Impact of nonpneumatic antishock garment in the management of patients with hypoperfusion due to massive postpartum hemorrhage.

Objective

The objective of this article was to compare hemodynamic and perfusion parameters as well as the clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) who received treatment with a nonpneumatic antishock garment (NASG) as part of an intervention package, with a group of patients in similar conditions who did not receive an NASG.

Methods

This observational study analyzed a historic cohort of 154 patients with PPH, secondary hypovolemic shock and signs of hypoperfusion who were admitted to this institution from 2012 to 2015. Group 1 (n= 77) was managed with NASG and Group 2 (n = 77) received interventions other than NASG. Hypoperfusion markers and maternal outcomes were compared in both groups.

Results

Of 154 patients included in the analysis, 36.4% required a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) to achieve hemorrhage control, 98.2% of whom belonged to Group 2 and 1.8% to Group 1 (p = .001). The use of blood products was more common in Group 2 (p < .001), as was the administration of vasoactive agents. The mean number of days of hospitalization at the Obstetric High Dependency Unit (OHDU) was significantly lower in Group 1 and reached a statistically significant p value. Only two cases of maternal death occurred in Group 2.Discussion: The use of NASG in the management of PPH is a cost-effective strategy for patients with severe shock and signs of hypoperfusion and is optimal in a limited-resource scenario. In this study, the use of NASG was related to better outcomes in a statistically significant manner with better results regarding maternal outcomes such as uterine preservation and decreased transfusion requirements and hospital days.

Conclusions

NASG, associated with the use of uterotonic agents and other strategies for PPH control, is a safe tool that helps reduce morbimortality in critically ill patients with PPH.