Obstetrics and Gynaecology Flashcards
(565 cards)
Define antepartum haemorrhage
Bleeding from or in to the genital tract from 24+0 weeks of pregnancy and prior to the birth of the baby.
What are causes of antepartum haemorrhage?
- Placenta praevia/LLP.
- Vasa praevia.
- Placental abruption.
Serious with high morbidity and mortality
Define postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)
Bleeding after vaginal birth >500ml or caesarean > 1000ml
Major PPH > 1000ml: moderate = 1000 to 2000ml, severe = > 2000ml
Define primary PPH
PPH within 24 hours of delivery.
Define secondary PPH
PPH from 24 hours to 12 weeks after delivery
What are the 4 causes of primary PPH?
4Ts
- Tone: uterine atony (not well contracted)
- Trauma: genital tract injury
- Tissue: retained products of conception
- Thrombin: underlying clotting disorder
What are risk factors of primary PPH?
- Previous PPH
- Overdistension of uterus (e.g. macrosomia)
- Multiparity
- Caesarean
- Induction
What are the clinical features (symptoms & signs) of primary PPH?
Symptom: heavy vaginal bleeding
Signs: shock e.g. tachycardia, hypotension, reduced GCS
If PPH was due to atony, what would you see/feel on examination?
Enlarged, soft, or boggy uterus.
If PPH was due to trauma, what would you see/feel on examination?
Visible lacerations/tears
If PPH was due to tissue, what would you see/feel on examination?
Incomplete placental tissue or membranes
What investigations are done for PPH?
- Vital signs
- Bloods - FBC, clotting, group & save/crossmatch, U+Es
What can minimise risk of PPH?
- Treat antenatal anaemia
- Active management of third stage of labour - uterotonic drugs (e.g. intramuscular oxytocin (10IU)), deferred cord clamping, controlled traction to deliver placenta.
What is the general management of PPH?
- ABCDE
- IV access
- IV Fluids until blood products available
- Blood products
What is the management of PPH due to atony
Tx to stop bleeding
- Mechanical stimulation of uterus
- Bi-manual compression, uterotonic drugs (e.g. oxytocin, carboprost, ergometrine)
- Surgical - intra-uterine balloon tamponade, haemostatic sutures
- Hysterectomy
What is the management of PPH due to trauma?
Surgical repair of tears
What is the management of PPH due to thrombin?
Tranexamic acid, discuss blood products with haematology
What is the management of PPH due to tissue?
Manual removal of retained product of conception (e.g. retained placenta) in theatre
Give some complications of primary PPH
Shock, DIC, Sheehan’s syndrome (pituitary gland necrosis),PTSD, death.
What are some causes of secondary PPH?
- Infection - endometritis
- Retained products of conception.
What are the clinical features of secondary PPH?
- Tender or bulky uterus
- Open cervical os with foul-smelling discharge
What are the investigation s for secondary PPH?
- Sepsis - FBC, U&Es, CRP, lactate, blood cultures.
- HVS (high vaginal swab)
- Pelvic ultrasound scan to look for retained products.
What is the management for secondary PPH?
Infection = Abx
Retained products = surgical evacuation
What is placental abruption?
The complete (7%) or partial detachment (93%) of the placenta from the decidua basalis before delivery