Factors Affecting Peripartum Blood Transfusion in Women Undergoing Cesarean Section

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is the most common cause of maternal death in developing countries. Since no known risk factors are observed in a number of women who experience postpartum hemorrhage and blood transfusion, this study was conducted with the aim of determining risk factors of blood transfusion in women who underwent cesarean. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 and 2023 in two hospitals in Tehran. Demographic characteristics of mother and newborn, and information about pregnancy and cesarean of 54 women who underwent cesarean and received blood during the peripartum period and 108 women who did not receive blood were recorded and compared to determine risk factors of needing blood transfusion in the peripartum period in women who underwent cesarean. Results: The results showed that the two groups in terms of mother's age (P<0.001), gestational age (P=0.001), number of previous births (p=0.015), mother's body mass index (P=0.019), sufficient number of visits during pregnancy (P<0.0001), weight of the newborn (P=0.045), frequency of cesareans that lasted more than 60 minutes, the cesareans that were completed during the night shift (P < 0.001) were significantly different. Also, these groups had significantly difference in terms of emergency cesarean (P= 0.005), cesarean in the active phase (P=0.007), uterine atony (P<0.001), preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit level and women with hemoglobin less than 9 g/dL (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that some factors increase the probability of peripartum hemorrhage and some of these factors can be corrected. Probably, paying attention to these risk factors will reduce the amount and better management of peripartum hemorrhage in women who undergo cesarean.