Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis

Autores
Gallos, Ioannis; Williams, Caitlin R.; Price, Malcolm J.; Tobias, Aurelio; Devall, Adam; Allotey, John; Althabe, Fernando; Cresswell, Jenny A.; Durocher, Jill; Metin Gülmezoglu, A.; Haslinger, Christian; Pacagnella, Rodolfo C.; Sentilhes, Loïc; Sobhy, Soha; Yunas, Idnan; Deeks, Jonathan J.; Coomarasamy, Arri; Oladapo, Olufemi T.; Borovac Pinheiro, Anderson; Carroli, Guillermo; Coomarasamy, Arri; Durocher, Jill; Alwy Al Beity, Fadhlun M.; Fawcus, Sue; Festin, Mario; Galadanci, Hadiza S.; Goudar, Shivaprasad; Gülmezoglu, A. Metin; Haslinger, Christian; Hofmeyr, G. Justus
Año de publicación
2025
Idioma
inglés
Tipo de recurso
artículo
Estado
versión publicada
Descripción
Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after birth) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, there is no global consensus on which clinical markers best define excessive bleeding or reliably predict adverse maternal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity.Methods: In this individual participant data meta-analysis, eligible datasets were identified through a global call for data issued by WHO and systematic searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and WHO trial registries (from database inception to Nov 6, 2024). Studies were eligible if they included at least 200 participants with objectively measured blood loss or other clinical markers of haemodynamic instability, and reported at least one clinical outcome of interest. Individual participant data were requested for all eligible studies. For each dataset, we computed the prognostic accuracy of each clinical marker to predict a composite outcome of maternal mortality or severe morbidity (blood transfusion, surgical interventions, or admission to intensive care unit). Five clinical markers were assessed: measured blood loss, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and shock index. Results were meta-analysed through two-level mixed-effects logistic regression models, with a bivariate normal model used to generate summary accuracy estimates. Clinical marker and threshold selections were informed by a WHO expert consensus process, which placed emphasis on maximising prognostic sensitivity (preferably >80%) over prognostic specificity (preferably ≥50%). This meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251034918).Findings: We identified 33 potentially eligible datasets and successfully obtained and analysed full data for 12 datasets, comprising 312 151 women. At the conventional threshold of 500 mL, measured blood loss had a summary prognostic sensitivity of 75·7% (95% CI 60·3-86·4) and specificity of 81·4% (95% CI 70·7-88·8) for predicting the composite outcome. The preferred sensitivity threshold was reached at 300 mL (83·9% [95% CI 72·8-91·1]), although at the expense of reduced specificity (54·8% [95% CI 38·0-70·5]). Prognostic performance improved with a decision rule that combined the use of either blood loss thresholds less than 500 mL (≥300 mL to ≥450 mL) and any abnormal haemodynamic sign (pulse rate >100 beats per min, systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure <60 mm Hg, or shock index >1·0) or 500 mL or more of blood loss, with sensitivities ranging from 86·9% to 87·9% and specificities from 66·6% to 76·1%.Interpretation: Measured blood loss below the conventional threshold, combined with abnormal haemodynamic signs, accurately predicts women at risk of death or life-threatening complications from postpartum bleeding and could support earlier postpartum haemorrhage diagnosis and treatment.
