[Obstetrical management in the event of persistent or worsening postpartum hemorrhage despite initial measures]

Sulprostone infusion must be started without further delay if the first treatment (oxytocin, manual removal of the placenta, uterine revision, vaginal and cervical examinations) has been unsuccessful in the first 30 minutes after delivery. In France, the use of this treatment has been officially authorized in this indication (marketing approval, AMM). Intramuscular and intramyometrial injections being contraindicated, sulprostone is administered through continuous intravenous infusion. Dosage is 500 microg (one vial) per hour. Starting dose is 1.7 microg/min (10 ml/h), and can be increased if necessary in steps of 1.7 microg/min (but not exceeding 8.3 microg./min). The success rate of this treatment is linked to the rapidity of its commencement (within 30 min of the diagnosis of postpartum hemorrhage). In case of contraindications, since postpartum hemorrhage is life-threatening, the benefit-risk ratio needs to be estimated. A strict monitoring of cardiovascular parameters is compulsory before and after its administration. There is no time limit after which this treatment can be considered as ineffective: it depends on the amount of blood lost, the patient's clinical state, and on means that have already been used to stop the bleeding. However, if after 30 min of sulprostone infusion, there is no improvement or if the situation is worse, other therapeutic strategies must be considered (e.g., embolization, surgery). The use of intra-rectal misoprostol is still under assessment. To date, we have been unable to find studies that justify this treatment. Intra-uterine balloon, tube, or mesh packing has been studied in a few small series, where it was successful. Use of these strategies must not delay the treatment by sulprostone.