Blood Transfusion Practices in Obstetrics: An Observational Study at a Tertiary Level Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

One of the eight emergency obstetric components to reduce maternal mortality is blood transfusion. Region, facility, and clinician influence transfusion rates. Bangladesh lacks hospital-based data on obstetric blood transfusions. The study aims to review the incidence, indications, and hazards of blood transfusions among obstetric patients in a tertiary hospital. This descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken at the Department of Obstetrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital, Faridpur, from June 2022 to December 2022. One hundred and fifty pregnant and postpartum mothers requiring blood transfusions were selected. We analyzed their demographics, clinical history, transfusion hazards, and hospital courses. The blood transfusion rate among obstetric patients was 28.36%. Among the 150 study participants, 71% were from rural areas. Only 8% of patients took ≥4 antenatal care (ANC) visits. Antepartum anemia (51%) and postpartum hemorrhage (40%) were major blood transfusion indications. The mean blood requirement was 1.83 ± 1.22 units (Range: 1 to 7). Forty eight percent of the transfused blood came from the patient’s friends and family, while 7% of the blood was bought. Seven percent of transfusions resulted in adverse reactions. High transfusion rates necessitate planned facility management. In addition to facility preparation, it is essential to strengthen ANC and educate pregnant women about the hazards of anemia during the pregnancy period. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Med. Coll. J. 2023;2(1): 49-54