Fil: Gallos, Ioannis. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina
Fil: Williams, Caitlin R.. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina
Fil: Price, Malcolm J.. Canadian University Dubai; Emiratos Árabes Unidos
Fil: Tobias, Aurelio. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España
Fil: Devall, Adam. University Of Birmingham;
Fil: Allotey, John. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido
Fil: Althabe, Fernando. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; Argentina
Fil: Cresswell, Jenny A.. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina
Fil: Durocher, Jill. No especifíca;
Fil: Metin Gülmezoglu, A.. No especifíca;
Fil: Haslinger, Christian. Universitat Zurich; Suiza
Fil: Pacagnella, Rodolfo C.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil
Fil: Sentilhes, Loïc. Bordeaux University Hospital; Francia
Fil: Sobhy, Soha. University Of Birmingham;
Fil: Yunas, Idnan. University Of Birmingham;
Fil: Deeks, Jonathan J.. University Of Birmingham;
Fil: Coomarasamy, Arri. University of Oxford; Reino Unido
Fil: Oladapo, Olufemi T.. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina
Fil: Borovac Pinheiro, Anderson. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil
Fil: Carroli, Guillermo. Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales; Argentina
Fil: Coomarasamy, Arri. University of Oxford; Reino Unido
Fil: Durocher, Jill. Gynuity Health Projects; Estados Unidos
Fil: Alwy Al Beity, Fadhlun M.. Muhimbili University Of Health And Allied Sciences; Tanzania
Fil: Fawcus, Sue. University of Cape Town; Sudáfrica
Fil: Festin, Mario. University Of The Philippines; Filipinas
Fil: Galadanci, Hadiza S.. Bayero University; Nigeria
Fil: Goudar, Shivaprasad. Kle Academy Of Higher Education And Research; India
Fil: Gülmezoglu, A. Metin. No especifíca;
Fil: Haslinger, Christian. University Of Zurich; Suiza
Fil: Hofmeyr, G. Justus. Walter Sisulu University; Sudáfrica
Materia
POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE
MATERNAL MORTALITY
SEVERE MATERNAL MORBIDITY
PROGNOSTIC MARKERS
Nivel de accesibilidad
acceso abierto
Condiciones de uso
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ar/
Repositorio
CONICET Digital (CONICET)
Institución
Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
OAI Identificador
oai:ri.conicet.gov.ar:11336/292511

id CONICETDig_136f1f37b7b857025c73931572af493d
oai_identifier_str oai:ri.conicet.gov.ar:11336/292511
network_acronym_str CONICETDig
repository_id_str 3498
network_name_str CONICET Digital (CONICET)
spelling Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysisGallos, IoannisWilliams, Caitlin R.Price, Malcolm J.Tobias, AurelioDevall, AdamAllotey, JohnAlthabe, FernandoCresswell, Jenny A.Durocher, JillMetin Gülmezoglu, A.Haslinger, ChristianPacagnella, Rodolfo C.Sentilhes, LoïcSobhy, SohaYunas, IdnanDeeks, Jonathan J.Coomarasamy, ArriOladapo, Olufemi T.Borovac Pinheiro, AndersonCarroli, GuillermoCoomarasamy, ArriDurocher, JillAlwy Al Beity, Fadhlun M.Fawcus, SueFestin, MarioGaladanci, Hadiza S.Goudar, ShivaprasadGülmezoglu, A. MetinHaslinger, ChristianHofmeyr, G. JustusPOSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGEMATERNAL MORTALITYSEVERE MATERNAL MORBIDITYPROGNOSTIC MARKERShttps://purl.org/becyt/ford/3.3https://purl.org/becyt/ford/3Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after birth) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, there is no global consensus on which clinical markers best define excessive bleeding or reliably predict adverse maternal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity.Methods: In this individual participant data meta-analysis, eligible datasets were identified through a global call for data issued by WHO and systematic searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and WHO trial registries (from database inception to Nov 6, 2024). Studies were eligible if they included at least 200 participants with objectively measured blood loss or other clinical markers of haemodynamic instability, and reported at least one clinical outcome of interest. Individual participant data were requested for all eligible studies. For each dataset, we computed the prognostic accuracy of each clinical marker to predict a composite outcome of maternal mortality or severe morbidity (blood transfusion, surgical interventions, or admission to intensive care unit). Five clinical markers were assessed: measured blood loss, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and shock index. Results were meta-analysed through two-level mixed-effects logistic regression models, with a bivariate normal model used to generate summary accuracy estimates. Clinical marker and threshold selections were informed by a WHO expert consensus process, which placed emphasis on maximising prognostic sensitivity (preferably >80%) over prognostic specificity (preferably ≥50%). This meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251034918).Findings: We identified 33 potentially eligible datasets and successfully obtained and