AHRQ Report Assesses Interventions for Postpartum Hemorrhage

A new AHRQ report that identifies interventions for management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) found that standards of care for treating the condition vary among health care professionals, particularly in emergency situations. PPH accounts for nearly one-quarter of all maternal pregnancy-related deaths. Many studies have suggested that deaths associated with PPH could be prevented with prompt recognition and more timely and aggressive treatment by health care professionals. The report says further research is needed to examine all interventions for PPH management, especially treatment with interventions using drugs, which as first-line therapies are the most frequently used.