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(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2021;100:1656–1664)Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early intervention before the development of coagulopathy can reduce hemostatic impairments, preventing the need for interventions including hysterectomy and massive blood transfusion. Tests currently used during PPH to evaluate clotting status include the FIBTEM and fibrinogen measurement. Results from these tests unfortunately can take up to an hour, during which time significant blood may be lost. Results of clot firmness from FIBTEM at 5 minutes (A5 measurement) can indicate the potential for PPH in only 15 minutes. In this multicenter study in the Netherlands researchers compared blood loss within 24 hours of birth to the results of these tests to determine accuracy in predicting severe PPH with blood loss ≥2000 mL.

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2019;98:1473–1482)Peripartum hysterectomy can be life-saving in the setting of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). However, it produces infertility and is therefore considered a treatment of last resort. Many other procedures are first attempted to control PPH in an effort to avoid peripartum hysterectomy, such as intrauterine balloon tamponade, uterine compression sutures, and uterine artery ligation or embolization. Uterine artery embolization and intrauterine balloon tamponade have not previously been compared in terms of their effectiveness in preventing maternal death or near miss in women experiencing PPH. Uterine artery embolization is costly and may lead to thromboembolic events and other complications. Intrauterine balloon tamponade has more recently emerged as a more inexpensive strategy for managing PPH. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these 2 techniques for the management of persistent PPH.

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2019;98:795–804)Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is on the rise in high-income countries. When PPH requires massive transfusion there is an increased risk of maternal morbidity and the need for hysterectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of PPH requiring massive transfusion in the Netherlands between 2011 and 2012 and compare this to previous data from 2004 to 2006. The study also assessed the causes of PPH and the management and outcome of women who received massive transfusions.