Outcomes of pelvic arterial embolization in the management of postpartum haemorrhage: a case series study and systematic review

BackgroundPostpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is an unpredictable obstetric emergency that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) is considered as a second-line treatment, although the published results have not been reviewed systematically since 2007.ObjectivesTo evaluate success and complication rates of PAE to treat PPH in the study hospital between 2009 and 2015, and to perform a systematic review of the literature on the reported efficacy and safety of PAE for the management of PPH.Search strategyA systematic review of articles on PAE in English or Spanish was conducted using Medline and the Cochrane Library.Selection criteriaAll published articles assessing success and complication rates of PAE in cases of PPH. The search was restricted to articles published in English or Spanish between 2000 and 2015, with at least 25 cases.Data collection and analysisObstetric variables, maternal haemodynamic state, pre-/postembolization management, technique-related variables, post-PAE evolution and complications were recorded in the case series study. Study characteristics, success rates and PAE-related complication rates were recorded in the systematic review.Main resultsThe case series included 29 patients. The majority of these patients were primiparous, with singleton term pregnancies and spontaneous labour. Caesarean section was performed in 62.1% of patients undergoing PAE for PPH. PAE was successful in 89.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 78.3-100] of cases. Twenty studies were included in the systematic review, providing data from 1739 patients. PAE was successful in 89.4% (95% CI 87.9-90.9) of cases. The mortality rate was 0.9%, and other major complications were uncommon (1.8%).ConclusionsPAE was found to be a minimally invasive, highly successful and safe technique for the management of PPH. It should be considered in PPH refractory to initial treatment.