Postpartum Haemorrhage and Carboprost for Its Prevention: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The most frequent and harmful side effect of childbirth is obstetric haemorrhage. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains the primary cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Most PPH-related deaths take place in the first 24 hours of life. It is commonly believed that prompt diagnosis and treatment could avert the majority of PPH-related deaths. The rapid transition of haemorrhage from the remunerated to the decompensated stage is frequently overlooked. For this reason, anticipation, early detection, and management are crucial to reducing the risk of severe PPH (SPPH) or improving its clinical outcomes. Third-stage labour is a high-risk period for PPH. Active management of PPH is an effective intervention to lessen the incidence of PPH and has been promoted as a means of lowering fatality rates. Currently, prostaglandins (PGs) are advised as a second-line uterotonic medication. Strong uterotonic drugs such as carboprost tromethamine play a physiological role in human parturition, helping to birth the fetus and controlling PPH. Prostaglandins have a major effect on uterine tone, which minimizes blood loss. Their discovery, together with the use of their counterparts as uterotonics, has improved PPH management. In order to assist healthcare professionals in managing PPH promptly and minimizing adverse effects on both the mother and the newborn, this review will describe the causes of the disorder, the strategies that have been tried to treat it, and the role that carboprost plays in preventing it.