Clinical Research Directory

Safety and Effectiveness of the KOKO Device to Treat Primary Abnormal Postpartum Uterine Bleeding or Hemorrhage

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the KOKO™ device in the control and reduction of primary abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding or hemorrhage.

Effect of Oxytocin Bolus Versus Slow Infusion on Haemodynamic Stability During Caesarean Section Under Spinal Anaesthesia

This study compares two standard ways of giving oxytocin (a medicine that helps the uterus contract) after the baby is born during a planned caesarean section performed under spinal anaesthesia. One group of women will receive oxytocin as a quick injection into the vein. The other group will receive the same dose of oxytocin as a slow infusion over 15 minutes. The researchers want to find out which method causes less drop in blood pressure and other heart-related changes, while still providing good contraction of the uterus and preventing excessive bleeding.

Postpartum Video Education in High Risk Populations

This is a prospective, single-center, randomized control study to determine if video education at the time of postpartum discharge improves patient knowledge on the warning signs for the top three causes of severe maternal morbidity (infection, hemorrhage, and blood pressure disorders) in the first seven days following delivery for self-identified, Black, Latinx, other with two or more self-identified races, Medicaid, and/or uninsured postpartum individuals. Participants will be randomized to written discharge education + video education (intervention) vs standard discharge education (control). They will complete a baseline questionnaire and a post-discharge education questionnaire during their postpartum stay to assess for knowledge improvement. The investigators hypothesize that video education will improve patient's knowledge of severe maternal morbidity warning signs.

Pharmacokinetics of Oral Calcium Carbonate in Parturients

This study investigates the time course of change in calcium in the blood after a pregnant subject takes an oral dose of calcium carbonate (commonly marketed as "Tums"). Midway through the trial, with IRB permission, the oral calcium formulation was switched to calcium citrate to test whether this, better-absorbed formulation might prove more effective in increasing serum calcium. This information is important for trials investigating whether oral calcium can reduce postpartum hemorrhage, bleeding after delivery.

HISTOACRYL® Used for Embolization of Thoracoabdominal Artery Bleeding

This observational study will collect information from adult patients in Japan who are treated with Histoacryl® to stop bleeding from arteries in the chest or abdomen, in order to better understand how well the treatment works and how safe it is during routine medical care.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Misoprostol and Tranexamic Acid for Postpartum Hemorrhage Prophylaxis in Cesarean Delivery

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency, with an estimated incidence ranging from 2.8% to 7.9%. Recent studies indicate an increasing trend in the frequency of PPH.Although it is more commonly seen in developing countries, it remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt, accurate intervention are critically important. Despite the rising incidence of PPH, maternal mortality rates have declined. This improvement is largely attributed to better identification of risk factors, timely diagnosis, and effective intervention. To prevent PPH globally, active management of the third stage of labor has been widely implemented. This approach includes the use of pharmacologic agents, uterine massage, and controlled traction for placental delivery.Among pharmacological agents, the most commonly used include oxytocin, ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergometrine), tranexamic acid, prostaglandin E1 (misoprostol), prostaglandin F2α, and oxytocin analogues (e.g., carbetocin).Oxytocin is the most widely used agent for PPH prophylaxis. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of tranexamic acid and misoprostol in the prophylaxis of postpartum hemorrhage.

Prevalence of Psychological Disorders After Immediate Postpartum Hemorrhage

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to assess the prevalence of depression at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year postpartum in women who had an immediate postpartum hemorrhage (immediate PPH defined as blood loss ≥ 500 mL within 24 hours of delivery). The potential serious consequences of PPH may lead to a greater number of psychological disorders in these women than in women without PPH.

Oxytocin Bolus Versus Infusion in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section (INBOX-HR)

The goal of this randomized, double-blind clinical trial is to learn if Oxytocin is most effective at achieving adequate uterine tone (important for preventing postpartum hemorrhage) when administered as a bolus or an infusion in patients at high-risk for postpartum hemorrhage in elective cesarean sections. The main questions that will be answered are: 1. Is Oxytocin bolus more effective than Oxytocin infusion at achieving adequate uterine tone at 2 minutes after the baby is born and every minute thereafter? 2. Does Oxytocin bolus cause less maternal side effects than Oxytocin infusion? 3. Does Oxytocin bolus result in less blood loss than Oxytocin infusion in high risk for postpartum hemorrhage patients undergoing elective cesarean sections? 3\. Are patients more satisfied with their cesarean section when they receive Oxytocin bolus or Oxytocin infusion? Researchers will compare the 2 methods of Oxytocin administration, bolus versus infusion, to see which method is more effective or if they are equally effective. Participants will: 1. Be randomized to receive either Oxytocin bolus or Oxytocin infusion during their cesarean section but after the baby is born. 2. Be asked a question about their experience 2 hours after the surgery. 3. Allow the research team to collect information about how they are doing from their hospital medical records.

