse blood transfusion. Although there are some reports in the literature about management of Jehovah's Witness patients in obstetrics and gynecology, most of them are case reports, and a comprehensive review about these patients including ethicolegal perspective is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This review outlines the medical, ethical, and legal implications of management of Jehovah's Witness patients in obstetrical and gynecological settings.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A search of published literature using PubMed, Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted about physiology of oxygen delivery and response to tissue hypoxia, mortality rates at certain hemoglobin levels, medical management options for anemic patients who refuse blood transfusion, and ethical/legal considerations in Jehovah's Witness patients.

RESULTS

Early diagnosis of anemia and immediate initiation of therapy are essential in patients who refuse blood transfusion. Medical management options include iron supplementation and erythropoietin. There are also some promising therapies that are in development such as antihepcidin antibodies and hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers. Options to decrease blood loss include antifibrinolytics, desmopressin, recombinant factor VII, and factor concentrates. When surgery is the only option, every effort should be made to pursue minimally invasive approaches.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

All obstetricians and gynecologists should be familiar with alternatives and "less invasive" options for patients who refuse blood transfusions.

Uterine packing versus Foley's catheter for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage secondary to bleeding tendency in low-resource setting: A four-year observational study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness and safety of uterine packing versus Foley's catheter tamponade for controlling postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) secondary to bleeding tendency after vaginal delivery.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study conducted on 92 patients with primary PPH due to bleeding tendency following vaginal delivery who were unresponsive to uterotonics and bimanual compression of the uterus. Patients were divided into two groups, Uterine packing group (n = 45) and Foley catheter group (n = 47). The primary outcome was the success rate of the procedure. Secondary outcome addressed the maternal complications.

RESULTS

The use of uterine packing resulted in stoppage of active bleeding in 93.3% of cases compared to only 68.1% in the Foley's catheter group (p < 0.05). Although the rate of minor complications namely fever, pain and urinary complaints were higher in the uterine packing group, it does not reach to a significant difference when compared to the Foley's catheter (p > 0.05). Six cases who failed to Foley catheter tamponade underwent emergency hysterectomy with no cases in the uterine packing group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of uterine packing to arrest PPH is simple, quick and safe procedure to avoid further surgical interventions and to preserve the fertility in low-resource setting.

Uterine artery embolisation for acute dysfunctional uterine bleeding with failed medical therapy: a novel approach to management

A 35-year-old woman with a history of three previous caesarean sections was admitted with acute dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) complicated by anaemia; she had a haemoglobin level of 5.3 g/dL, requiring multiple blood transfusions. Investigations performed excluded pelvic pathology and haematological causes for her acute DUB. Despite the use of various pharmacological agents, her bleeding persisted and she eventually underwent uterine artery embolisation (UAE) to arrest bleeding. She was well postprocedure and was discharged on combined oral contraceptives. However, she presented a year later with another episode of acute DUB that required a repeat UAE. This case report summarises the use of UAE in the management of acute DUB following failed medical therapy.

Assessment of ovarian reserve using anti-Müllerian hormone levels in benign gynecologic conditions and surgical interventions: a systematic narrative review

The usefulness of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) for the quantitative evaluation of ovarian reserve has been established. Therefore, serum AMH has been recently applied to the assessment of ovarian reserve outside infertility treatment. We conducted a computer-based search, using keywords, through the PubMed database from inception until May 2014 and summarized available studies evaluating ovarian damage caused by gynecologic diseases, such as endometriosis and ovarian tumor, as well as surgical interventions, such as cystectomy and uterine artery embolization (UAE), to discuss the usefulness of serum AMH. Most of the studies demonstrated a decline of serum AMH levels after cystectomy for endometriomas. It is not conclusive whether electrocoagulation or suturing is preferable. The effects of other gynecologic diseases and interventions, such as hysterectomy and UAE, on ovarian reserve are controversial. Serum AMH levels should be considered in determining the indication and selection of operative methods for benign gynecologic conditions.

Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum due to Rupture of Uterine Varicose Veins during Labor Successfully Treated by Percutaneous Embolization

Hemoperitoneum during pregnancy is a rare but potentially lethal clinical condition. Improvements in antenatal and intrapartum care, especially in surgical and anesthetic techniques, have reduced maternal mortality; perinatal mortality remains very high (31%). Treatment is based on the systemic correction of hypovolemia and immediate surgery via laparotomy or laparoscopy in cases in the first trimester of pregnancy for hemostatic purposes. Sometimes, hysterectomy is needed. A 35-year-old Asiatic primigravid woman at 37 weeks' gestation with otherwise uneventful pregnancy came to the hospital referring abrupt-onset lumbar and abdominal pain. A bleeding uterine superficial varicocele of about 7 cm was found on the left uterine horn during Caesarean section. Interventional radiologic embolization of both uterine arteries was successfully performed. Posterior evolution of the patient was favorable. Percutaneous vascular embolization of the uterine arteries is an effective alternative treatment for many obstetrical and gynecological causes of bleeding. The main advantage of this technique is the low rate of serious complications and the preservation of reproductive function. To our knowledge, this is the first case of spontaneous intrapartum hemoperitoneum treated with this technique. An early diagnosis and a rapid indication of this therapeutic option are essential. Hemodynamic stability is needed to decide this conservative management.

Outcome of pelvic arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage: A retrospective review of 117 cases

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate indications, efficacy, and complications associated with pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 117 consecutive patients who underwent PAE for PPH between January 2006 and June 2013.

Results

In our single-center study, 117 women underwent PAE to control PPH refractory to conservative management including uterine massage, use of uterotonic agents, surgical repair of genital tract lacerations, and removal of retained placental tissues. Among 117 patients, 69 had a vaginal delivery and 48 had a Cesarean section. The major indication for embolization was uterine atony (54.7%). Other causes were low genital tract lacerations (21.4%) and abnormal placentation (14.5%). The procedure showed a clinical success rate of 88.0% with 14 cases of PAE failure; there were 4 hemostatic hysterectomies and 10 re-embolizations. On univariate analysis, PAE failure was associated with overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (P=0.009), transfusion of more than 10 red blood cell units (RBCUs, P=0.002) and embolization of both uterine and ovarian arteries (P=0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that PAE failure was only associated with transfusions of more than 10 RBCUs (odds ratio, 8.011; 95% confidence interval, 1.531-41.912; P=0.014) and embolization of both uterine and ovarian arteries (odds ratio, 20.472; 95% confidence interval, 2.715-154.365; P=0.003), which were not predictive factors, but rather, were the results of longer time for PAE. Three patients showed uterine necrosis and underwent hysterectomy.

Conclusion

PAE showed high success rates, mostly without procedure-related complications. Thus, it is a safe and effective adjunct or alternative to hemostatic hysterectomy, when primary management fails to control PPH.

Tourniquet device for hemorrhage control during cesarean section of complete placenta previa pregnancies

AIM

To reduce massive and potentially fatal hemorrhage during cesarean section (CS) delivery because of the transverse incision through the lower uterine segment and placenta in central placenta previa (CPP), especially the type in which the placenta attaches to the anterior wall of the uterus.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with CPP were enrolled in the study and 14 of them accepted the tourniquet method. The main outcome evaluations were blood loss, the proportion of red blood cell-transfused patients, the need for other hemostatic procedures and complications in either the mother or infant after the completion of the tourniquet procedure.

RESULTS

A statistically significant benefit was noted between the two groups of the frequency of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH), the median estimated blood loss and the proportion of transfused patients. The effectiveness of the tourniquet method could be further proved by the relative risk with confidence intervals for PPH data and additional procedures.

CONCLUSION

The clinical data of 34 patients show that this is an effective surgical treatment to reduce blood loss and suggest that there is negligible harm to patients and fetuses.

Trends in the rates of peripartum hysterectomy and uterine artery embolization

The objective of this study was to determine the trends in national rates of peripartum hysterectomy (PH) and uterine arterial embolization (UAE) in Korea. We used data collected by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service of Korea and analyzed data from patients who gave birth during the period from 2005 to 2008. There were 1785,178 deliveries during the study period, including 2636 cases of PH (1.48 per 1000 deliveries). The PH rate in 2005 was 1.57 per 1000 deliveries and in 2008 it was 1.33 per 1000 deliveries. UAE was performed in 161 women (incidence, 0.38 per 1000 deliveries) and 447 women (incidence, 0.98 per 1000 deliveries) in 2005 and 2008, respectively. In Korea, the rate of PH decreased slightly, while the rate of UAE rate increased dramatically during the period from 2005 to 2008. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of UAE on the rate of PH performed.

Transcatheter arterial embolisation for the management of obstetric haemorrhage associated with placental abnormality in 40 cases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pelvic artery embolisation (PAE) in the emergency management of intractable postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) associated with placenta accreta (PA).