analysed full data for 12 datasets, comprising 312 151 women. At the conventional threshold of 500 mL, measured blood loss had a summary prognostic sensitivity of 75·7% (95% CI 60·3-86·4) and specificity of 81·4% (95% CI 70·7-88·8) for predicting the composite outcome. The preferred sensitivity threshold was reached at 300 mL (83·9% [95% CI 72·8-91·1]), although at the expense of reduced specificity (54·8% [95% CI 38·0-70·5]). Prognostic performance improved with a decision rule that combined the use of either blood loss thresholds less than 500 mL (≥300 mL to ≥450 mL) and any abnormal haemodynamic sign (pulse rate >100 beats per min, systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure <60 mm Hg, or shock index >1·0) or 500 mL or more of blood loss, with sensitivities ranging from 86·9% to 87·9% and specificities from 66·6% to 76·1%.Interpretation: Measured blood loss below the conventional threshold, combined with abnormal haemodynamic signs, accurately predicts women at risk of death or life-threatening complications from postpartum bleeding and could support earlier postpartum haemorrhage diagnosis and treatment.Fil: Gallos, Ioannis. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Williams, Caitlin R.. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Price, Malcolm J.. Canadian University Dubai; Emiratos Árabes UnidosFil: Tobias, Aurelio. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Devall, Adam. University Of Birmingham;Fil: Allotey, John. University of Liverpool; Reino UnidoFil: Althabe, Fernando. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; ArgentinaFil: Cresswell, Jenny A.. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Durocher, Jill. No especifíca;Fil: Metin Gülmezoglu, A.. No especifíca;Fil: Haslinger, Christian. Universitat Zurich; SuizaFil: Pacagnella, Rodolfo C.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Sentilhes, Loïc. Bordeaux University Hospital; FranciaFil: Sobhy, Soha. University Of Birmingham;Fil: Yunas, Idnan. University Of Birmingham;Fil: Deeks, Jonathan J.. University Of Birmingham;Fil: Coomarasamy, Arri. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Oladapo, Olufemi T.. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Borovac Pinheiro, Anderson. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Carroli, Guillermo. Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales; ArgentinaFil: Coomarasamy, Arri. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Durocher, Jill. Gynuity Health Projects; Estados UnidosFil: Alwy Al Beity, Fadhlun M.. Muhimbili University Of Health And Allied Sciences; TanzaniaFil: Fawcus, Sue. University of Cape Town; SudáfricaFil: Festin, Mario. University Of The Philippines; FilipinasFil: Galadanci, Hadiza S.. Bayero University; NigeriaFil: Goudar, Shivaprasad. Kle Academy Of Higher Education And Research; IndiaFil: Gülmezoglu, A. Metin. No especifíca;Fil: Haslinger, Christian. University Of Zurich; SuizaFil: Hofmeyr, G. Justus. Walter Sisulu University; SudáfricaElsevier Science Inc.2025-10info:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionhttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_6501info:ar-repo/semantics/articuloapplication/pdfapplication/pdfhttp://hdl.handle.net/11336/292511Gallos, Ioannis; Williams, Caitlin R.; Price, Malcolm J.; Tobias, Aurelio; Devall, Adam; et al.; Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis; Elsevier Science Inc.; Lancet; 406; 10514; 10-2025; 1969-19820140-6736CONICET DigitalCONICETenginfo:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/url/https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673625016393info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/doi/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01639-3info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccesshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ar/reponame:CONICET Digital (CONICET)instname:Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas2026-08-25T14:30:31Zoai:ri.conicet.gov.ar:11336/292511instacron:CONICETInstitucionalhttp://ri.conicet.gov.ar/Organismo científico-tecnológicoNo correspondehttp://ri.conicet.gov.ar/oai/requestdasensio@conicet.gov.ar; lcarlino@conicet.gov.arArgentinaNo correspondeNo correspondeNo correspondeopendoar:34982026-08-25 14:30:31.78CONICET Digital (CONICET) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicasfalse
dc.title.none.fl_str_mv Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis
title Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis
spellingShingle Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis
Gallos, Ioannis
POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE
MATERNAL MORTALITY
SEVERE MATERNAL MORBIDITY
PROGNOSTIC MARKERS
title_short Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis
title_full Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis
title_fullStr Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis
title_sort Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis
dc.creator.none.fl_str_mv Gallos, Ioannis
Williams, Caitlin R.
