EP19.12: A national survey on current practice of ultrasound in the management of postpartum hemorrhage

Available guidelines do not recommend the use of ultrasound in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) although it is frequently used in delivery wards. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the current practice regarding the use of ultrasonography during PPH. A questionnaire was sent to members of the Italian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology employed in delivery wards. The questionnaire was made up of 25 questions evaluating participant characteristics and the current use of ultrasound in delivery ward in their hospital of employment. The answers were grouped according to participant characteristics. A total of 200 participants replied. Ultrasound in the management of PPH was always used by 45.0% of respondents, while 85.0% used routinely to evaluate the uterine cavity content in presence of suspect retained membranes or placenta. Only 4.0% of the respondents do not use ultrasound during Bakri Balloon placement and 69.0% routinely used ultrasound during curettage for PPH. Participants that reported a higher frequency in the use of ultrasound were those employed in hospitals with a higher number of deliveries per year or having delivery units with more years of experience using ultrasound in labour, or those who had attended specific training courses. The results indicate that, despite the lack of recommendation by guidelines of ultrasound in the management of PPH, its use is common particularly amongst maternal fetal medicine practitioners particularly working in hospital with higher amount of delivery/year. On behalf of the working group of ultrasound in labour of the Italian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology