Abstract
(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2018;58:170–177) Traditional management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) relies heavily upon packed red blood cell (prbc) transfusions. However, based on medical practitioners’ differing beliefs on the need for transfusion, variations have been noted among obstetric centers in the rates of transfusion in the peripartum setting. Although blood transfusions can be life-saving, they have also been associated with increased risks of red cell alloimmunization and infection as well as longer lengths of stay and increased costs of care in surgical patients. Hence there has been a change in the approach to transfusion from being a stand-alone treatment to being just one component of an overall holistic patient blood management approach. In Australia, where this study was performed, this holistic approach has been summarized in the National Blood Authority Module 5 Obstetrics and Maternity Patient Blood Management Guideline. This retrospective study aimed to compare the investigators’ local practice regarding transfusion of prbcs for PPH against the recommendations in the new national guidelines, and to identify potential areas for improvement by better understanding the factors leading to transfusion.
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