Improving Obstetric Safety in Postpartum Hemorrhage: Impact of Protocol-Based Conservative Management.

BACKGROUND

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for approximately 27% of maternal deaths. In Spain, its incidence ranges from 2.5% to 5.2%. Clinical management has evolved toward a stepwise approach integrating pharmacological, mechanical, and surgical interventions. This study aims to analyze the evolution of these techniques during the 2020-2024 period to optimize decision-making and maternal outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between 2020 and 2024 in English and Spanish. The PICO framework was utilized to evaluate interventions including intrauterine balloon tamponade (UBT), compression sutures, and arterial embolization, prioritizing outcomes such as bleeding control and fertility preservation. Out of 34 identified records, 13 studies met the final inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrate a clear trend toward conservative management. Intrauterine balloon tamponade reported success rates of 80-90% in controlling refractory bleeding and significantly reduced the hysterectomy rates. B-Lynch compression sutures showed success rates between 68.4% and 100%, with generally favorable fertility outcomes. However, combining these sutures with devascularization increased the risk of uterine necrosis. Additionally, the early administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) within 3 h of birth was confirmed as a critical factor in reducing mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute PPH management has shifted toward protocol-based, sequential, and less invasive strategies. The implementation of standardized algorithms, care bundles, and simulation-based training is essential to reduce decision inertia and improve obstetric safety. While conservative mechanical and surgical techniques are effective, institutional protocols must be regularly updated to consolidate these technological and organizational advances.