Major Postpartum Blood Loss and Massive Transfusion in a Tertiary Hospital in North-Central, Nigeria: Case Report

Abstract

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) which may sometimes be massive is a common cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity all over the world, and is said to be increasing. It is the most common cause of maternal death in our environment. The availability of blood and safe blood transfusion practices in many countries of Sub-Saharan Africa is lacking Case: We present two cases of major PPH following caesarean section resulting in massive transfusion at the Obstetrics Department of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. There was observed massive blood loss in one, with sepsis and continuous bleeding in the second. They were effectively treated with massive fresh whole blood transfusion, hysterectomy (case1) and conservative management (case 2). Conclusion: We report the problems associated with the diagnosis of PPH especially by visual assessment and the availability of blood in our environment. We further, highlight the need for the identification of early warning signs of potential clients, towards early diagnosis and recourse to hysterectomy for the prevention and reduction of PPH, so as to limit the hazards of massive blood loss and transfusion especially in Nigeria.