Differential diagnosis of uterine vascular anomalies:Uterine pseudoaneurysm as a cause of massive hemorrhage

In this article,we comment on the paper by Kakinuma et al published recently.We focus specifically on the diagnosis of uterine pseudoaneurysm,but we also review other uterine vascular anomalies that may be the cause of life-threating hemorrhage and the different causes of uterine pseudoaneurysms.Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is a complication of both surgical gynecological and nontraumatic procedures.Massive hemorrhage is the consequence of the rupture of the pseudoaneurysm.Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm can develop after obstetric or gynecological procedures,being the most frequent after cesarean or vaginal deliveries,curettage and even during pregnancy.However,there are several cases described unrelated to pregnancy,such as after conization,hysteroscopic surgery or laparoscopic myomectomy.Hemorrhage is the clinical manifestation and it can be life-threatening so suspicion of this vascular lesion is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.However,there are other uterine vascular anomalies that may be the cause of severe hemorrhage,which must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis.Computed tomography angiography and embolization is supposed to be the first therapeutic option in most of them.

Therapeutic potential of stem cells in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Aneurysm rupture can result in subarachnoid hemorrhage,a condition with potentially severe consequences,such as disability and death.In the acute stage,early brain injury manifests as intracranial pressure elevation,global cerebral ischemia,acute hydrocephalus,and direct blood–brain contact due to aneurysm rupture.This may subsequently cause delayed cerebral infarction,often with cerebral vasospasm,significantly affecting patient outcomes.Chronic complications such as brain volume loss and chronic hydrocephalus can further impact outcomes.Investigating the mechanisms of subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced brain injury is paramount for identifying effective treatments.Stem cell therapy,with its multipotent differentiation capacity and anti-inflammatory effects,has emerged as a promising approach for treating previously deemed incurable conditions.This review focuses on the potential application of stem cells in subarachnoid hemorrhage pathology and explores their role in neurogenesis and as a therapeutic intervention in preclinical and clinical subarachnoid hemorrhage studies.

Early antiplatelet therapy used for acute ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage

In this editorial we comment on the article published by Zhang et al in the recent issue of World Journal of Clinical Cases.We evaluate their claims on the benefit of use of Aspirin in the early management of patients with ischemic stroke.We also comment on their contention of using aspirin in the early management of patients with intracranial hemorrhage,a practice not seen in modern medicine.Large clinical trials such as the International Stroke Trial and the Chinese Acute Stroke Trial have shown the benefit of Aspirin use within 48 h of patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.The findings were corroborated in the open-label trial performed by Zhang et al in a smaller sample group of 25 patients where they showed improvement in functional scores at 90 days without an increase in adverse events.As such,this intervention is also recommended by the American Heart Association stroke guidelines from 2021.With regard to Intracranial hemorrhage,traditional practice has been to discontinue or avoid antiplatelet therapy in these patient groups.However,no studies have been done to evaluate this management strategy that is more borne out of the mechanism behind Aspirin’s effect on the coagulation pathway.Zhang et al evaluate the benefits of Aspirin on patients with low-volume intracranial hemorrhage,i.e.,less than 30 mL on computed tomo-graphy imaging,and show no increase in mortality.The caveat of this finding is that all outcomes were pooled into one group for results,and the number of patients was low.While more studies with larger patient groups are required,the data from Zhang et al suggests that patients with small-volume intracranial hemorrhages may benefit from Aspirin administration in the acute phase of management.

Subsequent pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates in the case series that underwent bilateral hypogastric artery ligation(BHGAL)due to severe postpartum hemorrhage

Objective:To evaluate the effect of bilateral hypogastric artery ligation(BHGAL)on women's pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates in cases with severe postpartum hemorrhage.Methods:Patients hospitalized in a tertiary care center between 2007 and 2018 were included in the study.The records of cases were obtained from the hospital database,retrospectively.Maternal demographic data,morbidities or complications associated with BHGAL surgery,any additional haemostatic interventional or surgical procedures,preoperative admission and lowest postoperative haematocrit-hemoglobin values,blood products given,type of anaesthesia,intensive care unit(ICU)and length of hospital stay were recorded.In cases without surgical sterilization,future fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed for at least two years after operation.Information was obtained through face-to-face or telephone interviews with patients whose long-term fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed.Results:Sixty-eight patients with BHGAL surgery history were included in the study.26 Of 37 cases(70%)that did not undergo surgical sterilization had a desire for pregnancy after the surgery.Six of these cases(23%)were diagnosed with secondary infertility.The fertility rate of these cases was 77%,and subsequent pregnancy was detected in 20 women.A total of 25 pregnancies,including first and second pregnancies,developed,and 15 of these pregnancies resulted in term delivery,six preterm births,one stillbirth,and three abortions.Conclusions:The postoperative pregnancy rate was found to be higher than the rate of women with infertility problems,and this surgery does not seem to adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.This is a tertiary center experience and cohort studies with large patient series are needed.

