IR/OB Collaboration in Treating Postpartum Hemorrhage

To set the stage, Drs. Rampersad and Shanks explain the definition of PPH based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines. They further describe the differences between early / acute versus late blood loss, in addition to the most common etiologies using the “Four T’s” pneumonic: tone, trauma, tissue, thrombin. Drs. Rampersad and Shanks then describe their approach to the workup and management of PPH. The group discusses topics such as uterine massage, oxytocin, hemabate / methergine, tamponade (e.g. Bakri balloon, the JADA System), embolization, and hysterectomy.

The physicians then describe the role of cross-specialty collaboration between OBGYN and IR, specifically in the management of PPH. When highlighting the role of IR, Dr. Beck describes how he counsels patients for uterine artery embolization (UAE), and he provides an anecdote regarding a repeat UAE. He also shares his perspective with utilization of gel foam versus coils. The group then transitions to describe diagnosis and management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), its association with PPH, and the role of radiology in this disease process.

Lastly, Drs. Rampersad and Shanks allude to what the future may hold for PPH, including more personalized medicine and potential technologies to prevent PAS. The group ends the episode by providing IR colleagues with insight to what may strengthen the collaboration between OBGYN and IR in order to provide optimal care for patients with PPH.