Efficacy of Early Intrauterine Balloon Tamponade for Immediate Postpartum Hemorrhage After Vaginal Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2023;229(5):542.e1–542.e14. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.05.014) As a primary cause of maternal mortality and significant illness, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a substantial concern worldwide with improved management strategies necessary to optimize preventable outcomes. Initial PPH treatment includes medical interventions like uterine massage and the administration of uterotonic agents such as oxytocin, ergometrine, and prostaglandins. If these treatments fail, other therapies like intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT), uterine compression sutures, and arterial embolization may be used, with hysterectomy reserved as a life-saving procedure. Compared with surgical interventions, IUBT is less invasive, avoids inherent surgical complications, limits delays in care, does not require specialized resources, is cost-effective, and has evidence of success. The optimal timing and usage of IUBT is undetermined, with evidence suggesting early utilization may be beneficial. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness IUBT (Belfort-Dildy balloon) in combination with second-line uterotonics versus IUBT (Belfort-Dildy balloon) placement after the failure of second-line uterotonic treatment in managing persistent severe PPH after vaginal delivery and first-line uterotonic administration.