Predictive model for postpartum hemorrhage requiring hysterectomy in a minority ethnic region

BACKGROUND Postpartum hemorrhage(PPH)is a leading cause of maternal mortality,and hysterectomy is an important intervention for managing intractable PPH.Accurately predicting the need for hysterectomy and taking proactive emergency measures is crucial for reducing mortality rates.AIM To develop a risk prediction model for PPH requiring hysterectomy in the ethnic minority regions of Qiandongnan,China,to help guide clinical decision-making.METHODS The study included 23490 patients,with 1050 having experienced PPH and 74 who underwent hysterectomies.The independent risk factors closely associated with the necessity for hysterectomy were analyzed to construct a risk prediction model,and its predictive efficacy was subsequently evaluated.RESULTS The proportion of hysterectomies among the included patients was 0.32%(74/23490),representing 7.05%(74/1050)of PPH cases.The number of deliveries,history of cesarean section,placenta previa,uterine atony,and placenta accreta were identified in this population as independent risk factors for requiring a hysterectomy.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the prediction model showed an area under the curve of 0.953(95%confidence interval:0.928-0.978)with a sensitivity of 90.50%and a specificity of 90.70%.CONCLUSION The model demonstrates excellent predictive power and is effective in guiding clinical decisions regarding PPH in the ethnic minority regions of Qiandongnan,China.

D-Dimer: Predictor of Postpartum Hemorrhage among Pre-Eclampsia at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the major contributor to maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide as well as in Tanzania. Studies have shown Pre-eclampsia as a risk indicator for Postpartum hemorrhage and D-dimer tends to rise in women with pre-eclampsia. Few studies that have shown the association between D-dimer and PPH have been controversial and differ according to ethnicity and lifestyle. Hence there is no suitable reference interval for D-dimer in predicting Postpartum hemorrhage among women with pre-eclampsia. Broad Objective: This study aimed to assess the association, sensitivity, and specificity of D-dimer as a laboratory predictor of postpartum hemorrhage among women with pre-eclampsia at KCMC hospital. Methodology: This was a hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study conducted at KCMC Hospital in Northern Tanzania from September 2022 to March 2023. A total of 195 women with pre-eclampsia were included in this study. Plasma D-dimer levels were taken from women with pre-eclampsia pre-delivery. Haematocrit was compared before and after delivery, and a fall of 10% was considered as Postpartum hemorrhage together with clinical assessment of the patient. Participants were divided among those who had severe features and those who did not have severe features and were further categorized into those who had PPH and those who did not have PPH. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between D-dimer and PPH adjusting for other factors. The Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the predictive value. Results: Higher median D-dimer levels were seen among women who had PPH compared to those who had no PPH. D-dimer was seen to be associated with PPH, thus for every unit increase of µg/ml of D-dimer among women who had pre-eclampsia without severe features there was a 14% significant increase in the odds of having postpartum hemorrhage and a 45% significant increase of having postpartum hemorrhage among those who had pre-eclampsia with severe features. Furthermore, the cut-off point of a D-dimer level of 0.66 µg/ml significantly predicts postpartum hemorrhage with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 55%. For those who had no severe features the cut-off point was 0.53 µg/ml with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 53%, and for those who had severe features the cut-off point was 3.58 µg/ml with a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 96%. Conclusion: D-dimer can be used to predict postpartum hemorrhage among pre-eclampsia, especially among those who have severe features. This shows that D-dimer has specificity in predicting PPH in women with pre-eclampsia and can be applied in clinical services to save women from maternal morbidity and mortality. Blood products such as fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and whole blood together with tranexamic acid should be readily available in women with pre-eclampsia especially those with severe features with a D-dimer level of 3.58 µg/ml and above during delivery as they are at high risk of developing PPH.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage after wet cupping therapy: a case report

