Five-year study assessing the feasibility and safety of autologous blood transfusion in pregnant Japanese women

Aim: To assess the feasibility and safety of autologous blood donation during pregnancy in Japanese women. Material and Methods: We enrolled patients who were either at high risk for massive blood loss during delivery or had blood that was difficult to match for transfusion between March 2005 and February 2010. After delivery, we reviewed hospital records of these patients to collect data on blood donation procedures, obstetric outcome and blood transfusions received. Results: We enrolled 314 patients during the study period and performed 809 blood donations. The median volume of donated blood was 1200 mL (range, 400–2000 mL). Vasovagal reflex as an adverse donor reaction occurred in 10 of the 314 patients (3.2%) during 11 of the 809 donations (1.4%). There were no cases of non‐reassuring fetal heart rate patterns during blood donations. Twenty‐five (7.8%) of the 322 neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. All 322 infants were healthy 1 month after delivery. Among 314 patients, autologous blood re‐transfusion was performed for 56 (17.8%) and homologous blood transfusion was performed concurrently for 5 (1.6%). Placenta previa was the indication with the highest re‐transfusion rate (42.4%). All re‐transfusions were performed without side‐effects. Conclusion: Autologous blood donation is feasible and safe for pregnant women and their infants. Although indications of autologous blood donation are controversial, it should be considered for cases of placenta previa.