Clinical characteristics and referral outcomes of Chinese women with primary postpartum hemorrhage: A single-center retrospective study

This study investigated the clinical characteristics and referral outcomes of primary postpartum hemorrhage cases. All the postpartum hemorrhage referral cases were analyzed and divided into two groups based on blood loss: < 2500 ml and ≥ 2500 ml. Clinical features, complications, and treatments were compared. Patients with blood loss ≥ 2500 ml had significantly higher incidences of disseminated intravascular coagulation, organ dysfunction, intensive care unit admission, and longer hospital stays. Birth canal laceration was more frequently the cause of bleeding in this group (P<0.05). More aggressive interventions before referral, including uterine tamponade, B-Lynch sutures, pelvic vascular ligation, and hysterectomy, were required in the ≥ 2500 ml group (P<0.05), along with significantly greater blood product transfusion. Increasing postpartum blood loss was associated with worse maternal outcomes and higher treatment intensity. These findings emphasize the importance of early active management of postpartum hemorrhage and timely referral once the patient’s condition is stabilized to improve prognosis.