Introduction:Cupping therapy is an integrative and complementary medicine therapy that practiced worldwide by several civilizations for thousands of years.Cupping therapy is reported to be a relatively safe practice especially if performed by qualified therapists.Subconjunctival hemorrhage(SCH)is a common cause of eye redness and can be classified into traumatic and spontaneous.Case presentation:This case report discussed an adverse event related to wet cupping therapy.The patient developed SCH one day after performing cupping therapy.He was completely recovered after 2 weeks.This case report should increase the knowledge of cupping therapists regarding increasing safety of patient when performing wet cupping therapy on specific body parts especially,head,neck and cervical areas.Furthermore,it highlighted the importance of conducting research regarding the mechanical and physiological effects of cupping therapy.Conclusion:Adverse events related to cupping therapy should be reported with every patient.Cupping therapists should be aware of this possible mild adverse event.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first published adult case of SCH related to wet cupping therapy session.More studies are critically needed for evaluation of cupping therapy effects and adverse events especially when performed on head and neck.

Effect of Hemabate combined with packing therapy on the systemic stress response in patients with postpartum hemorrhage after placenta previa cesarean section

Objective:To discuss the effect of Hemabate combined with packing therapy on the systemic stress response in patients with postpartum hemorrhage after placenta previa cesarean section. Methods:70 patients with postpartum hemorrhage after placenta previa cesarean section who were treated in Chengdu Women & Children's Central Hospital between January 2014 and February 2017 were collected and then divided into the control group (n=35) who received uterine packing therapy and the observation group (n=35) who received Hemabate combined with packing therapy according to random number table. Serum levels of oxidative stress indexes and stress hormones immediately after operation and 24 h after operation were compared between two groups of patients.Results: Immediately after operation and 24 h after operation, serum oxidative stress indexes ROS and MDA levels of observation group were significantly lower than those of control group while SOD, GSH-px and CAT levels were significantly higher than those of control group, and serum stress hormones NE, E and Cor levels were significantly lower than those of control group.Conclusion: Hemabate combined with packing therapy can effectively reduce systemic stress response in patients with postpartum hemorrhage after placenta previa cesarean section, is a more ideal way of the bleeding.

Effect of Cesarean Section on the Severity of Postpartum Hemorrhage in Chinese Women： The Shanxi Study

Postpartum hemorrhage （PPH） is one of the most adverse obstetric outcomes. Our aim is to detect the risks of multilevel PPH in different cesarean section （CS） groups [including nulliparous CS with indications, nulliparous CS without indications, repeat cesarean （RC）, vaginal birth after cesarean （VBAC）, cesarean after vaginal birth （CAVB）]. We conducted a retrospective cohort study, and the data on 127 145 women collected from January 2014 to May 2016 and from 35 tertiary hospitals in Shanxi province, China, were reviewed. Based on the measuring results of PPH, an ordered logistic regression model was used to analyze the adjusted PPH risks for each of the CS groups, and comparisons were drawn between them. Finally, a total of 99 066 nulliparous （77.92%） and 28 079 multiparous （22.08%） women were observed. The number of CS cases was 61 117, and the rate for CS was 48.07%. A total of 10 029 women did not show indications for CS and accounted for 16.41% of the CS parturient, whereas 9103 women underwent a repeated cesarean, with a CS frequency of 14.89%. The number of VBAC cases was 989, whose rate was 9.88% in prior CS women. The number （proportions） of PPH was 3658 （2.88%） in L1 （PPH volume： ≥900 and 〈1500 mL）, 520 （0.41%） in L2 （PPH volume： ≥1500 and〈2100 mL）, and 201 （0.16%） in L3 （PPH volume： ≥2100 mL）. The Ln （n= 1, 2, 3, etc.） represented the increasing order of PPH severity. In the adjusted results, compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery （SVD） as the reference group, in the adjusted result for nulliparous, there was a decreased PPH risk in CS with indications （OR： 2.32; CI： 2.04-2.62）, which was lower than that of CS without indications （OR： 2.50; CI： 2.01-2.96）. The highest PPH risk in all subgroups （i.e. nulliparous and multiparous groups） was observed in the RC （OR： 3.61; CI： 3.16-4.17）, which was nearly twice higher than that of the VBAC （OR： 1.82; CI： 1.33-2.52）. CAVB （OR： 1.03; CI： 0.65-1.62） showed no significant difference with the reference group. Thus, we deemed that CS should be avoided in nulliparous pregnancies unless indicated, to prevent or reduce the rates for the use of RC or VBAC which are high risks of severe PPH to the parturient women.

