Evaluation of Blood Loss After Cesarean Delivery Via US Compared to Standard Care

According to the World Health Organization, postpartum anemia should be recognized as a major health concern, as it affects the quality of life, cognitive and emotional function of the mother, which are particularly important during the critical period of mother-child bonding. Additionally, anemia may impact mother-infant interaction, potentially leading to cognitive delays in infants. Furthermore, postpartum anemia increases the risk of postpartum depression, the need for blood transfusions, length of hospital stays, and hospitalization costs.

Hemoglobin (HB) levels within the first 24 hours postpartum do not reflect the lowest point (nadir). The postpartum nadir occurs 48-72 hours after birth due to initial plasma volume redistribution. Diagnosis is made by measuring HB levels, and anemia is defined when HB is below 10 g at 48 hours postpartum. Postpartum anemia requires immediate treatment upon diagnosis and preferably before discharge.

The incidence of postpartum anemia in developing countries is 50-80%. This high incidence reflects a combination of reasons including under or late diagnosis, lack of awareness, and early hospital discharge.

Postpartum hemorrhage, particularly after cesarean section (CS), is a leading cause of postpartum anemia (HB <10 g%) as well as significant morbidity and mortality. When bleeding occurs into the abdominal cavity, diagnosis is more difficult and delayed, often only detected when vital signs become unstable. Early diagnosis is crucial for proper management of blood loss and life-saving interventions. Diagnosis includes laboratory tests and imaging modalities, and treatment is determined based on severity, ranging from iron supplementation, blood transfusions, and even surgical interventions if necessary.

A certain amount of intra-abdominal fluid is common after most CS. However, there is no standardized reference in gynecological literature regarding what fluid volume is considered normal or pathological after surgery, nor its association with complications such as pain, infection, or prolonged hospitalization. Studies have shown that free intra-abdominal fluid was detected in 73% of patients after CS using CT scans, whereas ultrasound (US) detected fluid in less than 5% of women.

Recently, advanced US technology has become available, including 3D imaging and Doppler technology, which allows for quantitative fluid volume assessment. US is considered a valuable tool for rapid assessment of intra-abdominal free fluid. It is a safe, fast, and non-invasive diagnostic modality that can be used in post-cesarean women to detect and measure intra-abdominal and pelvic fluid, causing minimal patient discomfort. US has several advantages over CT scans and most gynecology departments are equipped with US machines, and gynecologists are trained to use them in clinical practice.

Currently, there is no routine use of US to assess intra-abdominal fluid volume after CS. HB levels are only measured 24 hours post-surgery, which does not necessarily reflect the nadir value. After discharge, many postpartum women may not take iron supplements due to unrecognized anemia, poor tolerance, or low adherence. The aim of this study was to examine whether postpartum ultrasound examination compared to standard care, precedes laboratory test results in the diagnosis of anemia due to blood loss after CS.