Price, Malcolm J.
Tobias, Aurelio
Devall, Adam
Allotey, John
Althabe, Fernando
Cresswell, Jenny A.
Durocher, Jill
Metin Gülmezoglu, A.
Haslinger, Christian
Pacagnella, Rodolfo C.
Sentilhes, Loïc
Sobhy, Soha
Yunas, Idnan
Deeks, Jonathan J.
Coomarasamy, Arri
Oladapo, Olufemi T.
Borovac Pinheiro, Anderson
Carroli, Guillermo
Coomarasamy, Arri
Durocher, Jill
Alwy Al Beity, Fadhlun M.
Fawcus, Sue
Festin, Mario
Galadanci, Hadiza S.
Goudar, Shivaprasad
Gülmezoglu, A. Metin
Haslinger, Christian
Hofmeyr, G. Justus
author Gallos, Ioannis
author_facet Gallos, Ioannis
Williams, Caitlin R.
Price, Malcolm J.
Tobias, Aurelio
Devall, Adam
Allotey, John
Althabe, Fernando
Cresswell, Jenny A.
Durocher, Jill
Metin Gülmezoglu, A.
Haslinger, Christian
Pacagnella, Rodolfo C.
Sentilhes, Loïc
Sobhy, Soha
Yunas, Idnan
Deeks, Jonathan J.
Coomarasamy, Arri
Oladapo, Olufemi T.
Borovac Pinheiro, Anderson
Carroli, Guillermo
Alwy Al Beity, Fadhlun M.
Fawcus, Sue
Festin, Mario
Galadanci, Hadiza S.
Goudar, Shivaprasad
Gülmezoglu, A. Metin
Hofmeyr, G. Justus
author_role author
author2 Williams, Caitlin R.
Price, Malcolm J.
Tobias, Aurelio
Devall, Adam
Allotey, John
Althabe, Fernando
Cresswell, Jenny A.
Durocher, Jill
Metin Gülmezoglu, A.
Haslinger, Christian
Pacagnella, Rodolfo C.
Sentilhes, Loïc
Sobhy, Soha
Yunas, Idnan
Deeks, Jonathan J.
Coomarasamy, Arri
Oladapo, Olufemi T.
Borovac Pinheiro, Anderson
Carroli, Guillermo
Alwy Al Beity, Fadhlun M.
Fawcus, Sue
Festin, Mario
Galadanci, Hadiza S.
