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Am J Perinatol 2012; 29(07): 557-560
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1310528
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Calculated Blood Loss in Severe Obstetric Hemorrhage and Its Relation to Body Mass Index

Jennifer S. Hernandez
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
,
James M. Alexander
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
,
Ravindra Sarode
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
,
Donald D. McIntire
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
,
Kenneth J. Leveno
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

29 November 2011

06 January 2012

Publication Date:
11 April 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Objective To evaluate total calculated blood loss at the time of severe obstetric hemorrhage.

Study Design This is a prospective observational study of women with obstetric hemorrhage. Women who received a blood transfusion for hypovolemia and those in which a body mass index (BMI) could be calculated were included. Total blood volume lost was calculated. Blood loss was analyzed in relation to maternal size as reflected in the BMI.

Results Fourteen hundred forty-three women meeting inclusion criteria delivered at our hospital between March 2002 and June 2006. The median calculated volume of blood lost was 3529 mL, and 93% of women sustained losses ≥3000 mL. The blood loss sufficient to provoke signs and symptoms of hypovolemia was proportional to the woman's BMI.

Conclusion Women who develop hypovolemia during childbirth have suffered very large losses of blood, and infusion of blood products is required to restore circulation and prevent further morbidity.

Keywords

obstetric hemorrhage - calculated blood loss - hemorrhagic shock - blood transfusion
 

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