Challenges of PBM in obstetrics
Due to the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), which is inherent to every pregnancy, PBM is of particular importance for obstetrics. Implementation of PBM in obstetrics provides the opportunity to minimise bleeding and blood transfusions. However, large well-designed clinical studies are missing in this field.
It is more challenging to implement PBM in obstetrics than in other specialties. Furthermore, personnel, commodities, infrastructure, and a universal access to comprehensive obstetric care for the pregnant women are prerequisites [
13]. In obstetrics, there are several guidelines for the management of PPH. Most management recommendations are similar; only minor differences exist due to the lack of published solid clinical outcomes. Comparing guidelines for PPH in different obstetrical societies and international groups, there are important differences regarding RBC transfusions and PBM [
14].
Challenges of PBM include identification of women at high risk (patient in whom PPH is likely to occur and where RBC transfusion constitutes the standard of care), implementation of medical and surgical/interventional strategies, and restrictive but clinical appropriate blood transfusion in patients who need it. A multidisciplinary approach is prerequisite for the success of PBM in obstetrics, including midwives, obstetricians, anaesthetists, interventional radiologists, and haematologists. Albeit PBM is better described in planned surgery like an elective caesarean section, it should
be applied to any procedure with a certain likelihood of excessive bleeding, including vaginal delivery or non-elective caesarean section. PBM in obstetrics starts during antenatal care or even preconceptionally.
Haemodynamic changes during pregnancy
In pregnancy, a range of physiological modifications in the haemodynamic, cardiovascular, and coagulation-fibrinolysis systems occur that are designed by nature to prevent blood loss during delivery. During the first trimester, there is an increase in blood volume [
15]. The volume of blood continues to expand rapidly during the 2nd trimester (30–50%) before it reaches a stable level in the last 3 months. In parallel, the amount of RBC increases but to a lesser extent (20%), leading to a relative anaemia due to haemodilution [
16], which reaches its maximum by 30–32 weeks of pregnancy. Dilutional decrease of haemoglobin is, therefore, a common physiological process in pregnancy, especially between weeks 28 and 34, when haemoglobin concentrations are lowest. In the first months of pregnancy, the red blood cell mass increases about 18–25%, followed by a drop after childbirth due to peripartal haemorrhage [
17‐
19]. The increase in RBC mass ensures enough oxygen for the increased demands from both mother and foetus. These physiological changes have considerable advantages during pregnancy: The placenta has a better perfusion, the risk of thrombosis decreases, and an adequate blood supply is ensured despite the bleeding that occurs with childbirth [
20‐
22]. Uterine artery blood flow increases during pregnancy (10 times) and reaches 450-750 ml/min at term [
23].
In parallel, there is a substantial increase in clotting capacity with an increase of the coagulation factors I (fibrinogen), VII, VIII, IX, X, XII and von Willebrand factor. Furthermore, there is a decrease of F XIII and a physiologic decrease of protein S, while F II, V and protein S do not change [
24].
The elevation of plasminogen activator inhibitors 1 and 2 diminishes fibrinolytic activity. Thus, there is an increase of the thromboembolic risk. In summary, haemodynamic and haemostatic changes represent adaptations of nature to the challenges of reproduction and are prerequisites for a successful pregnancy outcome of the mother and her child. Nevertheless, PPH remains a main factor of maternal morbidity and death during childbirth [
25].
Causes of postpartum haemorrhage
Main reasons for severe PPH include uterine atony, retained placenta, placenta praevia, placenta accreta, placental abruption, trauma involving uterine rupture, or lower genital tract trauma and primary coagulopathy [
26‐
28]. The causes of PPH from a clinical perspective are best summarized as the 4 T’s: Trauma (of birth canal), Tissue (remaining placenta or placental pieces), Tone (decreased uterine muscular tone: atony), and Thrombin (coagulopathy). Women with previous PPH in the last pregnancy, pre-existing anaemia, prior caesarean section, multiple gestation, uterine fibroma, preeclampsia, obese women, chorioamnionitis, and foetal macrosomia are at increased risk for PPH [
29].
