Blood transfusion reaction: In obstetrical and gynaecological practice

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of reaction with whole blood transfusion in obstetrics and gynecology practice. Descriptive study. The study was carried out from January 2011 to December 2011, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Unit-Ill, Services Institute of Medical Sciences / Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 300 patients who had whole blood transfusions were included. All transfused patients were kept under observation for 6 hours. Post transfusion reactions [signs and symptoms] were noted half hourly. Post-transfusion reactions were observed in 43 [14.4%] out of 300 patients. Post transfusion reactions were further categorized into reactions fever [n=23, 7.7%], rashes [n=14, 4.7%], shortness of breath [n=4, 1.3%] and hypotension [n=2, 0.7%].It can be concluded that post transfusion reactions are common in obstetrics and gynecology practice. However, with appropriate precautions, before and during blood transfusions, the post-transfusion reactions can be minimized