ASSESSMENT OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION PRACTICES AT CAESAREAN SECTION IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Objectives: To determine the need for and factors influencing blood transfusion at caesarean section(CS) and effect on delay in carrying out CS at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria Method: The records of all cases of Caesarean delivery at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso between January 1st 2011 and 31st December 2013 were retrieved. Data were entered and subjected to simple descriptive statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Results: The caesarean section rate was 25.3%. Unbooked patient were 53(20.3%) and 68% of CS were done as emergency. A total of 261units of blood were grouped and cross -matched with only 57units (21.8%) of blood transfused to 27 patients. Indications for blood transfusion were antepartum haemorrhage (68.4%), obstructed labour with anaemia (31.6%). Direct delay in decision-delivery time of 1-2hours occurred in 7.7% of patients and greater than 2hours in 92.3% of cases due to waiting for blood availability. Conclusion: Majority of patients for CS do not require blood transfusion. Therefore, the compulsory grouping and cross-matching of blood should be made less stringent. Provision of mini -blood bank at the labour ward will ensure timely availability of blood for surgery and prevent undue burden on the central blood bank system.