OBJECTIVES: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the principal cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Globally, PPH causes 20% of maternal deaths and was responsible for 8% of maternal deaths in developed countries and 20% of maternal deaths in developing regions during 2003-2009. The objective of this analysis is to generate evidence related to the situation of postpartum hemorrhage in Colombia to support decision-making in public health

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data was carried out regarding the ICD-10 O721, code related to immediate postpartum hemorrhage (IPP) between 2019 and 2022 in Colombia. The medicines administered were extracted from the drug prescription registry (MIPRES). Hospitals and procedures were taken from the Health Benefits Information System (RIPS). Mortality records were obtained from the Vital Statistics Death Registry (SISPRO). Sociodemographic Information was obtained from the Public Health Surveillance System (SIVIGILA)

RESULTS: On average, 250 cases of HPP occur annually, mostly in the departments of Valle del Cauca (18%), Antioquia (15%), and Cauca (10%) with a mortality rate of 9%. 35% of the cases are affiliated with the contributory regime, 58% to the subsidized regime, and the remaining 7% to another type of affiliation. Tranexamic acid is the standard of care and is reimbursed by the National Benefit Plan; the second therapeutics option is reimbursed by maximum budget and corresponds to uterotonics (mainly misoprostol) which represent 95% of the medicines used in this segment. The final option is a mechanical intervention such as a hysterectomy that is rarely required (1%)

CONCLUSIONS: PPH in Colombia is one of the principal causes of preventable maternity morbidity and mortality. It is essential to create knowledge of the event and the development of specific strategies according to local needs, to reduce the incidence in the country and raise awareness among the population