Uterine Artery Embolization for Management of Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage Associated with Placenta Accreta

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization(UAE) in the management of primary postpartum hemorrhage associated with placenta accreta. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with placenta accreta between January 2010 and August 2014. Totally 18 women(mean age 30.8±4.2 years) of primary massive postpartum hemorrhage with diagnosis of placenta accrete received treatment of UAE after delivery. Images of DSA and medical records were reviewed. Technical success was defined as control of bleeding after embolization. The complications, control of hemorrhage and recurrent bleeding of the placenta left inside the uterus were retrospectively collected for assessment. Results All patients underwent transcatheter embolization of bilateral uterine arteries. The technical success rate of embolization was 100%. Bleeding was controlled in 17 of 18 patients(94%) during follow-up period(median 18 months, 3-31months) without further bleeding recurred. One patient with placenta percreta undertook an emergent hysterectomy along with surgical bladder repair after UAE because of persistent uterine bleeding. Eight patients had postembolization syndrome and no other complications occurred. Conclusion Uterine artery embolization is an effective and safe treatment for the management of primary postpartum massive hemorrhage associated with placenta accreta.

Intrauterine balloon tamponade in the management of severe postpartum hemorrhage: A case series from a busy UK district general hospital

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of balloon tamponade in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Methods: Retrospective review of 58 women who underwent balloon tamponade for severe PPH, during a period of 5 years and 10 months, at Russells Hall Hospital, a busy district general hospital in UK. Clinical success was defined as control of bleeding without need for further intervention. Results: Fifty-eight women (mean age, 30 years;range, 18 - 42) underwent balloon tamponade, of which twenty seven (46.5%) women delivered vaginally and 31 (53.5%) women were delivered by cesarean section. Uterine atony was the main cause of PPH (31 cases). Balloon tamponade was used prophylactically in 11 high risk women in anticipation of potential PPH. Rusch balloon was used in 48 cases and Bakri balloon in 10 cases. Clinical success rate of balloon tamponade was 87.2%. Three patients in this study required hysterectomy. Conclusion: Balloon tamponade is an effective means of controlling severe PPH with success rates of around 87%. There should also be a low threshold for prophylactic use of balloon tamponade in women at high risk of PPH, considering its ease of use, low complication rate and ability to maintain reproductive ability.

Development of Misoprostol Suppositories for Postpartum Hemorrhage

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analogue used to prevent and treat gastric ulcers. It has been commonly used in gynecology and obstetrics, especially for the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). For this purpose, 1000 μg intrarectal (insertion of five 200 μg tablets) has been recommended as the third line after injectable oxytocin and methylergometrine. We proposed to manufacture a 1000 μg misoprostol suppository by determining formulation, release and stability. The administration facility was also evaluated. Several formulations of misoprostol suppositories were set up and evaluated. Misoprostol tablets and lipophilic bases (Hard fat—Adeps solidus Ph. Eur., Witepsol? H15 and Suppocire? AM and AS2X) were used to obtain suppositories. Surfactants were also tested (polysorbates Tween? 20, Tween? 80 and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)). The formula was monitored by the misoprostol release curve with an in vitro test and dosed by a HPLC method. Stability was determined by evaluating the percentage of misoprostol content remaining over the time in suppositories stored at 4℃ and 25℃. Facility of use versus tablets was evaluated by obstetricians of a Swiss regional hospital using a questionnaire. Misoprostol release was facilitated by adding surfactant to the lipophilic base. After 30 minutes, 59% ± 1.4% and 57% ± 8.2% of misoprostol was released with Adeps solidus + 1% SLS and Adeps solidus + 5% Tween 20 respectively. SLS was discarded to the final formula because of its irritating effect. After 7 months, suppositories still contained 94% ± 3.7% misoprostol with storage at 4℃. The administration was considered easier and faster compared with intra rectal use of tablets. The formula, consisting of 5 crushed misoprostol tablets dispersed in a suppository base made of Adeps solidus + 5% Tween? 20, is stable for at least 7 months at 4?C and facilitates the rectal administration of misoprostol in the treatment of PPH.