Goudar, Shivaprasad
Gülmezoglu, A. Metin
Hofmeyr, G. Justus
author2_role author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
author
dc.subject.none.fl_str_mv POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE
MATERNAL MORTALITY
SEVERE MATERNAL MORBIDITY
PROGNOSTIC MARKERS
topic POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE
MATERNAL MORTALITY
SEVERE MATERNAL MORBIDITY
PROGNOSTIC MARKERS
purl_subject.fl_str_mv https://purl.org/becyt/ford/3.3
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/3
dc.description.none.fl_txt_mv Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after birth) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, there is no global consensus on which clinical markers best define excessive bleeding or reliably predict adverse maternal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity.Methods: In this individual participant data meta-analysis, eligible datasets were identified through a global call for data issued by WHO and systematic searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and WHO trial registries (from database inception to Nov 6, 2024). Studies were eligible if they included at least 200 participants with objectively measured blood loss or other clinical markers of haemodynamic instability, and reported at least one clinical outcome of interest. Individual participant data were requested for all eligible studies. For each dataset, we computed the prognostic accuracy of each clinical marker to predict a composite outcome of maternal mortality or severe morbidity (blood transfusion, surgical interventions, or admission to intensive care unit). Five clinical markers were assessed: measured blood loss, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and shock index. Results were meta-analysed through two-level mixed-effects logistic regression models, with a bivariate normal model used to generate summary accuracy estimates. Clinical marker and threshold selections were informed by a WHO expert consensus process, which placed emphasis on maximising prognostic sensitivity (preferably >80%) over prognostic specificity (preferably ≥50%). This meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251034918).Findings: We identified 33 potentially eligible datasets and successfully obtained and analysed full data for 12 datasets, comprising 312 151 women. At the conventional threshold of 500 mL, measured blood loss had a summary prognostic sensitivity of 75·7% (95% CI 60·3-86·4) and specificity of 81·4% (95% CI 70·7-88·8) for predicting the composite outcome. The preferred sensitivity threshold was reached at 300 mL (83·9% [95% CI 72·8-91·1]), although at the expense of reduced specificity (54·8% [95% CI 38·0-70·5]). Prognostic performance improved with a decision rule that combined the use of either blood loss thresholds less than 500 mL (≥300 mL to ≥450 mL) and any abnormal haemodynamic sign (pulse rate >100 beats per min, systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure <60 mm Hg, or shock index >1·0) or 500 mL or more of blood loss, with sensitivities ranging from 86·9% to 87·9% and specificities from 66·6% to 76·1%.Interpretation: Measured blood loss below the conventional threshold, combined with abnormal haemodynamic signs, accurately predicts women at risk of death or life-threatening complications from postpartum bleeding and could support earlier postpartum haemorrhage diagnosis and treatment.
Fil: Gallos, Ioannis. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina
Fil: Williams, Caitlin R.. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina
Fil: Price, Malcolm J.. Canadian University Dubai; Emiratos Árabes Unidos
Fil: Tobias, Aurelio. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España
Fil: Devall, Adam. University Of Birmingham;
Fil: Allotey, John. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido
Fil: Althabe, Fernando. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; Argentina
Fil: Cresswell, Jenny A.. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina
Fil: Durocher, Jill. No especifíca;
Fil: Metin Gülmezoglu, A.. No especifíca;
Fil: Haslinger, Christian. Universitat Zurich; Suiza
Fil: Pacagnella, Rodolfo C.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil
Fil: Sentilhes, Loïc. Bordeaux University Hospital; Francia
Fil: Sobhy, Soha. University Of Birmingham;
Fil: Yunas, Idnan. University Of Birmingham;
Fil: Deeks, Jonathan J.. University Of Birmingham;
Fil: Coomarasamy, Arri. University of Oxford; Reino Unido
Fil: Oladapo, Olufemi T.. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina
Fil: Borovac Pinheiro, Anderson. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil
Fil: Carroli, Guillermo. Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales; Argentina
Fil: Coomarasamy, Arri. University of Oxford; Reino Unido
Fil: Durocher, Jill. Gynuity Health Projects; Estados Unidos
Fil: Alwy Al Beity, Fadhlun M.. Muhimbili University Of Health And Allied Sciences; Tanzania
Fil: Fawcus, Sue. University of Cape Town; Sudáfrica
Fil: Festin, Mario. University Of The Philippines; Filipinas
Fil: Galadanci, Hadiza S.. Bayero University; Nigeria
