About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Patient Safety can be Improved by Comprehensive Maternal Hemorrhage Protocols

by Kathy Jones on February 14, 2013 at 9:10 PM
 Patient Safety can be Improved by Comprehensive Maternal Hemorrhage Protocols

Comprehensive maternal hemorrhage protocols improves patient safety and reduce utilization of blood products, according to a new study that will be presented at The Pregnancy Meeting, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting in San Francisco on February 16.

A study performed at Dignity Health, the fifth largest health care system in the United States with 31 obstetrical units, showed that the implementation of a standardized comprehensive maternal hemorrhage (CHP) protocol directed towards prevention and treatment of maternal hemorrhage significantly reduced blood product utilization and resulted in a 45% reduction in puerperal hysterectomy.

Advertisement

"The study shows that by following a standardized approach and having a dedicated hemorrhage cart allowing immediate availability of all the commonly used items in the event of a maternal hemorrhage, we are able to significantly reduce the amount of blood products needed as well reduce the severity of maternal hemorrhaging," said Dr. Larry Shields, director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Calif. "The study was conducted at hospitals with small and large obstetrical units as well as those local in major cities and in rural hospitals."

There were 20,890 deliveries involved in the study and it produced significant percentages in blood product savings. By following the protocol there was a reduction of 22.4 percent in the number of red blood cells units, 31.4 platelets units, and a 58.1 percent reduction in the need for cryoprecipitate. The number of patients who required four or more units of blood was reduced by 88 percent.
Advertisement

There were four protocol stages designed to respond to varying degrees of blood loss for patients and one element of comprehensive maternal hemorrhage is the doctor needs to be on site beginning at stage 2. The stages are the following: Stage 1: bleeding greater than expected; Stage 2: bleeding not responding to conservative measures; Stage 3: blood loss in excess of 1500mL; and Stage 4: higher level of postpartum care monitoring.

"The study clearly shows that compliance leads to four major findings," said Shields. "Less blood is needed, there is less morbidity, less hysterectomies and fewer patients needs large amounts of blood." Shields went on to say, "Unfortunately, maternal hemorrhage is a common problem and this is clearly a relatively simple and effective way to improve maternal safety."



Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest General Health News

Wild Poliovirus Resurfaces in Pakistan
The Pakistan Ministry has announced the commencement of a nationwide polio vaccination campaign beginning on October 2, aiming to immunize more children.
US Woman Loses All Limbs in Fish-Related Bacterial Outbreak
In a tragic incident, a woman in the US experienced the loss of all her limbs as a result of a bacterial outbreak linked to the consumption of contaminated fish.
NIH Launches the First In-Human Universal Flu Vaccine Trial
FluMos-v2, a unique universal influenza vaccine candidate, undergoing a phase 1 trial at NIH, increases recipients' immunity against many influenza viruses.
Global Polio Eradication Initiative Assesses Vaccination Strategies in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the polio campaign focuses on more than 270,000 children under the age of five years, residing in areas with insufficient vaccine coverage.
Diagnostic Errors: The Rocky Road to Life-threatening Health Complications
Dangers of Wrong Diagnosis: Diagnostic errors in healthcare can increase the risk of permanent disabilities and deaths.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Patient Safety can be Improved by Comprehensive Maternal Hemorrhage Protocols Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests