title: Autotransfusion for ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Clinical outcomes following the exclusive use of autotransfusion in the management of ruptured ectopic pregnancy are reviewed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A MEDLINE search (1966-2002) for relevant articles documenting the exclusive use of autotransfusion, and data collection and analysis was made.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 21 studies, 16 from developing and five from developed countries, involving 632 cases of ruptured ectopic pregnancies. Hypovolemic shock with significant hemoperitoneum (>500 ml) was the most common complication. The procedure was performed completely manually in developing countries and with the help of a device in developed countries. The mean volume of autotransfused blood was over 1000 ml, with mean hemoglobin levels ranging from 6 to 12.5 g/dl. Mean posttransfusion hemoglobin levels were higher than pretransfusion levels. There was one death, thought to be due to pulmonary embolism, and nine major and minor complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Autotransfusion is useful in the management of ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. John's Hospital, Wood Street, Essex, Chelmsford, UK. dseloojeme@aol.com
authors.forename: D O
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Selo-Ojeme
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Onwude
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Onwudiegwu
mesh_terms: D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous