Effect of Sustained Uterine Compression versus Uterine Massage on Blood Loss after Vaginal Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of sustained uterine compression versus uterine massage in reducing blood loos after a vaginal delivery. Study Design This was a prospective randomized trial conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) between October 2015 and October 2017. Inclusion criteria were women with a singleton pregnancy at ≥36 weeks of gestation, with less than three previous deliveries, who were candidates for vaginal delivery. Participants were randomized into two groups, a sustained uterine compression group (group 1) and a uterine massage group (group 2). Incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss of ≥500 mL) was the primary outcome. We assumed that the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage at our institution is similar to previously published studies. A total of 545 women were required in each arm to detect a reduction from 9.6 to 4.8% in the primary outcome (50% reduction) with a one-sided α of 0.05 and a power of 80%. Factoring in a 10% dropout rate. Secondary outcomes were admission to intensive care unit (ICU), postpartum complications, drop in hemoglobin, duration of hospital stay, maternal pain, use of uterotonics, or of surgical procedure for postpartum hemorrhage. Results A total of 550 pregnant women were recruited, 273 in group 1 and 277 in group 2. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Type of anesthesia, rate of episiotomy, lacerations, and mean birth weight were also equal between the groups. Incidence of the primary outcome was not different between the two groups (group 1: 15.5%, group 2: 15.4%; p = 0.98). There was no statistically significant difference in any of the secondary outcomes between the two groups, including drop in hemoglobin (p = 0.79). Conclusion There was no difference in blood loss between sustained uterine compression and uterine massage after vaginal delivery. Key Points

Effectiveness of Intermittent Uterine Massage in Reducing Blood Loss During Vaginal Delivery: A Comparative Study

“…In a RCT study by Ghulmiyyah et al, comparison was done between the sustained compression of the lower uterine segment and uterine massage for the amount of blood loss after the vaginal delivery but they did not find any significant difference in the outcome in both the groups. 15 Some studies of uterine massage have been done in the cases of CS to find the amount of blood loss after CS. In a retrospective cohort study by Zhang et women who had high risk for PPH compared to controlled cord traction method during CS.…”