Fil: Goudar, Shivaprasad. Kle Academy Of Higher Education And Research; India
Fil: Gülmezoglu, A. Metin. No especifíca;
Fil: Haslinger, Christian. University Of Zurich; Suiza
Fil: Hofmeyr, G. Justus. Walter Sisulu University; Sudáfrica
description Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after birth) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, there is no global consensus on which clinical markers best define excessive bleeding or reliably predict adverse maternal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity.Methods: In this individual participant data meta-analysis, eligible datasets were identified through a global call for data issued by WHO and systematic searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and WHO trial registries (from database inception to Nov 6, 2024). Studies were eligible if they included at least 200 participants with objectively measured blood loss or other clinical markers of haemodynamic instability, and reported at least one clinical outcome of interest. Individual participant data were requested for all eligible studies. For each dataset, we computed the prognostic accuracy of each clinical marker to predict a composite outcome of maternal mortality or severe morbidity (blood transfusion, surgical interventions, or admission to intensive care unit). Five clinical markers were assessed: measured blood loss, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and shock index. Results were meta-analysed through two-level mixed-effects logistic regression models, with a bivariate normal model used to generate summary accuracy estimates. Clinical marker and threshold selections were informed by a WHO expert consensus process, which placed emphasis on maximising prognostic sensitivity (preferably >80%) over prognostic specificity (preferably ≥50%). This meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251034918).Findings: We identified 33 potentially eligible datasets and successfully obtained and analysed full data for 12 datasets, comprising 312 151 women. At the conventional threshold of 500 mL, measured blood loss had a summary prognostic sensitivity of 75·7% (95% CI 60·3-86·4) and specificity of 81·4% (95% CI 70·7-88·8) for predicting the composite outcome. The preferred sensitivity threshold was reached at 300 mL (83·9% [95% CI 72·8-91·1]), although at the expense of reduced specificity (54·8% [95% CI 38·0-70·5]). Prognostic performance improved with a decision rule that combined the use of either blood loss thresholds less than 500 mL (≥300 mL to ≥450 mL) and any abnormal haemodynamic sign (pulse rate >100 beats per min, systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure <60 mm Hg, or shock index >1·0) or 500 mL or more of blood loss, with sensitivities ranging from 86·9% to 87·9% and specificities from 66·6% to 76·1%.Interpretation: Measured blood loss below the conventional threshold, combined with abnormal haemodynamic signs, accurately predicts women at risk of death or life-threatening complications from postpartum bleeding and could support earlier postpartum haemorrhage diagnosis and treatment.
publishDate 2025
dc.date.none.fl_str_mv 2025-10
dc.type.none.fl_str_mv info:eu-repo/semantics/article
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
http://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_6501
info:ar-repo/semantics/articulo
format article
status_str publishedVersion
dc.identifier.none.fl_str_mv http://hdl.handle.net/11336/292511
Gallos, Ioannis; Williams, Caitlin R.; Price, Malcolm J.; Tobias, Aurelio; Devall, Adam; et al.; Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis; Elsevier Science Inc.; Lancet; 406; 10514; 10-2025; 1969-1982
0140-6736
CONICET Digital
CONICET
url http://hdl.handle.net/11336/292511
identifier_str_mv Gallos, Ioannis; Williams, Caitlin R.; Price, Malcolm J.; Tobias, Aurelio; Devall, Adam; et al.; Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis; Elsevier Science Inc.; Lancet; 406; 10514; 10-2025; 1969-1982
0140-6736
CONICET Digital
CONICET
dc.language.none.fl_str_mv eng
language eng
dc.relation.none.fl_str_mv info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/url/https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673625016393
info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/doi/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01639-3
dc.rights.none.fl_str_mv info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ar/
eu_rights_str_mv openAccess
rights_invalid_str_mv https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ar/
dc.format.none.fl_str_mv application/pdf
application/pdf
dc.publisher.none.fl_str_mv Elsevier Science Inc.
publisher.none.fl_str_mv Elsevier Science Inc.
dc.source.none.fl_str_mv reponame:CONICET Digital (CONICET)
instname:Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
reponame_str CONICET Digital (CONICET)
collection CONICET Digital (CONICET)
instname_str Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
repository.name.fl_str_mv CONICET Digital (CONICET) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
repository.mail.fl_str_mv dasensio@conicet.gov.ar; lcarlino@conicet.gov.ar
_version_ 1874774021081399296
score 13.265058