However, PPH can occur in every pregnant woman, and most women (61%) with PPH do not have a risk factor excluding maternal age and caesarean section [
30]. Therefore, we have to consider that all pregnant women are at a considerable risk for PPH. As a consequence, it is also not possible to define those women who have a very low risk for PPH.
Iron deficiency and anaemia in pregnancy
Preoperative anaemia is often neglected in surgery. The surgical intervention is often performed as planned, and blood is given when considered necessary (part of the standard care) [
12]. In obstetrics, there is a unique opportunity to detect iron deficiency and anaemia a long time before a potential blood loss, as well as in each of the following visits of pregnancy care. Therefore, optimal prerequisites exist to implement the first pillar of PBM, and they essentially include the optimization of the red blood cell mass at delivery. In general, anaemia occurs frequently in pregnant women and is mostly associated with iron deficiency. Other causes include haemoglobinopathies [thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia], infections [hook worm, malaria], Vitamin B
12 deficiency, or chronic inflammation. In 2011, the percentage of anaemic pregnant women worldwide was 38%, with wide range between different regions: For example, in the Middle East Region, 48.7% of the pregnant women had anaemia, in Africa 46.3%, and in Europe 25.8% [
31]. In most cases, it is in theory possible to find the reason for anaemia and to treat it correctly during pregnancy, thereby improving the outcome of mother and child.
Due to the lack of clear data reference, haemoglobin values (Hb) during pregnancy are discussed controversially. According to the WHO, during pregnancy, the diagnosis of anaemia is confirmed if Hb is < 11 g/dL [
32]. It is of use to have different Hb reference values in each pregnancy trimester, because it is recognized that between 3 and 6 months of pregnancy Hb-value is reduced by 0.5 g/dL.
The primary reason for anaemia in pregnancy is iron deficiency [
31]. Iron need increases considerably during pregnancy. Most of the time, iron stores are insufficient to fulfil this increase, which is the consequence of physiological changes (erythrocytes mass ~ 450 mg, placenta ~ 80 mg, bleeding during vaginal delivery birth ~ 250 mg, and foetus ~ 225 mg). The iron needs during pregnancy are estimated to 1 g of additional iron. If the women breastfeeds her child, she will need an extra 1 mg iron per day [
33]. Bone marrow biopsies showed that if no extra iron is provided during pregnancy, 80% of subjects will have exhausted iron reserves at delivery [
18]. Of course, the above-mentioned other reasons for anaemia have to be considered and if necessary treated [
32‐
34].
NICE (The English National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends a complete blood count at the beginning of pregnancy and at 28 week gestation, to allow an optimal treatment if anaemia is diagnosed [
35]. Other national societies, such as the Swiss Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SSGO), recommend a full blood count and a ferritin value at booking, and thereafter haemoglobin levels every trimester. The reason for low Hb levels should be clarified and supplementation (iron, B
12, etc.) initiated if needed. If anaemia is diagnosed during pregnancy, the following haematological investigations can elucidate the cause of anaemia: a mean red cell volume (MCV) can support the clarification of the causes of anaemia. It can advocate: (a) microcytic anaemia due to iron deficiency or haemoglobinopathy; (b) macrocytic anaemia related to deficiency in vitamin B
12 or folate; and (c) normocytic anaemia related to maternal diseases/infections. Of note, in many cases, anaemia in pregnancy is a mixed form of anaemia, such as iron deficiency combined with vitamin B
12 deficiency, which may render red blood cell indices less reliable as diagnostic feature. Complementary blood tests are often necessary, and include several haematinic parameters (ferritin, vitamin B
12, and folate). In particular circumstances, to exclude haemolysis and make a final classification of anaemia, additional haematological and/or enzymatic parameters should be performed [
36‐
38]. In cases of microcytic anaemia with normal ferritin, investigation of haemoglobinopathies should be undertaken depending on the origin of the patient.
