Aortic Compression Trial to Reduce Blood Loss at Cesarean Section

Launched by KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET · Mar 28, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Aortic Compression Trial (ACT) is studying whether a simple technique called manual external aortic compression (EAC) can reduce heavy blood loss during a planned cesarean delivery. In this randomized study, women having elective cesareans are assigned by chance to either receive routine EAC after the baby is born until bleeding is under control, or to receive standard care with no routine EAC. The researchers will compare how much blood is lost, whether a blood transfusion or higher level of care is needed, and various safety and recovery measures for both mother and baby. They will also look at the mother’s well-being and the baby’s early outcomes.

Eligible participants are adults having an elective cesarean delivery with a live fetus at 34 weeks or later. Exclusions include a pre-surgery hemoglobin below 100 g/L or plans for a hysterectomy in the same operation. If you join, you’ll be randomly placed into one of the two groups in the operating room. The EAC may be used for up to about 20 minutes if needed. Participants will have blood tests and kidney function checked after surgery, and will be asked about pain, breathing, mood, and breastfeeding at follow-up visits. The trial is taking place at several Swedish hospitals and is currently enrolling to enroll about 2,246 women to determine if this approach safely reduces heavy bleeding after cesarean delivery.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Planned cesarean delivery
• • Live fetus/fetuses if multiple pregnancy
• • Gestational week 34+0 or more
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Preoperative B-Hemoglobin \<100 g/l
• • Planned hysterectomy in the same procedure as the planned cesarean delivery
• • Other condition as deemed by attending surgeon.