Clinical trials

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.

This pilot study aims to assess performance, safety and feasibility of U-CaVIT method (Uro-Catheter Vacuum Induced Tamponade), using the Rüsch® Brillant Silicone Balloon Catheter, an urological catheter, for the prevention of atonic PPH in high-risk women undergoing cesarean delivery. The U-CaVIT method has been implemented at the Department of Obstetrics at university hospital of Zurich (USZ) due to temporary supply issues with the Bakri® Balloon Catheter. The Rüsch® Balloon Catheter is used in case of uterine atony when standard first-line uterotonic treatments have failed or in some cases as add-on therapy in non-atonic PPH. In the meantime, the use of U-CaVIT has become standard practice at the USZ for the treatment of atonic PPH, appearing to be user-friendly, clinically effective according to treating physicians, well tolerated by the treated women and cost-saving compared to the previously used Bakri® Balloon.