Iron deficiency can, therefore, not be excluded if the MCV is normal. Haemoglobinopathies should always be suspected in case of severe hypochromic microcytic anaemia. Red cell distribution width (RDW) may help to differentiate iron deficiency from other microcytic anaemias, e.g., in case of haemoglobinopathies. Thus, if mean corpuscular haemoglobin is below 26 pg, it is important to screen for haemoglobinopathies in case of normal iron stores. Regarding iron stores, serum ferritin seems to be the best and most practical marker. In pregnancy, a serum ferritin concentration < 30 µg/L implies insufficient or empty iron stores and, therefore, an increased risk for developing iron deficiency anaemia. A serum ferritin value < 12 µg/L implies established iron deficiency with empty iron stores at all stages of pregnancy [
36‐
38]. As an acute-phase protein, ferritin increases during inflammation or infectious episodes. Therefore, the measurement of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level at the same time is recommended. A normal serum ferritin value does not exclude iron deficiency in inflammatory situations. Because iron deficiency is very common in pregnancy, serum ferritin screening during first trimester is in several most recent recommendations, for example, by the SSGO [
40]. If iron stores are empty in early pregnancy, iron treatment is medically indicated even if the haemoglobin is still normal. As iron demand increases during gestation, untreated iron deficiency will result in incremental anaemia. As outlined above, women suffering from anaemia have an increased risk during PPH or even moderate bleeding.
Prevention and treatment of antepartum iron deficiency and anaemia
To prevent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, an alimental iron supplementation of 30–60 mg/day is recommended by the WHO [
39] for all pregnant women. There is no recommendation neither in the UK nor in Switzerland for routine iron supplementation in all pregnant women [
40,
41]. In countries with an increased prevalence of iron deficiency and anaemia, particularly in low resource countries, routine supplementation of iron seems to be an appropriate strategy. However, iron supplementation may cause undesirable side effects such as gastric pain or constipation in up to 25% of pregnant women [
42]. Therefore, targeted iron treatment in women with iron deficiency anaemia or low iron stores without anaemia is the preferred strategy in populations in which iron deficiency in pregnant women is not extremely high. Hence, it is recommended to check serum ferritin at the beginning of pregnancy and offer oral iron supplementation if serum ferritin is below 30 ng/ml.
In women with mild-to-moderate iron-deficiency anaemia during the first and second trimesters, it is advised to have a daily oral iron substitution (160–200 mg/day of iron) [
40]. This is also applicable for iron deficiency without anaemia in early pregnancy (serum ferritin < 30 ng/mL) knowing that the iron need will increase during gestation [
40,
41,
43].
Intravenous iron is recommended if there is intolerance to oral iron preparations (gastrointestinal side effects) if Hb levels do not increase appropriately (less than 1 g/dL within 14 days) due to impaired intestinal absorption or poor compliance, in cases with severe, advanced or progressive anaemia (Hb < 9 g/dL), or if a rapid anaemia treatment is necessary due to advanced gestational age or in Jehovah’s witnesses [
32,
40]. The choice of parenteral iron preparation depends on the products availability in different countries. Today, iron dextran products are not recommended due to the increased risk of anaphylactic reactions compared to the newer intravenous iron products available (i.e., ferric carboxymaltose, iron sucrose, iron gluconate, etc.) [
44]. Based on the available clinical trial data of iv iron treatment in pregnancy [
45‐
48], in Switzerland, the SSGO recommends ferric carboxymaltose use as best treatment choice when parenteral iron use is appropriate [
40].
Management of the woman during delivery
Risk factors for PPH are older age, multiple gestations, preeclampsia, induction of labour, uterine fibroma, polyhydramnios, placenta praevia, and placenta accreta spectrum disorder. The mode of delivery cannot be considered as a predictor for PPH, although caesarean section is associated with a higher average blood loss as compared to vaginal birth. Recent evidence suggests an association between a low pre-partum haemoglobin and an increased risk of PPH. In an observational study with 53 patients with PPH, 21 women had emergency hysterectomy because of serious uterine atony, whereas the remaining 32 women were responsive to standard of care (conservative measures) [
49]. Prepartum haemoglobin value was low (< 7 g/dL) in 81% of women with hysterectomy and PPH (
n = 17/21) compared to 12.5% of the non-hysterectomised women. These data showed a strong relationship between anaemia (low Hb values < 10 g/dL) and risk of PPH. The rationale behind this may be decrease myometrial contractility and/or impaired coagulation due to low Hb levels.
Among the most current guidelines are those of the German, Austrian, and Swiss Societies for Gynaecology and Obstetrics published in 2018 and the RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) published in 2017 [
50,
51]. Risk factors for PPH are often present before birth, according to retrospective studies in about 40% of women with PPH. In these women, the clinical management during gestation must be modified. One important issue is the facility of birth: Women with a potential of haemorrhage are advised to give birth in a centre, where all required care is onsite.
During delivery, blood loss evaluation is often challenging, but important for clinical management of the patient if bleeding is increased. Typically, blood loss is underestimated by 50% during vaginal delivery. Blood collecting bags or weighing swaps may help for a more accurate estimation of blood loss. The rapid and appropriate management in case of PPH is crucial to reduce morbidity and, in particular, reduce the need of blood transfusions. Clinicians should be prepared and well trained to use timely appropriate medication, as well as mechanical and surgical interventions to stop PPH. The key factor is to perform a rapid but thorough examination to identify the cause of haemorrhage (4TS) and treat it accordingly. The therapy of PPH after vaginal birth or caesarean section depends on the clinical situation and the cause of PPH (4 T’s: Trauma, Tissue, Tone, Thrombin, see above) and consists of different therapeutic measures: Suturing of tissue laceration in birth canal or uterine rupture, surgical removal of placental tissue, uterotonic medications, and administration of Pro-coagulants. If bleeding persists, further measures include insertion of a Balloon-tamponade of the uterus, surgical intervention such as uterine compression sutures (B-Lynch, Hayman technique, or others [
52]) or uterine vessel mass ligation. In haemodynamically stable patients, emergent transfer to interventional radiology department and uterine artery embolization may be an effective and often successful intervention [
53]. Finally, hysterectomy might become necessary as ultima ratio if other measures were unsuccessful.
Prevention of PPH
To minimise the risk of PPH, Cochrane reviews [
54‐
56] have shown that the proactive management of the third stage of labour which consists of prophylactic administration of uterotonics such as oxytocine, carbetocin, or ergometrine is successful in preventing PPH. The main component of the package is the use of oxytocin or carbetocin, as controlled cord traction adds only very little [
57]. Early cord clamping limits the blood volume to the newborn and may lead to iron deficiency and anaemia in preterm born babies [
58]. It has been shown that delaying umbilical cord clamping (minimum 1 min.) have an extended benefit (up to infancy) for the new-born [
59]. Therefore, systematic early clamping of the umbilical cord is not advised anymore, except in emergency cases such as severe foetal distress or placental abruption.
Fluid management
Several physiological changes occur during pregnancy. In the first months, the body of the pregnant woman holds off about 500 up to 900 mEq of sodium [
60‐
62], which increases the body water volume by 6–8 L. Development of resistance to angiotensin II occurs in parallel to an upregulation of the renin-angiotensin system. This leads to a broad rise of 4–7 L in the volume of extracellular water and a reduction of sodium and water elimination to keep a physiologic blood pressure [
63,
64]. Stroke volume and heart rate increase. Cardiac output rises rapidly at the beginning of the 5th week of gestation (first trimester) and continues until the 32nd week. It reaches the maximum around the 6th month of pregnancy, having reached ~ 130–150% of the values of non-pregnant women. After birth, cardiac output decreases and turns back to normal levels only at 24 week postpartum. Colloid osmotic pressure (COP) may decrease from 25 mmHg to 18–20 mmHg and cause oedema. All the factors mentioned above should be kept in mind and taken into consideration for the fluid management of complicated obstetric patients.
