Transoesophageal Doppler-guided fluid management in massive obstetric haemorrhage

Massive postpartum haemorrhage is a major worldwide cause of maternal mortality. Management requires intensive fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion. Although fluid therapy is often directed by the results of a full blood count and clotting screen, recent technological advances allow monitoring of haemodynamic function and cardiac output. Transoesophageal Doppler technology has been used during haemorrhagic shock in non-obstetric patients. We present the case of a caesarean delivery complicated by massive haemorrhage where transoesophageal Doppler monitoring with the CardioQ-ODM™ was used to guide fluid therapy and the use of vasoactive drugs.