Outcomes and prognosis of postpartum hemorrhage according to management protocol: an 11-year retrospective study from two referral centers

Background No standard treatment guidelines have been established for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). We aimed to assess the differences in outcomes and prognoses between patients with PPH who underwent surgical and non-surgical treatment. Methods This retrospective study included 230 patients diagnosed with PPH at two referral hospitals between August 2013 and October 2023. The patients were divided into non-surgical (group 1, n = 159) and surgical intervention groups (group 2, n = 71). A subgroup analysis was performed by dividing the surgical intervention group into immediate (n = 45) and delayed surgical intervention groups (n = 26). Results Initial lactic acid levels and shock index were significantly higher in group 2 (2.85 +/- 1.37 vs. 4.54 +/- 3.63 mmol/L, p = 0.001, and 0.83 +/- 0.26 vs. 1.10 +/- 0.51, p < 0.001, respectively). Conversely, initial heart rate and body temperature were significantly lower in group 2 (92.5 +/- 21.0 vs. 109.0 +/- 28.1 beat/min, p < 0.001, and 37.3 +/- 0.8 degrees C vs. 37.0 +/- 0.9 degrees C, p = 0.011, respectively). Logistic regression analysis identified low initial body temperature, high lactic acid level, and shock index as independent predictors of surgical intervention (p = 0.029, p = 0.027, and p = 0.049, respectively). Regarding the causes of PPH, tone was significantly more prevalent in group 1 (57.2% vs. 35.2%, p = 0.002), whereas trauma was significantly more prevalent in group 2 (24.5% vs. 39.4%, p = 0.030). Group 2 had worse overall outcomes and prognoses than group 1. The subgroup analysis showed significantly higher rates of uterine atony combined with other causes, hysterectomy, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy in the delayed surgical intervention group than the immediate surgical intervention group (42.2% vs. 69.2%, p = 0.027; 51.1% vs. 73.1%, p = 0.049; and 17.8% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions Patients with PPH presenting with increased lactic acid levels and shock index and decreased body temperature may be surgical candidates. Additionally, immediate surgical intervention in patients with uterine atony combined with other causes of PPH could improve prognosis and reduce postoperative complications.