Cohort Study Highlighting the Unmet Need for Vaginal Cell Salvage in AVB 

Introduction

Between 10-15% of births are Assisted Vaginal Birth (AVB) using vacuum or forceps. The rate of post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) following AVB is estimated to be 10-40% with similar rates cited for both methods,1 however the Cochrane review exploring AVB only included two studies reporting on blood loss.2 Failed AVB and conversion to Caesarean section (CS) at full dilatation is known to be associated with high rates of PPH and intraoperative blood cell salvage is used routinely in these cases at NBT to minimize need for transfusion. 

We aimed to evaluate blood loss and blood product use in AVB, identify risk factors for PPH and assess the impact of blood loss to establish a potential role for vaginal cell salvage in our current practice.