title: Postpartum hemorrhage: practical approach to a life-threatening complication.
abstract: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) occurs in 5% of all deliveries and is responsible for a major part of maternal mortality. Adequate attendance to this complication can mean the difference between life and death. A well-trained staff together with clear and simple guidelines can make a significant difference to the patient. The aim of this article is to offer a practical guide for the management of PPH; a flowchart is presented. When faced with refractory hemorrhage, one can switch to interventional therapy or surgery. Efficiency and speed play a key part in the approach to this life threatening bleeding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, UZ Antwerpen, Edegem, Belgium.
authors.forename: F C A
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Reynders
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Senten
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tjalma
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jacquemyn
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006489:Hemostatic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D008026:Ligation; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D013536:Suture Techniques
chemical_list: D010120:Oxytocics