Impact of the Timing of Pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis on Thromboembolic and Hemorrhagic Complications Following Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Women with severe PPH are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism during the postpartum period because of pregnancy-related hypercoagulability, prolonged immobilization, surgical interventions, and blood transfusion. At the same time, the early initiation of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis may increase the risk of recurrent hemorrhage. Consequently, determining the optimal timing for thromboprophylaxis after PPH remains a major clinical challenge.

This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at the Center of Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis, Tunisia. The study included women who experienced postpartum hemorrhage and received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis during the postpartum period. Clinical, biological, obstetric, therapeutic, and outcome data were collected from medical records.

The primary objective was to evaluate the association between the timing of initiation of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis and the occurrence of thromboembolic complications following postpartum hemorrhage. Secondary objectives included the assessment of hemorrhagic complications after thromboprophylaxis, identification of factors associated with adverse outcomes, and evaluation of the safety of different initiation times in routine clinical practice.

The results of this study are expected to provide evidence supporting clinical decision-making regarding the optimal timing of thromboprophylaxis after postpartum hemorrhage and to contribute to improving maternal outcomes while balancing the risks of thrombosis and recurrent bleeding.