METHODS

Forty such patients (PAE for PPH/PA) were retrospectively reviewed. Medical records were reviewed regarding the delivery and PAE procedure. Follow-up gynaecological outcomes after PAE were obtained by telephone interviews.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all women (100 %). The initial clinical success rate was 82.5 % (33/40). Three patients with PA underwent hysterectomy after PAE failed to stop the bleeding within 24 h after the embolisation. The other three patients underwent re-embolisation (two patients underwent re-embolisation on the next day and one patient had undergone re-embolisation 6 h after the first embolisation), and bleeding had stopped eventually. The clinical success rate was 92.5 %. There were four cases of immediate complications, such as, pelvic pain, nausea and urticaria. There were three late minor complications, temporary menopause, but no late major complications. After the procedure, 35 patients resumed normal menstruation, including two uncomplicated pregnancies. One patient expired owing to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and intracerebral haemorrhage, despite successful embolisation.

CONCLUSION

PAE can be performed safely and effectively for patients with PPH and PA and can preserve the uterus in many patients.

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm in the setting of delayed postpartum hemorrhage: successful treatment with emergency arterial embolization

Postpartum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal mortality. Though uncommon, uterine artery pseudoaneurysm can follow uterine dilatation and curettage (D + C) and needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis. This 30-year-old G1P1 woman presented with right upper quadrant pain and vaginal bleeding. She was afebrile but her white blood count was significantly increased (22.2 × 10⁹ /L). One week prior, she had undergone a Cesarean delivery which was complicated by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome (HELLP), fetal dystocia, and chorioamnionitis. Uterine dilatation and curettage (D & C) and placement of a Bakri intrauterine balloon, performed for suspected retained products of conception, failed to control her postpartum bleeding. The patient wished to have a hysterectomy only as a last resort in order to preserve fertility. Emergency uterine artery angiography revealed a left uterine artery pseudoaneurysm and contrast extravasation. The patient was successfully treated with selective embolization. Computed tomography (CT) later revealed dehiscence of her uterine Cesarean section incision with an intra-abdominal fluid collection. This collection was drained. She also developed disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) syndrome as well as multiple pulmonary emboli which were both successfully treated. We discuss this unique case of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm with associated uterine dehiscence.

Uterine artery embolization for emergent management of postpartum hemorrhage associated with placenta accreta

BACKGROUND

Although uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a well-recognized alternative treatment for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) with a high clinical efficacy, the reported success rate of UAE for PPH associated with placenta accreta (PA) is lower. Recently, with advances in techniques and expertise, a few studies have reported favorable results of UAE in controlling PPH in the setting of PA.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of UAE in the emergent management of intractable PPH associated with PA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventeen consecutive patients who underwent emergent UAE for the management of PPH associated with PA were included in this retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed regarding the delivery and UAE procedure. Follow-up gynecologic outcomes after UAE were obtained by telephone interview.

RESULTS

UAE successfully controlled PPH in 14 patients (82.4%). Three patients underwent hysterectomy after UAE failed to stop the bleeding. All hysterectomy cases were accompanied by uterine atony or total placenta previa. Relevant gynecologic findings were obtained from 10 patients; three patients were breastfeeding and seven patients resumed normal menstruation, including one pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

UAE appears to be a safe and effective means by which to control PPH associated with PA. PA complicated by uterine atony or placenta previa may be at increased risk of UAE failure.

Uterine packing during cesarean section in the management of intractable hemorrhage in central placenta previa

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety and effectiveness of uterine packing in the management of intractable hemorrhage during cesarean section for central placenta previa.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted on 70 pregnant women with central placenta previa from May 2005 to March 2010. Patients with uterine packing in the control of massive hemorrhage during cesarean section were identified. The indications, uterine packing procedures, estimated blood loss, postoperative complications, and packing material used were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients were identified among 1,121 women with placenta previa during the study period. Sixty-five cases were successful in the control of intraoperative bleeding using uterine packing. Two patients with severe placenta accreta had hemorrhage during cesarean section, and packing with gauze in the uterine cavity was not able to control the bleeding, thereby resulting in cesarean hysterectomy. One case demonstrated failure in packing because of disseminated intravascular coagulation occurring before hospital admission. The remaining two patients had massive vaginal bleeding after uterine packing in cesarean section and underwent laparotomy or hysterectomy 4 h postoperative.

CONCLUSION

Uterine packing is a safe and effective technique in the control of intractable hemorrhage in cesarean section. It is a reasonable alternative to further surgical intervention in patients with intractable obstetric hemorrhage, especially in developing countries.