Economic Cost of Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Case-Control Study at a Tertiary Hospital in Australia

Abstract

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2023;63:308–313) Secondary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is excessive vaginal bleeding occurring up to 12 weeks after childbirth. The incidence ranges from 0.2% to 3.0%, usually presenting 1 to 2 weeks postnatally and commonly caused by endometritis and retained products. Despite its impact on health, evidence for managing and understanding its cost burden is lacking compared with primary PPH. Australian public hospitals are subsidized, but reproductive care costs were $8.7B in 2018 to 2019. Effective resource allocation is vital amidst rising health care expenses. Limited evidence guides secondary PPH treatment, potentially leading to multiple presentations and increased costs. Consequences include resuscitation, transfusion, surgery, and hysterectomy, elevating health care expenses. This study sought to analyze the economic impact of secondary PPH.