Evaluation of blood transfusions performed for obstetric and gynecological reasons in the tertiary hospital

Abstract

Blood transfusion is defined as the delivery of blood components and coagulation factor concentrates to a patient. About half of transfusions between the ages of 20 and 35 are performed in obstetrics and gynecology clinics. Electronic file records of 137 patients who underwent blood transfusion in Muğla Training and Research Hospital, Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between January 2014 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic information of the patients, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit (before and after transfusion) values, and applied blood products and their amount were recorded. Of the patients who received blood transfusion, 79 were obstetric and 58 were gynecological patients. In obstetric cases, blood transfusion was most frequently performed after cesarean section (56.6%). Among the causes of transfusion, 43 (54%) patients had anemia after anemia, 10 (12.6%) patients had anemia after D/C, and 5 (6.32%) patients had uterine atony. Diagnostic dilatation/curettage (D/C) and total abdominal hysterectomy were performed in 12 (20.68%) of 58 patients, who were transfused for gynecological reasons, with the diagnosis of menometrorrhagia, while myomectomy was performed in 10 of these patients (17.24%), total laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed in 9 (15.51%) patients, urogynecological surgery and laparoscopic cystectomy were performed in 5 (8.62%) patients, and medical treatment was given with the diagnosis of menometrorrhagia. The preparation and use of blood and blood products should be approached in a multidisciplinary manner, covering many branches, especially Gynecology and Obstetrics and Hematology. Anemia prophylaxis should be initiated beforehand and post-operative transfusion should be reduced in pregnant women and patients who will undergo surgery. Unnecessary transfusions should be avoided in order to avoid complications that may occur during and after transfusion.