Effect of Simulation-Based Postpartum Hemorrhage Training on Team Performance in Senior Anesthesiology Teams

This prospective interventional study aims to evaluate the effect of simulation-based postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) training on team performance and crisis resource management skills among senior anesthesiology residents. Participants will undergo a structured high-fidelity simulation training program focused on postpartum hemorrhage management. Performance will be assessed before and after the intervention using validated assessment tools, including crisis resource management scoring systems. The study seeks to determine whether simulation-based training improves clinical decision-making, team communication, and overall performance in obstetric emergencies.

Administration Of Calcium Gluconate for The Reduction of Blood Loss During Vaginal Delivery

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity following childbirth. Even when excessive bleeding is not clinically recognized, some women experience a significant decrease in hemoglobin levels after delivery, which may result in anemia, fatigue, delayed recovery, and the need for additional medical treatment. Calcium plays an important role in uterine muscle contraction and blood clotting. Previous studies have suggested that calcium administration may help reduce blood loss after childbirth. However, there is limited evidence regarding its effectiveness during vaginal delivery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether administration of intravenous calcium gluconate immediately after umbilical cord clamping can reduce postpartum blood loss following vaginal delivery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either calcium gluconate or a placebo solution immediately after umbilical cord clamping during vaginal delivery. Neither the participants nor their healthcare providers will know which treatment was administered. Blood tests routinely obtained during hospitalization after delivery will be used to assess changes in hemoglobin levels and other outcomes related to postpartum bleeding. The results of this study may help determine whether calcium gluconate is a safe and effective intervention for reducing postpartum blood loss after vaginal delivery.

Personalized ViscoElastic Testing-guided Bleeding Management In Liver Surgery, Neurosurgery and Obstetrics

The ClotPro analyzer is a new generation viscoelastic analyzer for the in vitro assessment of blood coagulation. This study aims to assess the agreement of ClotPro 6.0, ROTEM delta, and TEG 6s in three distinct cohorts: i) patients with liver disease undergoing liver surgery, ii) pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section, and iii) patients undergoing elective intracranial neurosurgery. Further coagulation tests will be performed (standard laboratory coagulation tests, thrombin and plasmin generation tests) in an exploratory fashion to compare them with viscoelastic test results. The obtained test results will not result in any diagnostic or therapeutic consequences for patients included in this study.

Timing of Thromboprophylaxis After Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Women who experience severe postpartum hemorrhage are at increased risk of both recurrent bleeding and venous thromboembolism. The optimal timing for starting pharmacological thromboprophylaxis after postpartum hemorrhage remains uncertain. This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at the Center of Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis, Tunisia. The study included women who experienced postpartum hemorrhage between 2018 and 2024 and received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis during the postpartum period. The objective was to evaluate the association between the timing of thromboprophylaxis initiation and the occurrence of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications. The findings are expected to contribute to the optimization of thromboprophylaxis timing after postpartum hemorrhage and to improve the balance between the prevention of venous thromboembolism and the risk of recurrent bleeding.

The Effectiveness of Serious Game-Based Training for Nursing Students in Postpartum Haemorrhage Management

This randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of serious game-based training for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) management among third-year nursing students. The study employs a pre-test-post-test design with two parallel groups: an experimental group (game-based education) and a control group (traditional education). The sample size was determined by power analysis to be 70 students in total, with 35 students in each group. Participants will be assigned in a 1:1 ratio by computer-assisted block randomisation by a person independent of the research team; students and instructors will not be blinded, but the biostatistician performing the data analysis will be blinded. The intervention group will first receive traditional education, followed by gamification-based education including nursing interventions in the management of PPB; the control group will receive only traditional education. Data will be collected using the PPK Management Knowledge and Skills Assessment Form and the PPK Management Self-Confidence Scale.

Effect of Simulation-Based Education on Knowledge, Skills, and Self-Efficacy in Postpartum Hemorrhage Management

Postpartum hemorrhage is an important obstetric emergency that requires early recognition and timely management. Midwifery students may have limited opportunities to practise postpartum hemorrhage management repeatedly in real clinical settings. Simulation-based education may help students practise assessment, decision-making, emergency interventions, communication, and documentation in a safe learning environment. This study evaluated the effect of simulation-based education on third-year midwifery students' knowledge, postpartum hemorrhage management skill performance, and self-efficacy. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Both groups received traditional theoretical education on postpartum hemorrhage management. The intervention group additionally received simulation-based postpartum hemorrhage management education using a high-fidelity birthing simulator. Knowledge and self-efficacy were assessed before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and four weeks later. Skill performance was assessed immediately after the intervention and again four weeks later using a structured skills checklist. The study aimed to determine whether simulation-based education improved students' learning outcomes compared with traditional theoretical education alone.

