Obstetric bleeding among women with inherited bleeding disorders: a retrospective study

Introduction: Women with inherited bleeding disorders are at increased risk for bleeding complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period, particularly postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

Aim: This retrospective study evaluates pregnancy management through the Inherited Bleeding Disorders Clinic of Southeastern Ontario, the clinical factors associated with pregnancy-related abnormal bleeding and assesses tranexamic acid use in the postpartum treatment of bleeding disorder patients.

Methods: A chart review of 62 pregnancies, from 33 women, evaluated patient characteristics (age, haemostatic factor levels) and delivery conditions (mode of delivery, postpartum treatment) in relation to abnormal postpartum bleeding.

Results: This cohort revealed increased risk of immediate PPH with increased age at delivery (mean age: 30.1 years with PPH, 26.5 years without PPH, P < 0.013), and birth by vaginal delivery (P < 0.042). Low von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen or factor VIII (FVIII) in the third trimester was not associated with an increased risk of PPH; however, low VWF:RCo was associated with increased immediate PPH despite treatment with continuous factor infusion (P < 0.042). Women treated with tranexamic acid postpartum had less severe bleeding in the 6-week postpartum (P < 0.049) with no thrombotic complications.

Conclusions: This study contributes to the growing body of work aimed at optimizing management of bleeding disorder patients through pregnancy and the postpartum period, showing patients are at a higher risk of PPH as they age. Risk factors such as low third trimester VWF:RCo have been identified. Treatment with tranexamic acid in the postpartum period is associated with a reduced incidence of abnormal postpartum bleeding.