Risk factors associated with blood transfusion in ectopic pregnancy

Nancy W. Hendrix, Suneet P. Chauhan, Julie Mobley, Lawrence D. Devoe, Roger P. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors associated with blood transfusion in ectopic pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of the presentation and hospital course of ectopic pregnancies managed over five years at two hospitals was undertaken. Thirty-two variables, including demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, and intraoperative findings, were examined with univariate and multivariate logistic modeling. RESULTS: Among 185 patients with histologically confirmed ectopics who were managed surgically, 8.6% (16 women) required transfusion. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for blood transfusion demonstrated a statistically significant association with (1) initial hemoglobin < 10 g/dL (odds ratio [OR] 38.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0-356.8); (2) human chorionic gonadotropin levels ≥ 6,500 mIU (OR 18.1, 95% CI 3.6-158.1); and (3) abnormal bleeding on presentation (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.007-0.42). The presence of two of these factors had a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI 48-98%) and a positive predictive value of 33% (95% CI 16-54%). No case had all three factors. CONCLUSION: This study was, to our knowledge, the first regression analysis of risk factors for transfusion associated with ectopic pregnancy. It demonstrated that initial hemoglobin and human chorionic gonadotropin levels as well as abnormal bleeding on presentation are independent risk factors for blood transfusion in ectopic pregnancy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)433-440
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Reproductive Medicine for the Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Volume44
Issue number5
StatePublished - May 1 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Blood transfusion
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Pregnancy, ectopic

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Risk factors associated with blood transfusion in ectopic pregnancy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this