Concordance Between the Measurement of Whole Blood Fibrinogen by the qLabs®FIB Analyzer and Its Measurement by Conventional Method (Clauss Fibrinogen) in the Context of Severe Postpartum Haemorrhage

In France in 2021, 11.6% of deliveries were complicated by a postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), including 3.0% by severe PPH (the bleeding volume exceeds 1000 ml). Severe PPH is the 5th cause of maternal death (8.4% or 1.2 deaths per 100,000 live births). These deaths were considered preventable in 90% of cases. A plasma fibrinogen concentration below 2 g/L is considered as a critical threshold which constitutes a marker of severity of PPH and is significantly associated with the occurrence of severe PPH. Measuring the concentration of fibrinogen using a rapid test, simple to perform and interpret, available in the delivery room could optimize the management of severe PPH. The qLabs®FIB analyzer distributed by the Stago Biocare laboratory for the rapid determination of the fibrinogen concentration at the patient's bedside could meet this objective.

Balloon Tamponade Versus Gauze Packing for Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of uterine balloon tamponade and uterine gauze packing in controlling bleeding in women with postpartum hemorrhage. A total of 216 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. All patients will receive standard medical management including uterotonic agents prior to intervention. The primary outcome is cessation of uterine bleeding within 24 hours after the procedure. This study aims to identify a safe and effective method for managing postpartum hemorrhage in a resource-limited setting.

Exteriorization Versus In Situ Hysterotomy Repair During Cesarean: Effects on Uterine Tone

During standard cesarean deliveries, there are two ways that obstetricians repair the incision on the uterus (hysterotomy after delivery of the baby. One method involves lifting the uterus out of its regular place in the abdomen to repair the incision (uterine exteriorization for repair). The second method involves leaving the uterus inside the abdomen to repair the uterus (in situ repair). Both of these methods are regularly used by obstetricians during cesarean deliveries, and it is not currently known if one has benefits over the other. Currently, surgeons use both methods, but lifting the uterus out of its place is slightly more common. In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to have one of these techniques performed during their surgery. Researchers will be investigating whether one technique or the other leads to better contraction of the uterus after delivery, less bleeding, less intra-operative nausea/vomiting, or a better patient experience than another.

Carbetocin Uterotonic Treatment in Twin Pregnancies for Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the drug carbetocin works better than standard care to prevent heavy bleeding after childbirth in people carrying twin pregnancies. Heavy bleeding after delivery, also called postpartum hemorrhage, is more common after twin births and can lead to anemia, blood transfusions, and other serious health problems. In this study, bleeding will be evaluated by measuring how much blood hemoglobin levels drop from before delivery to the day after delivery. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does giving carbetocin after delivery lower blood loss compared with standard oxytocin treatment? * Is carbetocin safe and practical to use in twin deliveries? Researchers will compare carbetocin to standard oxytocin treatment to see which approach better prevents bleeding after twin vaginal or cesarean delivery. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to receive either carbetocin or standard oxytocin after the second twin is delivered * Have blood tests before delivery and on the day after delivery * Be followed during their hospital stay and for up to six weeks after delivery for safety outcomes

SWIFT - SWIss Factor XIII Trial in PPH

The goal of this trial is to determine if postpartum blood loss can be reduced by replenishing coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) at an early stage of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Summary of current body of evidence: * Morbidity and mortality due to PPH is rising. * Current guidelines focus on replenishment of fibrinogen as an initial step in the treatment of PPH-related coagulopathy, despite non-conclusive evidence in all prospective trials. * Trials from other specialties demonstrate a significant impact of FXIII on perioperative bleeding complications; a previous study at the University Hospital Zurich showed that pre-partum factor XIII activity had a strong association to postpartum blood loss. Therefore, this nationwide, multi-center, randomized, controlled trial in multiple perinatal centers across Switzerland will be conducted. The goal is to determine if postpartum blood loss and PPH-related complications can be reduced by replenishing FXIII. All participating women receive, according to the national guideline, 1g tranexamic acid (TXA) i.v. in case of PPH (measured blood loss \[MBL\] ≥ 500 mL) during the pre-study phase. Randomization takes place if bleeding continues and exceeds 700mL. The intervention group then receives FXIII (Fibrogammin®) according to approved dosage in addition to obstetric standard of care treatment for causes of PPH; the control group receives only standard of care treatment.

THUMB: Multi-centre Cluster Trial for Caesarean Section Haemorrhage

The quality improvement project evaluating the delivery of a perioperative care complex intervention to improve haemorrhage-related outcomes in patients undergoing caesarean section. The objectives of the current study will be: 1. To evaluate whether implementation of the 'Rule of THUMB' perioperative complex intervention increases risk assessment, diagnosis and compliance with proven interventions for haemorrhage during and after caesarean section. 2. To understand the influence of contextual and socio-dynamic factors on how the trial results were achieved and how the intervention mechanisms did, or did not, work in practice (the process evaluation). The findings from this study will be used subsequently to modify and improve the quality improvement intervention, so that it can be delivered at scale across Africa and assess its impact on haemorrhage during and after caesarean section in the future.

Effect of Ephedrine, Phenylepinephrine, and Norepinephrine on Myometrial Contractility in Pregnant People With Type II and Gestational Diabetes During Cesarean Section: An In-vitro Study

The goal of this study is to learn about how medication that is used to help treat low blood pressure during a Cesarean delivery (CD) can cause changes to the uterine muscle tissue and its ability to contract, in patients with Type II and gestational diabetes. Spinal anesthesia administered during elective CD has been known to cause hypotension (low blood pressure) as a side effect during the procedure, and is prevented by administration of vasopressors (medication to raise blood pressure) by the anesthesiologist after the delivery of the baby. Vasopressors treat hypotension by interacting with receptors on blood vessels that increase blood pressure, which can also cause changes to uterine contractility. Inadequate uterine contraction after CD can expose mothers to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), with diabetic patients displaying a 2.5-times higher risk of PPH. It is important to understand how vasopressor(s) might affect the uterine contractility of women with Type II and gestational diabetes. Since medication to contract the uterus is also routinely administered at delivery, it is important to study the effect of these drugs in combination. The purpose of this study is to compare uterine contractility patterns and receptor distribution in women with type II and gestational diabetic and control term pregnant patients with administration of vasopressors. This will be done using small uterine tissue samples taken from the incision site following CD, which will then be used for experiments in the laboratory.

Comparing the Dose-response Profiles of Uterotonics After Initial Carbetocin Administration - an Ex-vivo Study in Desensitized Human Myometrium

This study will investigate the effects of drugs called "uterotonics" that help with the contraction of the uterus after a baby is born. This uterine contraction is very important to stop the bleeding after delivery. An uncontracted uterine state is called "uterine atony", which can lead to an excessive amount of post-delivery bleeding. Carbetocin is an uterotonic drug that works well to prevent post-delivery bleeding. In some cases, carbetocin is not enough to contract the uterus, and ongoing bleeding continues. When that happens, there are other uterotonic medications that can be used. In this study, we aim to find which uterotonic drug, amongst those available (oxytocin, carbetocin, ergometrine or carboprost), is more effective to lower the risk of post-delivery bleeding once carbetocin has already been administered. This study will be done by using a very small sample of uterine tissue, taken from the incision site, following delivery by cesarean section. The sample is taken to the laboratory and will be exposed to carbetocin followed by other uterotonic drugs. The information obtained from this study will help modify the treatment for uterine atony and post-delivery bleeding to lower the risk further.

Oxytocin Maintenance Infusion in Labouring Women Undergoing Cesarean Delivery: an Up-down Sequential Allocation Study

This study is designed to determine the minimal effective oxytocin maintenance infusion required in labouring women undergoing cesarean delivery to achieve the best effect. Oxytocin is a drug that is routinely used to help the uterus to contract and keep it contracted after delivery. Consequently, it will help to reduce blood loss after delivery. In order to determine the minimal effective dose, the investigators will conduct a dose-finding study. The first patient will receive a set oxytocin infusion. The next patient's infusion dose of oxytocin, will either increase or decrease, depending on how the previous patient responds in terms of uterine tone. If the response is satisfactory with the infusion dose used, the next patient will either receive the same infusion dose or it will be decreased depending on a probability of 1:9. If the response is not satisfactory, then the infusion dose will increase for the next patient. The dose for each patient will be determined based on the results of the uterine contraction of the previous patient. The investigators hypothesize that the ED90 of the oxytocin infusion rate to maintain adequate uterine tone in labouring women with induced or augmented labour undergoing cesarean delivery, following an initial effective bolus dose, would be lower than 0.74 IU/min (44 IU/h), which was found as the ED90 in a previous study, without an initial bolus dose prior to the infusion.

Umbilical Cord Drainage to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage

This study aims to analyze whether there is a significant difference in the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage between women who underwent umbilical cord drainage and those who did not. Variables such as estimated blood loss volume, drop in hemoglobin levels, and the need for additional maneuvers or treatments to control hemorrhage will be examined. The research will be conducted under a parallel-group clinical trial design at the Hospital Escuela Universitario. Post-birth umbilical cord drainage may contribute to a lower frequency of postpartum hemorrhage compared to not performing it.