Comparison of postpartum blood volume between visual estimation and collected bags in women delivered vaginally at Sanpasitthiprasong Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To compare volume of postpartum blood loss between collecting bag and visual
estimation in pregnant women delivered vaginally

Material & Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2016 to April
2017 in pregnant women undergoing vaginal delivery at Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital. All 320 pregnant
women were recruited and allocated into 2 parallel groups: collecting bag (CB) group and visual
estimation (VE) group. Blood volume of postpartum loss was assessed only by collecting bag in
CB group and was assessed by both techniques in VE group. The clinical characteristics, delivery,
and neonatal outcomes, including postpartum complications were recorded.

Results: Among 312 participants enrolled, there are 4 participants in CB group and 7 participants
in VE group who delivered by cesarean section, or incomplete data collection, leaving overall 301
participants completed analysis. The median volume of postpartum blood loss was significantly
different between the CB and VE group (349.1 ml VS 320 ml, respectively, P=0.01). Subgroup
analysis in VE group which both techniques were used, median blood loss was significantly different
by standard visual estimation (VE) VS actual values measured by collecting bag (CB) (320 ml VS
377.1 ml, respectively, P<0.001). Postpartum hemorrhage was not significantly different between
groups (17.1% in CB group VS 25.5% in VE group). There was no significant difference between
groups in term of changes in hemoglobin, hematocrit, perineal hematoma, and blood transfusion.

Conclusions: The assessment of postpartum blood loss volume using CB was more accurate
measurement than VE in women delivered vaginally.