During severe PPH, decreased cardiac output, hypotension, and vasoconstriction may cause a decrease in end-organ perfusion of vital organs, including kidneys, heart, and brain [
65]. Fluid management is a crucial component of PPH treatment to maintain adequate tissue perfusion. Not only blood loss is difficult to estimate, the same is true for volume status of the patient. Due to the physiological increase in blood volume and cardiac output, the parturient may present with cardiovascular stability despite significant blood loss. Shock index (heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure) above 1 is considered a helpful marker to identify relevant hypovolaemia [
66]. Maternal lactate is also used by anaesthetists to monitor tissue hypo perfusion in case of significant blood loss. It is important to appropriately warm the infused volume to avoid hypothermia, which has a negative impact on coagulation, oxygenation acidosis [
67]. There is no consensus on the choice of crystalloid or colloidal infusion [
68] and there is no standard for the appropriate volume of resuscitation fluids [
69‐
71].
Tranexamic acid
Antifibrinolytics such as aminomethylbenzoic acid, aprotinin, aminocaproic acid, and tranexamic acid diminish bleeding. They act by the inhibition of fibrin clots breakdown [
74,
75]. It has been shown in surgery that tranexamic acid can reduce bleeding and consequently reduce by 1/3 the need for RBC transfusion [
76]. Large clinical trials have shown that early administration of tranexamic acid reduced mortality in trauma patients. Similarly, a large multicentre RCT in women with PPH has shown reduction of morbidity as well as mortality. Importantly, the effect was best if tranexamic acid was administered within the three first hours after the onset of the haemorrhage [
77‐
79]. It is of note that in these patients, most severe bleeding and death occurs within 12 h after haemorrhage start. In PPH, death peaked 2–3 h after delivery. The important WOMAN trial has shown that there is an improvement of survival with the use of tranexamic acid [
78]; however, it should be used rapidly otherwise the benefit reduces by 10% per 15 min delay up to no benefit reported after 3 h [
80]. Of note, the WOMAN trial has been subject to criticism regarding the issues of the included patient population and regarding the number needed to treat. Patients with increased blood loss during vaginal birth or caesarean section should receive antifibrinolytic drugs as soon as possible for the reasons mentioned above. While bleeding, the first coagulation factor to drop to critically low levels is fibrinogen. Therefore, early inhibition of fibrinolysis is reasonable and tranexamic acid must be given before substitution of fibrinogen. Early administration of tranexamic acid is, meanwhile, recommended as the first line of treatment for women with increased blood loss during birth.
In women who were treated prophylactically with tranexamic acid (1 or 0.5 g i.v.) plus the usual uterotonics after vaginal delivery or caesarean section, bleeding beyond 400 or 500 ml was less frequent [
81]. A French randomised controlled study comparing 1 g of prophylactic tranexamic acid with placebo showed an effect on the incidence of PPH [
82]; however, more data are needed before prophylactic tranexamic acid can be recommended [
50].
Red blood cell transfusion
During PPH, it is of high importance to make the difference between active bleeding and non-active bleeding regarding the indication for RBC transfusion. In principle, during active bleeding in the acute phase of PPH, the dynamic of the clinical situation can be extremely high, and quick RBC transfusions often save the life of the patient. Criteria for transfusion mainly include estimation of blood loss, haemodynamic situation and tissue oxygenation level (lactate), haemoglobin (Hb)/haematocrit (Ht), and prediction of severity of PPH (e.g., by measuring fibrinogen). Measuring just Hb/Ht is not the most reliable way to monitor the progress of the clinical situation. Assessment can be inaccurate leading to a delay of blood transfusion; therefore, further clinical criteria need to be taken into account for an optimal monitoring of the situation, specifically haemodynamic criteria. In haemorrhage and resuscitation, the European Society of Anaesthesiology advocates that Hb/Ht along with base deficit and serum lactate should be measured repeatedly for tissue perfusion and oxygenation evaluation [
83]. It should, however, be kept in mind that physiological metabolic compensation of respiratory alkalosis is common in pregnancy, and therefore, a base deficit of up to -3 is physiological. Base deficit with a concomitant increase of serum lactate is a sign of hypoperfusion, usually due to hypovolemia. Correction of hypovolemia with crystalloid fluids might unmask anaemia.
