Summary of New Lifesaving Solution Dramatically Reduces Severe Bleeding After Childbirth:
A new solution called E-MOTIVE, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the University of Birmingham, could significantly reduce deaths from childbirth-related bleeding, or postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which affects 14 million women annually and results in approximately 70,000 deaths. A trial involving over 200,000 women in four countries found that objectively measuring blood loss using a simple, low-cost collection device called a ‘drape’ and bundling together WHO-recommended treatments resulted in a 60% reduction in severe bleeding and a significant reduction of the rate of blood transfusions. The E-MOTIVE package includes early and accurate detection of PPH using a blood-collection drape and an immediate treatment bundle, including uterine massage, medicines to contract the womb, intravenous fluid administration, an examination, and escalation to advanced care if needed. The recommended package can all be performed by midwives.
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The groundbreaking study introduces an E-MOTIVE solution to reduce maternal mortality.
According to a landmark study, a new solution developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the University of Birmingham could significantly reduce maternal mortality caused by childbirth-related bleeding or postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The study found that E-MOTIVE, a low-cost blood collection drape and a bundle of WHO-recommended treatments, resulted in a 60% reduction in severe bleeding and fewer deaths. Out of approximately 14 million women affected annually, 70,000 die from the condition each year, with most cases occurring in low and middle-income countries. Researchers said time is of the essence when responding to PPH, with effective interventions saving lives.
Objective blood loss measurements improve treatment outcomes.
Currently, visual inspection is the primary method used to assess bleeding, which can lead to underestimated blood loss and life-threatening delays in treatment. The trial of the E-MOTIVE solution involved over 200,000 women in four countries and revealed that objectively measuring blood loss using a low-cost collection device called a “drape” and bundling together recommended treatments dramatically improved outcomes. The trial was conducted in 80 hospitals across Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania. E-MOTIVE’s package includes early and accurate detection of PPH through the blood-collection drape. This is followed by an immediate treatment bundle, including medicines to contract the womb, intravenous fluid administration, an examination, and, when necessary, escalation to advanced care. The study showed midwives could perform all of the components of the E-MOTIVE intervention.
The impacts of postpartum hemorrhage can be tragic.
Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO and head of the United Nations Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), said that postpartum hemorrhage is scary, not always predictable, but entirely treatable. However, its impacts around the world are tragic. No woman should fear for her life when giving birth. Practical solutions to address postpartum bleeding must be readily available and accessible so all women can experience a safe delivery and a healthy future with their families.
Reduced rate of blood transfusions
Blood transfusions for bleeding are scarce and expensive resources, particularly in low-income countries, so reducing their rate is essential. E-MOTIVE addresses this issue by providing treatment immediately following detection, eliminating delays and the need for further treatments. The package reduces delays in diagnosing or treating PPH, which could be opened floodgates for maternal health improvement.
A collaborative global initiative to reduce the PPH burden
This study responds to one of the top research priorities identified by more than 130 experts from over 50 countries at the first Global Summit on PPH held in March. The Summit started a collaborative global initiative aiming to reduce the burden of PPH and its consequences in low- and middle-income countries. A grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supported the E-MOTIVE project. The study’s preliminary results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on May 9.
Professor Arri Coomarasamy, who led the trial and is the Co-Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Global Women’s Health at the University of Birmingham, said this new approach to treating postpartum hemorrhage could radically improve women’s chances of surviving childbirth globally, helping them access the treatment they need when they need it.
