Abstract

Background: Blood and blood products are scarce in developing countriesdue to increasing demand and declining supply. Rational utilization of blood products is imperative andprompted this study, which identifies the risk factors for blood transfusion during C-sections in a tertiaryhospital in Nigeria. Material/Methods: This retrospective case-controlled study reviewed all C-sectionsin our hospital from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2002. Clinical variables including demographiccharacteristics, surgical events, EBL, indication for transfusion, and the number of units transfusedwere recorded. Results: A total of 1117 cesarean sections were performed within the study period. Sixty-threepatients (5.6%) received blood transfusions. An unbooked patient was six times more likely to receivea blood transfusion during cesarean section than women who had had antenatal care (p

Keywords: Case-Control Studies, Blood Transfusion, Cesarean Section, Hospitals, Maternity, Nigeria, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Risk Factors