In the later phase of PPH, when bleeding is stopped, active (internal) blood loss is excluded and the haemodynamic stability and compensation of the patient is confirmed, the indication for blood transfusion should be more restrictive with no fixed criteria for RBC transfusions [
84,
85]. Hb below 6 g/dL does usually require a RBC transfusion, while this is rarely the case in a haemodynamically stable situation with an Hb of 8 g/dL or above. Between 6 and 8 g/dL, transfusion indication should be more restrictive, depending on the clinical situation and on patient’s symptoms. Often, red blood cell transfusion can be avoided, and instead, intravenous iron treatment can be initiated 8if iron stores have been short) for rapid recovery of Hb levels and alleviation of clinical symptoms.
Fibrinogen concentrate
Fibrinogen is an acute phase protein and is essential for effective haemostasis. It has been shown that fibrinogen levels measured during PPH correspond well to the severity of PPH, although it is unclear if low fibrinogen values contribute to the pathogenesis of PPH or are a secondary phenomenon of blood loss [
86‐
88]. Several studies [
89‐
96] have suggested that fibrinogen might be useful in normalizing standard laboratory tests in PPH associated with hypofibrinogenaemia. Much of the evidence supporting a benefit of fibrinogen concentrate for PPH is based on case series, retrospective register investigations, or uncontrolled, non-randomised studies [
97]. Despite this, early administration of fibrinogen has already been included in most guidelines [
98]. For example, the European Society of Anaesthesiology recommends to provide fibrinogen if the levels are < 2 g/dL [
83], this is also the case for several obstetric societies like the RCOG [
50]. Fibrinogen concentrate is associated with reduced bleeding and a decreased need for transfusions in PPH. Fibrinogen concentrate should be given in severe PPH, particularly if fibrinogen levels are low. Because measurement of fibrinogen levels is time consuming and, therefore, impractical in ongoing PPH, bedside tests, such as thromboelastometry, are recommended. This may enable a rapid correction of coagulopathy due to consumption and dilution [
99].
Recombinant activated human factor VII (rhFVIIa)
Recombinant human factor VIIa (rhFVIIa) is a tissue factor-activated prohaemostatic agent. Even in severe PPH, the systematic use of rhFVVa has not been recommended [
49]. Efficacy of rhVIIa has been shown in non-randomised studies in severe PPH. The risk of thromboembolic complications has not been systematically investigated. To be effective, rhVIIa requires correction of hypothermia, acidosis, fibrinogen levels, and anaemia [
100]. If haemorrhage could not be controlled by other measures, rhFVIIa could lower the need of second-line therapies [
101]. In a prospective cohort study with 22 patients with severe PPH rhVIIa contributed to the control of PPH and hysterectomy was avoided [
102]. In life-threatening PPH, rFVIIa administration might be used. However, this should not replace or postpone vital interventions. It is of note that patients should be monitored to detect thromboembolism, especially if rhVIIa is given in the combination with tranexamic acid.
