Abstract
We assessed the safety of autologous blood donation during pregnancy in a Japanese population using a prospective study design.
A total of 190 donations were performed by 66 patients between March 1, 2005 and May 31, 2006. Indications for autologous blood donation were blood type Rh negative (n=11), atypical antibody positive test results (n=5), placenta previa (n=17), lower lying placenta (n=14), leiomyoma of uterus (n=17), and a history of massive blood loss at previous delivery (n=2).
Among 190 donations by 66 patients, 11 donations (5.8%) were complicated with Vasovagal Reaction (VVR). All donations were conducted with fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring. No abnormal FHR pattern was observed during any donation. Sixty-eight neonates (2 twins) were delivered. Gestational age at delivery, birth weight, Apgar score at 1 minute, and Apgar score at 5 minutes was 37.6±3.5 (mean±SD) (gestational weeks). 2,892±431 (mean±SD) (g), 8 (median), and 9 (median), respectively. The neonatal period was uneventful in all babies. Average blood loss at delivery was 980±861 ml (mean±SD). Among 66 patients, 11 patients (16.7%) were transfused with autologous blood. Blood loss in patients who received transfusions was significantly greater than that in patients without transfusion (1,992±1,279 ml (mean±SD) vs 752±531 ml (mean±SD)). All transfusions were achieved without side effects.
In conclusion, autologous blood donation may present a slightly higher risk of VVR in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. However, because no adverse events were observed in perinatal course, this procedure appears to be applicable for patients at high risk of bleeding at delivery.
