An algorithm for the management of coagulopathy from postpartum hemorrhage, using fibrinogen concentrate as first-line therapy.

BACKGROUND: We constructed an algorithm for the management of coagulopathy from massive postpartum hemorrhage. Fibrinogen concentrate was administered preferentially, and the dose of both fibrinogen concentrate and fresh frozen plasma given was determined by the plasma fibrinogen concentration and prothrombin time. The efficacy of the algorithm and the amount of fibrinogen concentrate and fresh frozen plasma transfused were determined.

METHODS: The study was conducted in a single teaching perinatal center. Nineteen patients were included between April 2011 and March 2014 (patient group). For a historical comparison group, we retrospectively analyzed the records of 19 patients who had been treated for coagulopathy from massive postpartum hemorrhage between April 2006 and March 2011 (control group).

RESULTS: Blood loss was significantly lower in the patient group. No adverse events were associated with this management in either group. The dose of fibrinogen concentrate administered was significantly higher and that of fresh frozen plasma administered was significantly lower in the patient group.

CONCLUSION: This algorithm appeared to help reduce blood loss and the total amount of fresh frozen plasma transfused when treating coagulopathy from postpartum hemorrhage, and may represent another strategy for achieving hemostasis in this setting.