Active and non-active bleeding in delivery and postpartum haemorrhage
In general, blood transfusions hold risks. Furthermore, for religious reasons, some women such Jehovah’s witnesses—decline RBC. For these reasons, there must be a clear indication for RBC transfusion, such as risk of ongoing haemorrhage with severe anaemia or cardiac decompensation [
114]. A recent paper [
114] identified only one small randomised controlled trial with 72 pregnant women investigating the role of proactive (prophylactic) or reactive (restrictive), administration of blood. The conclusion of the authors was not in favour of prophylactic blood transfusion [
115]. There are missing studies of the consequences of blood transfusion on the mortality of the mothers or the new-borns. Thus, any endorsement from experts is based on the clinical experience but not evidence based [
39]. Severe anaemia during pregnancy was linked to low foetal oxygenation, resulting in foetal morbidity and mortality, and reduction of amniotic fluid volume [
116,
117]. In these situations, foetal surveillance and blood transfusion in the mother need to be taken into consideration. [
35,
43]. In the case of severe anaemia in pregnancy (e.g., Hb < 7 g/dL), the patient should be addressed to a specialized foeto-maternal medicine care centre. If there is no active bleeding but transfusion deems to be necessary, the minimum amount of blood should be transfused (single-unit). Subsequently, clinical and laboratory evaluation should be performed to reassess the additional need of blood transfusion. Iron stores cannot be replenished by a single RBC concentrate (~ 240 mg iron); thus, the additional administration of parenteral iron is recommended. Importantly, restrictive recommendations for transfusion apply only for patients with stable circulation and no active bleeding. In women with active bleeding, transfusions may not be avoidable in many patients and can safe life. Nevertheless, some women—also if necessary—do not accept blood products, for example Jehovah`s witnesses. In those women, PBM improves both short- and long-term outcomes, due to the synergies between preoperative haematological values optimisation, good volume management, and precise methods of surgery [
118], but when these steps fail with active bleeding, the obstetrician has to choose expedite technique to fix the situation i.g. hysterectomy.
Prevention and treatment of postpartum anaemia
Prepartum iron deficiency with or without anaemia is closely related to anaemia after birth. As postpartum anaemia can be severe and have durable negative consequences of the mother and her child, postpartum anaemia should be avoided by filling up iron stores during (or even before) pregnancy [
130]. According to available studies, oral iron supplementation during pregnancy can lower the risk of anaemia during pregnancy and postpartum [
131‐
133]. In case of asymptomatic mild anaemia, the woman should be treated with oral iron (80–200 mg/day for a minimal duration of 3 months) [
40,
130]. The patient should be informed on the correct way of oral iron intake to avoid food interactions and have an optimal absorption [
41].
Currently available information suggests that intravenous iron in the postpartum period is beneficial and more efficient than oral iron, particularly in women with moderate or severe anaemia [
134,
135]. In the systematic review by Sultan et al., Hb at 6 week postpartum were almost 10 g/dL higher in women with postpartum anaemia who received intravenous iron compared to oral iron. Given the reassuring safety profile of intravenous iron, the weaker Hb response and higher risk of gastrointestinal side-effects with oral iron use, i.v. iron can be considered as a viable treatment option for postpartum iron deficiency anaemia [
135].
After birth, treatment of iron deficiency anaemia includes the recommendations according to the SSGO [
40]:
-
Hb from 9.5 g/dL to 12 g/dL: Oral iron therapy. If oral iron medication is badly tolerated due to gastrointestinal side effects, intravenous iron treatment should be administered.
-
Hb < 9.5 g/dL: intravenous iron therapy (as first line therapy, ferric carboxymaltose as first-choice product).
Basis of this recommendation are randomised studies showing a more rapid increase of haemoglobin after intravenous iron as compared to oral iron [
45,
46]. In particular, in the postpartum period, a rapid recovery is essential for successful breastfeeding and that the mother is able to cope with all the challenges of care for the neonate.
In case of caesarean section or postpartal inflammation, oral iron may not be efficiently absorbed because of the increased Hepcidin level (iron regulator) [
136]. Therefore, in such situations (women with inflammation, severe anaemia or refusing RBC transfusion like Jehovah’s witnesses) parenteral iron should be considered as first-line treatment.
The decision to administer RBC transfusion should be considered according to postpartum Hb value as well as clinical symptoms. It can be appropriate when Hb value is <6 g/dL, or between 7 and 9 g/dL if symptoms of anaemia are severe. As a principle, in postpartum women without active bleeding, transfusion should be restrictive and include administration of only one packed red blood cell, followed by Hb measurement and clinical evaluation to decide if more is necessary. When Hb value is > 9 g/dL, blood transfusion is barely needed [
35,
40,
43].