Routine hemoglobin testing following an elective Cesarean section: is it necessary?
E. Horowitz, Yariv Yogev, Avi Ben‐Haroush, David Rabinerson, Dov Feldberg, B. Kaplan
Abstract
E. Horowitz, Yariv Yogev, Avi Ben‐Haroush, David Rabinerson, Dov Feldberg, B. Kaplan
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical relevance of routine hemoglobin testing following an elective Cesarean section. METHODS: The charts of all women who underwent elective Cesarean section at a public teaching hospital during 2001 were reviewed for pre- and postoperative hemoglobin values, demographic data, indication for surgery and need for blood transfusion. RESULTS: The study group included 383 patients. Mean (+/- SD) hemoglobin level was 12.24 +/- 1.09 g/dl prior to surgery and 10.87 +/- 1.2 g/dl after, a mean loss of 1.37 +/- 0.87 g/dl (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in blood loss by indication for surgery. None of the patients needed an intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Routine postoperative hemoglobin measurement after an uncomplicated elective Cesarean section in asymptomatic low-risk women is not necessary and should be eliminated.
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OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical relevance of routine hemoglobin testing following an elective Cesarean section. METHODS: The charts of all women who underwent elective Cesarean section at a public teaching hospital during 2001 were reviewed for pre- and postoperative hemoglobin values, demographic data, indication for surgery and need for blood transfusion. RESULTS: The study group included 383 patients. Mean (+/- SD) hemoglobin level was 12.24 +/- 1.09 g/dl prior to surgery and 10.87 +/- 1.2 g/dl after, a mean loss of 1.37 +/- 0.87 g/dl (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in blood loss by indication for surgery. None of the patients needed an intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Routine postoperative hemoglobin measurement after an uncomplicated elective Cesarean section in asymptomatic low-risk women is not necessary and should be eliminated.
Key concepts: Medicine, Elective cesarean section, Hemoglobin, Asymptomatic, Elective surgery, Blood loss, Blood transfusion, Anesthesia