A Survey of Current Treatment Practices for Postpartum Hemorrhage by Practicing Obstetricians and Hematologists

Objective: To identify current treatment strategies for postpartum hemorrhage used by obstetricians (OB/GYNs) and hematologists (HEMs). Study Design: We conducted a survey of OB/GYNs (n = 220) and HEMs (n = 30) to describe the characteristics of current treatment strategies for postpartum hemorrhage. Surveys were administered via a structured questionnaire on a secure internet website from 5 - 12 October 2009. Results: The majority of OB/GYN and HEM respondents were practicing in a community hospital environment (77%). Of the OB/GYNs, the majority practiced at hospitals with over 2000 deliveries per year (77%). A majority (58%) of OB/GYNs were affiliated with hospitals that lacked a massive transfusion protocol to treat severe postpartum hemorrhage. Subsequent to uterine massage and additional oxytocin, the majority of OB/GYNs (73%), preferred the administration of Methergine? as the next level of intervention for postpartum hemorrhage. There was considerable variability in response to specific treatment strategies for several hypothetical case scenarios;however, the large majority of OB/GYNs favored obstetrical procedures over interventional radiology or administration of rFVIIa. A large majority (77%) of physicians who are familiar with rRVIIa as treatment for postpartum hemorrhage reported being very satisfied with the agent for this indication. Conclusions: An established, systematic treatment strategy among OB/GYNs emerged only in the case of mild postpartum hemorrhage.

A New Surgical Way to Face Postpartum Hemorrhage

Objective: We introduced two novel hemostatic techniques to achieve hemostasis for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The first one (A: Uterus Isthmic Plication) was a new uterine compression suture, which compresses the hysterotomy site. In a severe case, we further added vessel ligation suture after performing A-suture (B-combination suture: B-suture: A + Wide Lateral Uterine Vascular Ligation). Methods: Of 140 PPH cases, 90 were with mild PPH and 40 were with severe PPH. Our policy was: perform A-suture to mild PPH and perform B (combination) to severe PPH. Study was performed during 2018-2019. The primary endpoint to evaluate the efficacy of the procedures was preserving the uterus (no hysterectomy). Results: A-procedure, performed to 90 patients with mild PPH, was effective to all 90 patients, with all preserving the uterus. B-procedure, performed 38 patients with severe PPH (excluding two patients with uterine rupture), was effective in 37 patients, with one having undergone hysterectomy due to coagulopathy. Conclusion: Uterus Isthmic Plication (A-procedure) and addition of Wide Lateral Uterine Vascular Ligation to procedure-A (B-procedure) achieved hemostasis in patients with PPH. Prospective study is necessary to confirm the present data.

Stem cell exosomes:New hope for recovery from diabetic brain hemorrhage

Recent advancements in stem cell-derived exosome therapy for diabetic brain hemorrhage are discussed in this editorial,which highlights this therapy’s potential for revolutionizing diabetic brain hemorrhage treatment.The paper offers compelling evidence that exosomes can effectively reduce neuroinflammation and promote recovery from diabetic brain hemorrhage.Although these findings are promising,further research is warranted to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and to validate the therapeutic potential of exosomes in clinical settings.The findings of this study indicate that continued exploration should be conducted into exosome-based therapies as a novel approach to managing diabetic brain hemorrhage.

Efficacy of Uterine Artery Embolization for Patients with Postpartum Hemorrhage

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of uterine arterial embolization (UAE) in patients with post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). Materials and Methods: The subjects were 40 women (mean age, 33 years;age range, 21 - 42 years) who underwent UAE for PPH at two institutes from June 2001 to May 2011. The rates of clinical success (avoidance of hysterectomy) and complications were calculated. Differences in related factors between primary PPH and secondary PPH and between caesarean section and vaginal delivery were examined. The risk factors associated with hysterectomy were also examined. Results: The overall clinical success rate was 90% (93% of primary PPH, 77% of secondary PPH, and 87.5% of PPH with cesarean section), and the overall complication rate was 10%. There were significant differences in time to PPH (P < 0.0001) and in blood infusion after UAE (P = 0.0158) between subtypes of primary and secondary PPH and in blood infusion before UAE (P = 0.0052) between delivery methods. The significant factors associated with hysterectomy were cesarean section (P = 0.02), severe PPH (>1000 mL bleeding, P = 0.03), and embolization of non-uterine arteries (P = 0.02).

