Novel Vacuum-Induced Postpartum Hemorrhage Control: a Multicenter Randomized Trial. - ABSTRACT
Every year, 130 million women deliver babies around the world, and an estimated 14 million experience
postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) − recently redefined as a cumulative blood loss of 1000 ml or more or blood loss
associated with signs or symptoms of hypovolemia, irrespective of the route of delivery. PPH is the leading
cause of maternal mortality worldwide, responsible for 25% of maternal deaths from obstetric causes, with 99%
occurring in low and lower-middle income countries (LMICs). The most common cause of PPH is uterine atony
− when the uterus fails to adequately contract after childbirth − accounting for 70% of all PPH. Active
management of the third stage of labor, consisting of administering prophylactic uterotonics, controlled cord
traction, and uterine massage, reduces the incidence of PPH by approximately 66%. When PPH occurs in spite
of these preventive measures, therapeutic options include additional uterotonics (medical), uterine tamponade
(mechanical) and surgical interventions (vascular ligation, uterine compression sutures and hysterectomy).
Uterine balloon tamponade is often the second line therapy when medical management is unsuccessful and is
achieved with inflatable devices inserted into the uterus to exert outward compression on the uterine
walls. Despite its widespread use, its mechanism is counterintuitive to the physiologic uterine contraction that
occurs after delivery to control bleeding. Its use is further limited by prolonged treatment times (typically 12-24
hours), urinary tract occlusion, and inability to reveal any continuing bleeding. Low-cost options − most commonly
condom catheters − are used in LMICs, but two recent randomized trials showed no improvement in maternal
outcomes and possible harm. Thus, there is an urgent need for effective and safe treatment options to reduce
the burden of PPH particularly in LMICs.
The Jada® System is a novel FDA-cleared intrauterine vacuum-induced hemorrhage-control device specifically
designed for rapid treatment of PPH. It mimics postpartum physiology by applying low-level intrauterine negative
pressure to facilitate uterine compressive forces for constriction of blood vessels to achieve hemostasis.
Preliminary data from two studies have shown promising results, but these data are limited by lack of control
groups, possible selection bias and the modest sample sizes which preclude definitive conclusions regarding
the relative effectiveness and safety of the Jada® System. We propose the first definitive, randomized control
trial to test the hypothesis that the Jada® System is effective, safe and cost-effective in treating PPH, compared
to standard care. A multidisciplinary team of investigators with expertise in obstetrics, global health and clinical
trials will enroll 424 women in two high volume obstetric units in Ghana, a LMIC with high PPH burden, to evaluate
the effectiveness (Primary Aim), 2) safety (Secondary Aim 1), and 3) cost-effectiveness (Secondary Aim 2)
of the Jada® System, compared to standard care, in treating PPH.
