Premium
Increased postpartum hemorrhage rates in Australia
Author(s) -
Ford J.B.,
Roberts C.L.,
Simpson J.M.,
Vaughan J.,
Cameron C.A.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.03.011
Subject(s) - medicine , obstetrics , population , pregnancy , postpartum period , birth records , birth weight , genetics , environmental health , biology
Objective : To determine whether changes in risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) over time are associated with a rise in postpartum hemorrhage rates. Methods : Population‐based study using linked hospital discharge and birth records from New South Wales, Australia for 752,374 women giving birth, 1994–2002. Analyses include a description of trends and regression analysis of risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage and comparison of predicted and observed rates of postpartum hemorrhage over time. Results : Increasing proportions of women aged 35 years or older, born overseas, nulliparous, having cesarean births, having inductions and/or epidurals, postterm deliveries and large babies were evident. Observed postpartum hemorrhage rates increased from 4.7 to 6.0 per 100 births ( P < 0.001) while expected rates, adjusted for covariates, remained steady ( P = 0.28). Conclusion : Increases in postpartum hemorrhage are not explained by the changing risk profile of women. It may be that changes in management and/or reporting of postpartum hemorrhage have resulted in higher postpartum hemorrhage rates.