Risk factors associated with blood transfusion in ectopic pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the risk factors associated with blood transfusion in ectopic pregnancy.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of the presentation and hospital course of ectopic pregnancies managed over five years at two hospitals was undertaken. Thirty-two variables, including demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, and intraoperative findings, were examined with univariate and multivariate logistic modeling.


RESULTS
Among 185 patients with histologically confirmed ectopics who were managed surgically, 8.6% (16 women) required transfusion. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for blood transfusion demonstrated a statistically significant association with (1) initial hemoglobin < 10 g/dL (odds ratio [OR] 38.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0-356.8); (2) human chorionic gonadotropin levels > or = 6,500 mIU (OR 18.1, 95% CI 3.6-158.1); and (3) abnormal bleeding on presentation (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.007-0.42). The presence of two of these factors had a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI 48-98%) and a positive predictive value of 33% (95% CI 16-54%). No case had all three factors.


CONCLUSIONS
This study was, to our knowledge, the first regression analysis of risk factors for transfusion associated with ectopic pregnancy. It demonstrated that initial hemoglobin and human chorionic gonadotropin levels as well as abnormal bleeding on presentation are independent risk factors for blood transfusion in ectopic pregnancy.
Hendrix
N W
NW
Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, USA.
Chauhan
S P
SP
Mobley
J
J
Devoe
L D
LD
Smith
R P
RP
D000328:Adult; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D006454:Hemoglobins