Risk factors for blood transfusion during c-section in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Blood and blood products are scarce in developing countries due to increasing demand and declining supply. Rational utilization of blood products is imperative and prompted this study, which identifies the risk factors for blood transfusion during C-sections in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. This retrospective case-controlled study reviewed all C-sections in our hospital from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2002. Clinical variables including demographic characteristics, surgical events, EBL, indication for transfusion, and the number of units transfused were recorded. A total of 1117 cesarean sections were performed within the study period. Sixty-three patients (5.6%) received blood transfusions. An unbooked patient was six times more likely to receive a blood transfusion during cesarean section than women who had had antenatal care (p