Blood transfusion in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: A retrospective analysis

Blood transfusion is an important part of patient management in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. There is a need to periodically assess the blood transfusion practices to identify the areas of improvement. A retrospective analysis of ninety cases was done to study the indications of blood transfusion, use of whole blood and blood components and measures taken to minimize the need of blood transfusion. The indications in obstetric cases are evenly distributed between three - anaemia complicating pregnancy, obstetric haemorrhage and postpartum correction of anaemia. In Gynaecology, majority of the subjects (53.1%) received blood transfusion for preoperative correction of anaemia in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding. in 51.1% cases, whole blood transfusion was given for correction of anaemia. Special measures to minimize BT requirement were practiced in 41.4% of obstetric cases and 25% of gynaecology cases. There is a need to change the inappropriate blood transfusion practices such as use of blood transfusion for preoperative correction of anaemia in elective surgery, use of whole blood for correction of anaemia. Use of alternative measures to reduce the need of blood transfusion should be practiced more aggressively.