TITLE:
Obstetric Emergencies and Blood Transfusion in Three Health Districts (Bamako, Ségou, Koulikoro) in Mali
AUTHORS:
Soumana Oumar Traoré, Amadou Bocoum, Mamadou Sima, Seydou Fané, Abdoulaye Sissoko, Aminata Kouma, Saoudatou Tall, Saleck Doumbia, Fousseyni Dembélé, Niagalé Sylla, Nouhoun Diakité, Youssouf Traoré, Ibrahima Teguete, Niani Mounkoro
KEYWORDS:
Blood Transfusion, Obstetric Emergencies
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.15 No.11,
November
18,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Obstetric hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, accounting for approximately 25% of pregnancy-related deaths, particularly during the postpartum period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of blood transfusion in the management of obstetric emergencies. Patients and Method: We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study with prospective data collection, covering the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. Included in this study were all women in the period of pregnancy and childbirth presenting with hemorrhage and who were admitted to the gynecology-obstetrics departments of the different health districts for an obstetric emergency requiring a blood transfusion. Results: Blood transfusions were required in 16.3% of obstetric emergencies. The mean age of the patients was 28 ± 6.6 years, ranging from 15 to 49 years. The mean parity was 4.3, with a range from 1 to 11 children. The majority of patients (85.78%) were unpaid, and 75% had received prenatal care. Most patients (76.80%) were transferred to the hospital, often due to symptoms such as dizziness and dyspnea (42.56%). The shock index was less than 0.9 in 30.75% of patients. The main indications for blood transfusion were uterine atony, retained placenta, soft tissue tears, nutritional anemia, and malaria complicated by anemia. The most frequently requested blood types were O positive and B positive. In more than half of the cases (50.50%), the requested blood product was whole blood, while 21.20% of cases required packed red blood cells. Transfusion reactions were recorded, including acute pulmonary edema (5 cases), anaphylactic shock (4 cases), and 18 maternal deaths due to delays in obtaining blood products and/or unmet needs. Conclusion: Blood transfusion plays a crucial role in the management of obstetric emergencies. The implementation of preventive measures and the continuous availability of blood products could significantly improve obstetric outcomes and reduce maternal and fetal mortality.