Evaluation of process management of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony

Objective: To evaluate the management process and the guidelines for management of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony at the General Hospital Vienna, Medical University Vienna. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out on all 24 cases of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony with an estimated blood loss of more than 800 mL, in which standardized guidelines were obtained. We included all women who gave birth at the General Hospital of Vienna, the Medical University Vienna, during the period from January 1st 2003 and December 31st 2009 and who suffered blood loss 800 mL at minimum due to uterine atony. Results: The guidelines were in use for 14% - 71%. The average blood loss of the 24 cases with uterine atony was 1342 mL. Conclusion: The management process of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony deviates from the hospital’s guidelines in many cases.

Comparison between Preoperative and Postoperative Sublingual Misoprostol for Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage during Cesarean Section: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Blood loss is one of the important complications during cesarean section (CS). Previous reports have shown that misoprostol is effective in reducing blood loss during and after CS. However, the optimum time for its administration to decrease the amount of PPH is still under discussion. Objective: To compare the effect of preoperative and postoperative administration of sublingual misoprostol (400 μg) in reducing the amount of blood loss during and 24 hours after CS. Setting: Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt, between January 2017 and July 2018. Study Design: A prospective, randomized clinical trial. Methods: Four-hundred thirty women fulfilling the inclusions criteria: elective lower segment CS at term (≥37 weeks) with normal fetal heart tracing who accepted to participate in the study. Patients were divided into two groups;Patients assigned to group 1 received 400 μg sublingual misoprostol immediately after urinary catheterization and before skin incision, while patients assigned to group 2 received sublingual misoprostol immediately after skin closure. The primary outcome was the estimation of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss for 24 hours. Results: There was a significant reduction in the intraoperative blood loss in group 1 compared with group 2 (403.51 ± 72.99 vs. 460.99 ± 74.66 ml, respectively). Also, there was a significant reduction in postoperative blood loss in group 1 compared with group 2 with a statistical significance (169.45 ± 12.03 vs. 195.77 ± 13.34 ml, respectively). Postoperative hemoglobin and Hematocrit values were significantly higher in group 1 compared with group 2. Conclusions: Preoperative administration of sublingual misoprostol (400 μg) during CS is better than postoperative administration as it is associated with a reduction in the amount of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss and drop in hemoglobin level.

Does magnesium sulfate increase the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage? A systematic review

The incidence of Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is increasing in the western world. We hypothesize that magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) could be a contributing factor. MgSO4 might increase the incidence of PPH by induction of vasodilation, tocolytic effects, and effects on the blood like red cell deformity, platelet activity inhibition and a prolonged bleeding time. Based on these effects of MgSO4 a correlation with PPH is suspected. MgSO4 is widely used in the prevention of eclampsia. However, the working mechanism of this effective drug is largely unknown. We performed a systematic search to find all Randomized Controlled trials (RCTs) containing MgSO4 in preeclamsia as well as all MgSO4 studies with information on PPH. Titles, abstracts and references of publications were evaluated for appropriateness and whether they met the inclusion criteria. RCTs about MgSO4 with original data on PPH prevalence were included in our systematic review. We calculated the relative risk of PPH in every study as well as an overall relative risk. Four relevant and valid RCTs were found, totalling 11,621 relevant patients. The relative risk of PPH in women treated with MgSO4 is 0.964 (95% CI 0.886 - 1.050) In this systematic review we found no significant increase in PPH in women treated with MgSO4. However, there is still room for discussion due to the heterogeneity in methods (dosage and duration of treatment), results, and tertiary outcomes, as well as the small number of studies found with respect to this important issue.

Stem cell therapy in intracerebral hemorrhage rat model

Intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH) is a very complex pathology, with many different not fully elucidated etiologies and prognostics. It is the most severe subtype of stroke, with high mortality and morbidity rates. Unfortunately, despite the numerous promising preclinical assays including neuroprotective, anti-hypertensive,and anti-inflammatory drugs, to this moment only symptomatic treatments are available, motivating the search for new alternatives. In this context, stem cell therapy emerged as a promising tool. However, more than a decade has passed, and there is still much to be learned not only about stem cells, but also about ICH itself, and how these two pieces come together. To date, rats have been the most widely used animal model in this research field, and there is much more to be learned from and about them. In this review, we first summarize ICH epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology. We then present different methods utilized to induce ICH in rats, and examine how accurately they represent the human disease. Next, we discuss the different types of stem cells used in previous ICH studies, also taking into account the tested transplantation sites. Finally, we summarize what has been achieved in assays with stem cells in rat models of ICH, and point out some relevant issues where attention must be given in future efforts.