Measurement of blood loss at childbirth and postpartum

J. A. Kavle, S. S. Khalfan, R. J. Stoltzfus, F. Witter, J. M. Tielsch, L. E. Caulfield

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To accurately measure blood loss during childbirth in a developing country. Method: The alkaline hematin technique was used to quantify blood lost during delivery and 24 h postpartum in 158 women in Pemba Island, Zanzibar. Result: Women were found to lose less blood during childbirth and 24 h postpartum than previously reported. Compared with laboratory values, nurse-midwives approximated blood loss accurately (mean difference, i.e., mean underestimation by nurse-midwives, 4.90 mL); however, their imprecision was greater for higher laboratory values. Conclusion: This study may prompt further investigation, as no comparable data exist for developing countries where maternal mortality is high and severe anemia prevalent.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)24-28
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Volume95
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2006

Keywords

  • Africa
  • Alkaline hematin
  • Blood loss
  • Delivery
  • Estimation
  • Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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