The factors associated with the failure of transcatheter pelvic arterial embolization for intractable postpartum hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE

The transcatheter pelvic arterial embolization (TAE) is effective for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). There has been a little information about the factors for ineffectiveness of TAE. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with TAE failure for PPH.

STUDY

DESIGN

Fifty-five women who underwent TAE for intractable PPH were included. Clinical factors involving age, history of pregnancy, gestational weeks of delivery, mode of delivery, causes of PPH, complete blood count, blood loss volume, transfusion amount, shock index and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score were compared between TAE success group (n=48) and TAE failure group (n=7).

RESULTS

The uni- and multi-variate analyses revealed that advanced maternal age (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.12-2.18) and retained placenta as a cause of PPH (15.48, 2.04-198.12) were found to be significant factors for TAE failure.

CONCLUSION

The advanced age and retained placenta were independent factors associated with TAE failure for intractable PPH.