Background: Obstetric emergencies are major contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality, often necessitating timely blood transfusions.Understanding the utilization patterns of blood and blood components can aid in optimizing transfusion practices and improving maternal care.This study analyses the indications and timing of blood transfusions in obstetric emergencies at a tertiary care center.Materials and methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal.A total of 440 women requiring blood transfusion due to obstetric emergencies were included.Data were collected on patient demographics, timing of transfusion, indications, and maternal outcomes.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Results:The majority of transfusions were administered during the intrapartum (42%) and postpartum (29%) periods.The most common indications were abruptio placenta (33.48%), placenta previa (23.34%), and postpartum hemorrhage (18.25%).A significant proportion of patients (62.04%) were unbooked cases, indicating inadequate antenatal care.Additionally, 22% of patients had a prior history of blood transfusion.Conclusion: Blood transfusion remains a critical intervention in managing obstetric emergencies, particularly for hemorrhagic complications and hypertensive disorders.The findings emphasize the need for strengthened blood transfusion services, improved antenatal screening, and timely obstetric interventions to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.Optimizing transfusion practices and ensuring the availability of blood products are crucial for better maternal health outcomes.
Sulakiya et al. (Fri,) studied this question.