Innovative Diagnostic Approach Could Improve Detection of Postpartum Hemorrhage in Women

A newly proposed diagnostic method shows promise in enhancing the detection of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Published in The Lancet, this comprehensive meta-analysis examines over 300,000 women across 23 countries to evaluate the effectiveness of different warning signs in predicting severe bleeding after childbirth.

Traditionally, clinicians have relied on a blood loss threshold of 500 mL to diagnose PPH, but this criterion lacks strong supporting evidence. The study found that using a lower threshold of 300 mL alone increased sensitivity (84%) but decreased specificity (55%). More effective was a combined approach: 300 mL blood loss supplemented by high heart rate, low blood pressure, or vital signs indicating shock, or a measured blood loss of at least 500 mL, whichever occurs first. This combined method achieved a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 67%, meaning it was better at identifying women at risk while reducing false positives.

The findings suggest that prioritizing high sensitivity—catching more true cases of PPH—is crucial in managing postpartum bleeding, as early treatment is vital to prevent severe complications or death. Experts involved in the study advocate for reevaluating current global guidelines, proposing a more flexible and precise diagnostic approach based on these evidence-based criteria. Implementing such measures could enable healthcare providers to recognize dangerous bleeding earlier, facilitating faster response times and potentially saving countless lives of women during and after childbirth.

This research underscores the importance of updating clinical protocols to reflect the latest evidence, ultimately aiming for improved maternal health outcomes worldwide.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-method-women-dangerous-blood-loss.html