title: Autologous transfusion in obstetrics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the safety of blood collection for autologous transfusion in pregnant women and the effects of the procedure on the fetus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study involving obstetric patients undergoing elective lower segment Caesarean section (LSCS) between 1993 and 1994 were recruited for autologous transfusion. Continuous cardiotocograph monitoring was carried out throughout the duration of the procedure and the fetal haemodynamics was studied before and after by doppler blood flow ultrasound.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results show that there was no fetal deceleration or increased uterine activity as monitored by cardiotocography. The mean pulsatility index (PI) for the umbilical artery before the procedure was 0.9560 and after was 0.0820 which is a significant difference (p value = 0.035).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Autologous blood collection seems to be a safe procedure for both the mother and the fetus. However, autologous transfusion remains an unpopular choice amongst pregnant women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yeo
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Choa
authors.forename: Y W
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Liauw
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000009:adverse effects; D002585:Cesarean Section; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies