The value of routine haemoglobin concentration measurement before caesarean section.
Women undergoing caesarean section routinely have a haemoglobin concentration check before delivery. We compared the haemoglobin concentration of 311 women taken at their 32-?34 week antenatal visit with their preoperative level. A significant rise from 11.04 g/dL to 11.51 g/dL was seen (mean (95% CI) 0.47 (0.37-0.57 g/dL)). This increase was most marked in the 201 women having emergency procedures, and there was a significant negative correlation between the 32 and 34 weeks level and the net change in haemoglobin concentration (r=-0.366 (P<0.001)). From our results we suggest that in women with an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy, and a satisfactory haemoglobin concentration at 32-34 weeks, a repeat estimation of the blood count is unnecessary before operative delivery.
Vashisht
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A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK. arvindvash@hotmail.com
Yentis
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S
D002585:Cesarean Section; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000592:standards*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000592:standards*; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures
D006454:Hemoglobins